0941 - Right, I've been up all night, it's time for some sleep. Great day for Brisbane, bitterly disappointing for Glory, but they'll come back stronger, as Central Coast did. They've shown they have some quality players, and if it weren't for a dodgy bit of refereeing, they could have come away champions. I've been Peter Duke, and you guys have...I hope at least one person's been watching this...have been amazing. Thank you, and good night!
0940 - There it is, that age old image of the champions.
0933 - He's a cockney!
0932 - They forgot Nick Fitzgerald's name in the list!
0931 - This could be Postecoglu's last match in charge of Roar, if it is, what a way to go out.
0930 - And the victors.
0926 - Here they are, in all their Glory
0925 - Now the losers medal ceremony. They genuinely seem angry and frustrated, and who can blame them?
0924 - Thomas Broich. He did have a great game when he was on the ball to be fair. Gutted for Jacob Burns though, I thought he had an outstanding game.
0923 - The referees are met with boos from the purple end of the stadium. Admittedly it hasn't been their best game. Joe Marston medal goes to...
0922 - Loads of important people coming onto the stand. Ben Buckley (CEO of Football Federation Australia) is met with boos.
0921 - I really can't stress how obvious a non-penalty that was. I'll try and find a video soon for you.
0919 - Championship presentation to come.
0917 - Well I'll admit, I did predict Roar would win, but I didn't think it would be like this. Like I said, bittersweet.
0916 - It's a shame that moment is all that will be remembered from this final, especially for Berisha. He plays so well, and he did get a good goal. But he will be remembered for that, and things like that will stay with you for the rest of your career. "This is football, sometimes things happen, and I score the goal". Vague words, but he's happy. "BRISBAAAAAAANE! WOOOOOO!"
0914 - Biting remarks from Jacob Burns. "Berisha's reaction...he knew", met with boos from the crowd.
0913 - I love how they have interviews on the pitch after the match. Must be heart breaking though. Grand Final appearances don't come around every day. Perth were definitely good value today though.
0912 - That's right, back to my time. Hah! But this is how most Perth fans will be feeling.
GAME OVER. BRISBANE ROAR ARE A-LEAGUE CHAMPIONS
GOAL: Brisbane Roar 2-1 Perth Glory
Dive. This is bittersweet. Perth will be incensed unless they can get a goal from this kickoff. Everyone forward. Berisha will be ashamed of his conduct there.
90+4 minutes - IT'S NOT EVEN A PENALTY. Controversy at the death. Perth have every right to feel aggrieved if Roar score here.
90+4 minutes - PENALTY FOR BRISBANE ROAR. Last chance of the match for Berisha and he is pulled down in the box in a desparate show of...desparation. Berisha peels away and celebrates as though he's won it. Shit just got real.
90+3 minutes - Into the last 20 seconds of added time.
90+3 minutes - I love this league.
90+2 minutes - Vukovic in the book now for delaying the restart (time wasting to you and I).
90+1 minutes - RED CARD: Heffernan (Perth Glory)
Stupid challenge, and an experienced player has left his team short when it counts. The drama continues.
90 minutes - Nick Fitzgerald lashes another shot at the goal, great save from Vukovic. I daren't take my eyes off the game, having to write this live text is killing me.
89 minutes - Broich whips in a free kick, Berisha goes for another header, but it bounces off..someone, and it's a corner. Brattan to take. Away by Van den Brink. Fitzgerald dribbles round, but VDB again is there.
88 minutes - Roar have come alive. Perth are on the back foot bigtime here. Also, my vote for Man of the Match and the Joe Marston medal is Jacob Burns. Just saying.
87 minutes - Free kick for Glory. Burns whips it in straight to Theoklitos. Same old, same old.
86 minutes - What a game we have here. Franjic picks up a card, didn't catch what for. Someone's on the deck so I assume that's related.
84 minutes - The crowd are back on their feet, and Brisbane are charging forwards. You can cut the tension WITH. A. KNIFE.
83 minutes - GOAL: Brisbane Roar 1-1 Perth Glory (Berisha)
You know that throw in? Yeah, it went straight to Berisha, who in true goal-poacher style nods in goal number 20 for the season. What a match we have in store now. I told you.
82 minutes - Brisbane playing on the edge of Glory's box. Somehow managing to keep the ball. Stefanutto slips and Neville manages to put it out for a throw.
81 minutes - The crowd are on the edge of their seats. Brisbane are rarely kept scoreless.
80 minutes - Smeltz is off. He's done well to play for so long. McGarry has come on. Comparisons to the elephant man have been made.
79 minutes - All signs now are pointing to one of the biggest upsets in Grand Final history. Glory switching to the 5-5-0 formation pioneered by Everton.
78 minutes - Perth have to be given credit here for suffocating Roar. The hosts just cannot find their spark. Broich is trying, but his teammates just can't keep up.
77 minutes - Another set piece for Glory to survive. Free kick on the edge of their box. Straight to Vukovic. Dissapointing free kicks today.
76 minutes - Roar playing very tight football, and boy do they play it well. Pinpoint passing, but a lack of movement is really letting them down. No sign of Andrezinho yet.
76 minutes - Right back Scott Neville coming on for Travis Dodd. He's been good and his power will be missed. Neville has been in 3 finals - 2 for Adelaide and 1 for Paramatta in the old NSL. Never been on the winning side, is that about to change?
74 minutes - Remember last year's Grand Final, that's all I can say. Also, remember when Roar scored 2 goals in a minute to sink Sydney this season. This can change very quickly.
73 minutes - James Myer...oh...Myer is coming on for "The pretty ineffectual Henrique". Are you reading this blog, Postecoglu? Gi's a wave!
72 minutes - Perth attacking, but they have no numbers, great little over the top ball, Mehmet thought about a diving header, and if he went for it, that was a goal, but it wasn't to be. Henrique again letting the ball slip away from him. Could be worth taking him off soon.
71 minutes - Brisbane still looking for the give-and-go, but Glory are just marking everyone. Perth were 9th in December, just saying.
69 minutes - Uh oh Perth. They're letting Brisbane play their game now. They're finding lots of space and exploiting the flanks well. Broich is looking dangerous. The young Fitzgerald is just dancing round Perth players.
68 minutes - Little tussle on the wing here with Smeltz, he comes away with the ball, but illegally so. Roar passing around at the back trying to build up some pressure. The crowd are still getting behind their team.
67 minutes - Better play here from Roar. They're starting to find space, Glory's defending is becoming lax.
66 minutes - Lots of references to English/Scottish football here. Love it.
65 minutes - Brattan and Fitzgerald already linking up after just coming on. Great first touch football here, Nichols dribbling round the edge of the box and loses it to Dodds. Mehmet was away, he should have played the advantage there. Bad refereeing.
64 minutes - They're roaring forward again. The oranges have a corner here. Broich in, punched away by Vukovic, Franjic crosses back in aiming for Berisha, but he overhits it. Brattan and Fitzgerald on for Paartalu and Murdocca.
62 minutes - Double change for Brisbane. Fitzgerland and Luke Brattan to come on. I'll tell you who for when they say. Roar have finally found some space , Henrique has a fantastic chance to tap it in! Broich plays the ball across the front of goal and Henrique was at most 2 inches away from levelling.
61 minutes - The golden boys of Australian sport just can't find their game. They did play midweek, and the squad remains unchanged, but Perth did just have a massive trek across the country. We talk about teams like Newcastle United having to travel a couple of hundred miles to play Plymouth, but over there, that couple of hundred miles is a derby.
60 minutes - Roar trying to find some rhythm. Not forthcoming as yet. Perth holding tight thus far.
60 minutes - Henrique, I know you're Brazillian but just try and stick to the simple stuff until you're winning. He gives the ball away for no reason while trying a dummy.
59 minutes - Attendance record has been beaten. Over 51,000 fans here today.
58 minutes - Smeltz is back on, by the way. Glory resorting to long balls into the box. Catching practice for Theoklitos really. He hasn't been asked to do much, but what he's had to do he's done well. He had no chance with the own goal.
57 minutes - Franjic had Brisbane's best chance, but he's also put them behind. Borich pulls a ball back from the line to Henrique, but it's just behind him and he skies it. They're getting closer though, Roar.
56 minutes - Broich seems to be being targeted by the Perth players, another yellow card. Needless and poor discipline from Heffernan, who picks up Perth's fourth.
55 minutes - Let's not forget that Brisbane conceded two in extra time last season, and still managed to pull two back in the last 3 minutes. They won't panic.
54 minutes - Deeper corner this time, but easily claimed by Vukovic. Atmosphere just got that much more tense.
53 minutes - What a day for Perth to start playing well against Brisbane. Berisha was through, but Broich got in his way...That seemed unnessecary. Corner. Perth head out. Corner.
52 minutes - Roar are going for it now. Broich seems to have the ball stuck to his feet. and sets up Murdocca on the wing, but to no avail. Smeltz is off again having attention to his cut.
50 minutes - Smeltz has had four temporary stitches and will need to see a plastic surgeon soon. BROICH NEARLY SCORES. A mazy run into the box goes unchallenged and he releases a stinger of a shot. Great save from Vukovic though. OWN GOAL! Perth counterattack, and after some pinball in the box, Mehmet smashes the ball across the face of goal and Franjic inadvertently turns it into his own goal.
49 minutes - Nichols releases Franjic who tries to put in a ball from a tight angle to Berisha, but it's deflected by Van Den Brink.
48 minutes - This whole match has been a big midfield battle. Captain Jacob Burns - arguably Glory's best player - picks up a yellow for a silly challenge on Broich. He'll have to be careful now.
47 minutes - A few fancy passes here from Perth, and if that pass from Miller had more zip to it, Glory would have been in on goal. They have a throw-in now. Out to Burns who crosses in. Smeltz and Howarth get in each others' way, and after Smeltz eventually brings it down he tries to link up with Mehmet, but they can't make anything from the situation.
46 minutes - Same sort of thing that happened at the beginning of the first half. Perth attacking and keeping Brisbane in their own half.
45 minutes - Here we go, second half. Smeltz is wearing someone else's shirt (His has blood on it). He'd be the first player in A-League Final history to...score wearing someone else's shirt...
HT - Smeltz looks like he's wearing a tape moustache. The bandage is off now. All they need is one goal. 3 out of 6 Grand finals have been decided by a one-goal margin.
HT - Tweet from @lucethoughts: This game needs a goal. And some vuvuzelas.
Agreed
HT - I love this feature. Some people may not agree with it, but I intend to become a manager, so it helps me. Ange Postecoglu's half time speech is all about keeping the ball and picking their passes. Wise words. "We will score. We will win this game". Inspiring. We could see the introduction of Andrezinho soon.
HT - Oooh, there's that super-hot Sportsbet girl for tabsportsbet! Why is it they get her, and over here in England, all we get is a fat, grey-haired cockney?
HT - So, 0-0 at Suncorp stadium so far. Like stats? Then enjoy!
45+4 minutes - Half time. I need the toilet, be right back.
45+3 minutes - Brisbane haven't been able to play as they'd want today. Perth are really keeping them down. Roar are searching for an opening and after an attempted one-two between Nichols and Berisha which threatened a goal, great defence from the Purple army closed down the space and kept them out.
45+2 minutes - Jacob Burns just nutmegged Thomas Broich...has anyone ever done that?! The german and Besart Berisha still waiting to link up properly, Perth keeping them fairly supressed right now.
45+1 minutes - I swear, there are never any goals when I do these live texts. Roar passing it around on their left flank. Theoklitos hasn't rea`lly had a save to make yet.
45 minutes - Heffernan's throws have a very Rory Delap-ness about them. 4 minutes of injury time to be played.
44 minutes - Everywhere Perth go, a wall of Orange bodies are there to meet them. Resolute defending here from both sides.
43 minutes - Howarth...I'm not sure if that was a cross or shot, but it nearly looped in over Theoklitos
42 minutes - Advert, get off my screen! I know you only last 30 seconds, but anything could happen in those 30 seconds! References to Alex Ferguson from the commentators...not sure why, but hey, a Man United reference is always welcome.
41 minutes - Delay as Jacob Burns has lost his shinpad. Here we go. Broich crosses, and it's gone out wide for a Brisbane throw after coming off a Perth head. Close play down the touchline. Perth get a throw. Time to regroup and get some control back on the game.
40 minutes - Perth throw in...given to Brisbane. Strange decision. Here we go, Franjic is through...GREAT STOP FROM VUKOVIC. Wonderful one-handed stop! I can't believe Franjic got that far. Corner for Broich.
39 minutes - Miss the pictures? Here's one for you.
38 minutes - Possession changing hands a lot at the moment. Nobody seems to be able to keep it. Bad pass there from Franjic trying to put Henrique through. But Berisha's through, he's onside and he kicks...swing and a miss! First clear look of goal and he's missed it. Perth in control. For now.
37 minutes - Nichols has Roar's first shot on target, just as an ad came on my screen. From the sounds of things, more little flicks from the forward line led to Mitch Nichols having a go, which was safely held by Danny Vukovic.
36 minutes - Great through ball from Henrique to Murdocca, but after Murdocca's long charge from his own half, he doesn't have the lungs to get on the end of it. It felt like FIFA, I was screaming at Henrique to make that pass.
35 minutes - There's a bell ringing and lots of cheering. Is this an Aussie thing? Berisha rides two challenges during a great run down the center, but Glory just manage to clear. Berisha been mostly kept out of the match so far. Good for Glory, not so good for Brisbane. Smeltz gets the ball in the Roar area. Miller and Dodd mess around on the wing but it doesn't quite work out.
34 minutes - Glory free kick. Didn't see why, sorry! Jacob Burns whips it in straight to Theoklitos. Franjic gives the ball away back to Perth. Lots of pressure here from Roar, defending from the front. Love it.
33 minutes - Fantastic ball over from Adnan over trying to get to Henrique, but he's just offside. Very close though, left Heffernan standing. Seeds of doubt undoubtedly sewn in the Perth players' minds.
32 minutes - Most of Roar's attacks are down the left. With the brilliance of Stefanutto, Broich and Murdocca down there, it's easy to see why. They're pulling away defenders and allowing the center of the park a clear run at goal.
30 minutes - Broich is getting his skills on. Cheeky little Robona past Risdon, who duly brings him down. Moments like this can really destabilise this rigid Perth defence. Broich whips in the free kick, but it's cleared to Roar. They continue pressing. Franjic puts a cross back in, but it goes way too high and off for a goal kick.
29 minutes - Broich's lovely flick through to Murdocca is intercepted, and we're back to where we were. Nothing interesting in that sentence, but the game really has slowed down that much.
28 minutes - Game has settled into a very familiar pattern - Brisbane holding possession, waiting for a gap. Very Barcelona-esque. That's why they call them Roarcelona.
27 minutes - Jacob Burns looks dangerous. Definitely one to watch.
26 minutes - Matt Smith, English captain of Brisbane, is getting some running repairs after that collision with Smeltz.
25 minutes - While there's a lull in pitch activity, I'll just explain - I'm English, and I've never been to Australia (though I hopefully will soon). So yeah, that's why none of my friends know the league.
24 minutes - Just got a text from Joe asking how the match was going...didn't expect that, didn't even know he knew it was on today. xD
23 minutes - If only this many fans would turn out for every match. The league would be in much better shape. Still, this turn out shows that interest in the game in Australia is there.
22 minutes - Smeltz's bandage is bright red from the blood. Can't imagine he'll last past half time. Looking like a warrior right now.
21 minutes - Nichols turns a great ball through for Stefanutto, but it was offside. Roar showing signs of their skill here.
20 minutes - Lovely flowing move there from the hosts. Broich has a slight penalty shout, but after a flurry of passes, he'll take a corner.
19 minutes - Yes! Started again!
18 minutes - Crowd starting to get impatient. This is going to need a lot of injury time. He has a bandage round his face now. Sorry for the poor picture quality, bad stream.
17 minutes - Still waiting. Panning shots of the crowd. Sea of Orange and a Patch of purple. I'd love to be there. Roar fans holding up...toilet seats? Looks like the trophy. Hah!
16 minutes - Still waiting.
15 minutes - Still not sure if Smeltz will play on. That'll be a devastating blow for Perth if he comes off.
14 minutes - Smeltz is down. Smith was about to pass, and Smeltz comes in with a risky tackle and takes a boot to the face. Nosebleed. Medics are on.
13 minutes - 78% possession for Roar in the last 5 minutes. They've really battened down the hatches.
12 minutes - Has anyone ever been to the Coffee Club? Is it any good? I'm genuinely considering buying one of these Roar shirts. They're so cool.
11 minutes - Brisbane are starting to find their rhythm. Holding possession as we all know they can and do.
10 minutes - Broich takes the free kick but it's cleared. Henrique picks up another free kick near the corner flag after Heffernan brings him down. Perth already on 4 fouls to Brisbane's 2. Broich whips the ball in and the Bahraini center back Adnan has a chance with a free header, but he's nodded it straight over.
9 minutes - Speaking of Miller, the Irishman just picked up the first yellow card of the game for a pointless and rough challenge on Paartalu.
9 minutes - Saying that, I believe Liam Miller - One of Glory's star players - is a United academy product. Brisbane are finally making some space and Broich is trying some fancy flicks that haven't worked out too well.
8 minutes - Glory need an early goal to knock the stuffing out of Brisbane. But then as we've seen time and time again, Roar just don't give up when they're behind. They're the Manchester United of Australia.
7 minutes - Really? Not an Orange sunday or a Purple sunday...a fruit salad sunday? That's just bad.
6 minutes - Chance for Brisbane to relieve some pressure. Free kick in their area. Broich instantly loses possession but Murdocca reclaims. Pantelidis concedes a pointless corner. Broich to take in front of the den. Cleared by Mehmet for a throw
4 minutes - Broich clears a corner from Glory. They're still pressing. It's only been 3 or 4 minutes thus far, but Roar are already on the back foot.
3 minutes - Glory look dangerous. Shane Smeltz and Travis Dodd have already tried runs at the defence.
2 minutes - Brisbane looking shaky at the back already. Stefanutto loses the ball in his own third, Perth try to chase it down but it's cleared.
1 minute - I'll switch to minutes for a bit, just for you.
0710 - Here we go. Kick off.
0709 - Ferguson is the 6th Scottish manager in 7 years to bring out a team at a grand final...huh.
0707 - This country sure likes it's adverts...
0706 - That's quite a nice anthem, and that's quite a nice crowd.
0704 - Glory of course aiming to become the first side to have won the old NSL and the new A-League. 1 win in 10 matches in the Sunshine state for Glory. Not good form. They'll be hoping Brisbane haven't recovered from their midweek loss against Ulsan. I'll bet that Roar will be wanting to avenge that defeat. Aussie national anthem now.
0702 - Players are in the tunnel.
0701 - Familiar 4-3-3 from Brisbane. 4-4-2 for Glory. Andrezinho is on the bench due to a groin niggle. Teehee.
0700 - 7 months ago, Season 7 began. The old Perth Glory, steeped (relatively) in history. The new Brisbane side that has beaten record after record. The time when heroes are made. Kickoff soon. 50,000 Brisbane fans in the stadium today.
0659 - All Australian guys have the same way of laughing, and it's different to everyone else. It's more of a throaty laugh...Love it.
0656 - Scratch that, Bozza is going for Perth. Roar have never lost with this referee. Interesting.
0655 - MY STREAM IS ON! HELL YES! I'll post any screenies I find interesting. Both commentators predicting a Brisbane win. I agree.
0653 - I...this...No way...Vague reports that Sydney FC may be signing Raúl, the Spanish ace of Real Madrid fame. No, that can't happen, can it? I know he's said he wants to end his career outside of Europe, but...Really?!
0652 - Only 8 minutes until kickoff. I desparately need the toilet. Can you guys go a minute or two without me? Good.
0651 - This man could be the key for Roar today.
0647 - Tweet from @joncook22: Sea of orange and pocket of purple here. It's going to look incredible
0645 - Glory fans in Brisbane
0644 - Waiting for my stream to turn on. Can't help but feel I'm missing some awesome build up.
0642 - Tweet from @cat_pol: happy birthday and what a day for
0640 - In case you're wondering, Fred, the Melbourne Heart captain, has won the Alex Tobin award for the Fox Sports' Player of the Year. Congratulations Fred!
0638 - Oh no...After this match...The season will all be over...Never fear! We'll have plenty of coverage left for you. I'll be switching my main focus over to the English Premier League for the final few games of the year. We'll be covering the FA Cup final between Chelsea and Liverpool and the Champions League semi-finals and final, the Asian Champions League aswell, and the small matter of the European Championships in Poland-Ukraine. What a summer.
0633 - Let's hope we have more drama like that this year. But not too much, I have to sleep afterwards.
0630 - For those of you who have never seen a Grand Final, last year's was probably the best so far. Check it out
0628 - Who are going to be the most influential players today? Obviously the names like Smeltz, Berisha, Broich and Mehmet strike out at you (See what I did there?) But I'd probably say Theoklitos and Vukovic. Both have had great seasons, so it's going to be very interesting to see which can handle the pressure. Theoklitos obviously has experience, having done this a couple of times with Roar and Victory, but for Vukovic, his last Grand Final appearance for Central Coast ended somewhat early, with a red card for slapping a Newcastle Jets player. He'll be hoping for a better showing and better memories today.
0623 - To be fair, you guys shouldn't have to read this. You should be at the game! But for those of you who, like me, are stuck away from it, let me know who you're supporting today! Tweet me @Firstflightfoot!
0619 - Another picture? Crikey. Thanks to my good friend James McDougall for sending this picture in. Former Gold Coast owner Clive Palmer is delivering on his promise. Currently flying with a banner on his way from the Gold Coast to Brisbane. Don't be suprised if we see that later.
0617 - I'm sure this blog's Peter Hutchinson would love these cameras.
0615 - Time for another picture? I think so.
The commentators are in the house. Mark 'Bozza' Bosnich and...Thingy 'Thingo' Thingyson who's name escapes me. It's getting serious now.
0613 - Basically...It's what we expected. Roar have chosen a very strong side and can you blame them? The chance to become the first team to win back-to-back trophies beckons, and with rumours of Postecoglu moving to Melbourne Victory abundant, it's a great chance for him to go out on a high. (If his transfer to Victory is true). Perth's only change from the side that stunned the Mariners in that Final Qualifier is Andrezinho, who drops to the bench to be replaced by Travis Dodd. Interesting choice by their Scottish manager Ian Ferguson. We'll see if it pans out.
0610 - Wow, talk about getting a lot of writing out in a short space of time. I didn't even write this much for school essays. I guess football just means that much more. Which it does, am I right? Of course I am. Maybe I should actually discuss the team selections.
0608 - If at any point in this match you feel I'm wrong, or you feel the urge to shout about how it is going, or just moan, or even want to shout out to someone, TWEET ME! @Firstflightfoot (The missing y is because twitter names can only be so long). At the game? Tweet me a picture and I'll include it here!
0607 - For those of you who are already sick to death of hearing about Orange Sunday or...Purple Sunday...Here's a bit of...Well it's kind of A-League news...for you. Former Heart manager John Van 't Schip (I think that's how it's written) has become the manager of Guadalajara Chivas in Mexico. Step down? Step up? Actually, that brings me handily on to my next topic...
0605 - Enough text. Time for a picture.
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| How's that? You like that? Yeah you do. |
0604 - Right, let's get the formalities out of the way. Still an hour to go before kickoff. Here are the teams.
Brisbane:
0600 - OK, just to make it clear right now is 3pm for Queensland. Adjust yourselves from there. ANYWAY! Grand Final day! First Grand Final I've actually watched since I started covering the A-League this year. It's been a great experience, and now we get to see two amazing sides - Brisbane Roar and Perth Glory - face off in what I'm sure will be a classic match. Are you pumped? I know I am.
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