In the meantime, Arthur Diles's charges eagerly wait to learn their elimination final opponents, adamant they can beat anyone standing in their way.
And the club hope that means Mata, fresh off his return from a fractured elbow against Western Sydney, will be in Victory colours for at least a few more weeks yet - if not beyond.
Mata has parked talks with Victory regarding an extension until season's end, having delivered a stunning 13 assists and five goals.
"That's a discussion for post-season. I can't answer that question at this point," Diles said in his press conference when asked if Mata would be back next season.
"I'd love to see him go around another season, but that's going to be on him. We love having him at the club.
"He's, I've always said, a fantastic human being first and foremost, and as a footballer, he's next level.
"The longer we can keep him in this country and the longer we can keep him at Melbourne Victory, the game's better, the club's better and the team's stronger.
"Fingers crossed, when the time comes, he makes a decision that is great for us, and if not, we'll respect whatever decision he makes. But so far, he's been a blessing for us."
Victory did their part in attempting to secure fourth place and a home elimination final by beating Western Sydney 2-0 at CommBank Stadium on Saturday night.
Bar premiers Newcastle, the remaining order of the top six - Auckland, Victory, Adelaide United, Sydney FC and Melbourne City - will be decided on a blockbuster Sunday.
While the win temporarily lifts Victory (40) to third, they are guaranteed to drop to at least fourth as Adelaide (40) face City (38) at AAMI Park on Sunday, while Sydney (38) host Auckland (41).
But Victory are ready for whatever the finals throw at them.
"There's no team we fear - we respect everyone, we don't fear - and we know on our day we can beat anyone," Diles told Paramount Plus.
"We've proven that in big games we stand up, and now they're all going to be big games, so there's no excuse now. We've got to be ready for that.
"Whoever's in front of us, we've got to be ready to knock them off."
On Sunday, Adelaide and Sydney could yet leapfrog Auckland into second.
The second-highest Australian team behind premiers Newcastle - one of Adelaide, Sydney or City - will earn the newly-opened play-off spot freshly handed to Australia for the Asian Champions League Elite.
14°C