The Victorian Supreme Court jury, which has been whittled down to the final 12 from 15 original jurors, has begun considering 27 verdicts against 12 Melbourne men accused of intentionally being members of a terrorist organisation preparing or fostering a terrorist act.

The men include alleged ringleader Abdul Nacer Benbrika, 48, who described al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden as a "great man". The other men are Aimen Joud, Shoue Hammoud, Amer Haddara, Abdullah Merhi, Fadl Sayadi, Hany Taha, and convert Shane Kent, along with brothers Ahmed, Ezzit and Majed Raad, and their cousin Bassam Raad.

Most are facing multiple charges, all have pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The jury’s retirement to deliberate is a landmark in the trial, which began in February and has heard from more than 50 witnesses, involved 482 recorded conversations and almost 120 days in court.

The Crown alleged the men plotted to buy explosives, with the aim of targeting the 2005 AFL Grand Final at the MCG or a busy Melbourne train station.

Seven distinct defence teams represented the 12 accused. Among the arguments were that the men formed a discussion group, enjoyed each others’ company, and while they shared unpalatable views had not engaged in any action.

Remy van de Wiel QC, for Benbrika, argued there was no organisation and as that had not been proven the jury should return not guilty verdicts.

Justice Bernard Bongiorno had hoped the jury would retire on Friday, but his final address took longer than he anticipated.