Victory's Hernandez happy to stay in A-League

He may struggle with the language, but not the lifestyle.

Melbourne Victory's Costa Rican star Carlos Hernandez admits he would love to continue to call the A-League home for as long as he can.

After a dominant personal season, there is little left for the 28-year-old midfielder to achieve he hasn't managed already.

Following a championship victory he inspired in large part last season, Hernandez has won the Johnny Warren Medal for the A-League's player of the year, been the Victory's top goalscorer and more than justified what is believed to be Australian soccer's record inbound transfer fee of $1 million.

He added the Football Media Association player of the year award to the list on Wednesday, as well as selection in the Professional Footballers' Australia team of the year voted by his peers.

Spanish-speaking Hernandez's English improves markedly out of the media spotlight - a natural shyness combined with the mental load of speaking in his second language reducing his press calls to events conducted through translators.

On-field, his fluency is unquestionable.

He started slowly on arrival in Melbourne three years ago, but his lethal combination with star striker Archie Thompson has been pivotal in Melbourne's march to a second successive grand final against Sydney FC on Saturday night.

Hernandez and wife Natalia say they love Melbourne after making the brave decision to leave Costa Rica for what was at the time a left-field destination for non-English speakers.

Both Hernandez's children - Carlos Daniel, 3, and 15-month-old Lashmi - have been born during the family's Australian adventure.

"I don't know," he says when asked how long he would like to stay in Australia.

"Maybe we stay for family. I like Melbourne. Melbourne is beautiful city."

A grand final win over Sydney FC at Etihad Stadium would cap off a remarkable 12 months, and Hernandez is keen to repay the fans who were patient with him in his first season.

"For the team it is important game. Sydney is a good team but I hope we can win for the fans to enjoy," he said.

- AAP