Hey guys, this will be my last post on this blog. We're moving to another, proper website. www.globalfootballcentre.com
We will cover more leagues, post more regularly, and will even include a forum for debates. So come and have a look!
Duke out.
Sunday, 15 July 2012
Tuesday, 1 May 2012
Jets to Continue in the A-League
Great news guys! Following a "series of confidential negotiations with the FFA", Hunter Sports Group, the owners of the Jets, have agreed to honour the remaining 10 years on their license. They have released an open letter to their fans...Shall I post it here? Yeah, why not, it'll pad out the article.
"A letter to Members and supporters
We are aware you have been through a tough month after the Hunter Sports Group (HSG) returned its A-League licence. With all the confusion surrounding the situation, it was difficult to clearly understand what this meant for the future of the Newcastle Jets. Be assured, during this time our commitment to football and the region has never wavered.
We are pleased to confirm that following a series of confidential negotiations with the Football Federation of Australia (FFA), the HSG has agreed to continue and honour its 10 year licence agreement.
This outcome quite simply would not have been possible without Nathan Tinkler's generosity, the total commitment of HSG's CEO Troy Palmer or the passion and enthusiasm shown by our members towards the Newcastle Jets.
We take confidence from the FFA's determination to have the HSG continue its work with the community, to continue building a model that is recognised as the best in the league. We now take this confidence forward.
We also would like to thank our members for fighting for the existence of an A-League team in the Hunter.
Unfortunately there has been a lot of inaccuracies written and spoken in the media about this process and how it unfolded. This is not the time for recriminations. It is a time to celebrate that decisions have now been made and are being made that will benefit football and ensure a much more secure future for the code throughout Australia.
It will not benefit the healing process to elaborate on the Jets licence fee and how it came about, the long running Jason Culina insurance matter and what steps are now being introduced to ensure that the A-League becomes a great football competition with a sustainable financial structure and business plan.
We are pleased to confirm after detailed negotiation and discussion, the HSG and the FFA have agreed on a conciliatory outcome. This is a great win for the Hunter region with the Newcastle Jets remaining in the A-League and the competition restructured with a more secure financial footing and base.
There are still many innovations and changes to be made to make the A-League an even better competition and for the Jets to rebuild a team around our many exciting young local talents but with the best of endeavours and spirits we are moving forward.
We thank the many members, fans and corporate partners for their support and for the many that understood our position that was to take a stand when there was no other option.
Above all, to the players, management and coaching staff who showed your true support and loyalty, thank you. You are the true believers.
Now is the time to unite as our focus returns to football and winning Championships for the Hunter.
We offer you our hand to come back on board for a truly exciting ride.
Kind Regards
Robbie Middleby
Newcastle Jets CEO"
Now my article looks huge, woot.
I'm not sure how this will affect the Jets team. The way I see it, it will work in one of two ways. Either people's confidence in the side will have been shattered, attendance will drop as fans who have worked up an intense hatred of HSG will stop showing up, and the club will have to do a massive drive to get them back, or people will see the group's point of view, and see them championing a reform in the FFA, and respect them for that. What is best for the club now is that the fans rally around it and try to regain some stability.
Having seen some of the protests and fan forums on the subject, it seems that most fans are desparate not to see the Jets disappear, so I'm hoping we won't lose them. People in the Hunter - Don't give up on your team. Show up in numbers. Support them. Who knows, HSG could now be inclined to pump some more investment into the area and the club to try and win back supporters.
It really will be an exciting ride.
Written by Peter Duke
"A letter to Members and supporters
We are aware you have been through a tough month after the Hunter Sports Group (HSG) returned its A-League licence. With all the confusion surrounding the situation, it was difficult to clearly understand what this meant for the future of the Newcastle Jets. Be assured, during this time our commitment to football and the region has never wavered.
We are pleased to confirm that following a series of confidential negotiations with the Football Federation of Australia (FFA), the HSG has agreed to continue and honour its 10 year licence agreement.
This outcome quite simply would not have been possible without Nathan Tinkler's generosity, the total commitment of HSG's CEO Troy Palmer or the passion and enthusiasm shown by our members towards the Newcastle Jets.
We take confidence from the FFA's determination to have the HSG continue its work with the community, to continue building a model that is recognised as the best in the league. We now take this confidence forward.
We also would like to thank our members for fighting for the existence of an A-League team in the Hunter.
Unfortunately there has been a lot of inaccuracies written and spoken in the media about this process and how it unfolded. This is not the time for recriminations. It is a time to celebrate that decisions have now been made and are being made that will benefit football and ensure a much more secure future for the code throughout Australia.
It will not benefit the healing process to elaborate on the Jets licence fee and how it came about, the long running Jason Culina insurance matter and what steps are now being introduced to ensure that the A-League becomes a great football competition with a sustainable financial structure and business plan.
We are pleased to confirm after detailed negotiation and discussion, the HSG and the FFA have agreed on a conciliatory outcome. This is a great win for the Hunter region with the Newcastle Jets remaining in the A-League and the competition restructured with a more secure financial footing and base.
There are still many innovations and changes to be made to make the A-League an even better competition and for the Jets to rebuild a team around our many exciting young local talents but with the best of endeavours and spirits we are moving forward.
We thank the many members, fans and corporate partners for their support and for the many that understood our position that was to take a stand when there was no other option.
Above all, to the players, management and coaching staff who showed your true support and loyalty, thank you. You are the true believers.
Now is the time to unite as our focus returns to football and winning Championships for the Hunter.
We offer you our hand to come back on board for a truly exciting ride.
Kind Regards
Robbie Middleby
Newcastle Jets CEO"
Now my article looks huge, woot.
I'm not sure how this will affect the Jets team. The way I see it, it will work in one of two ways. Either people's confidence in the side will have been shattered, attendance will drop as fans who have worked up an intense hatred of HSG will stop showing up, and the club will have to do a massive drive to get them back, or people will see the group's point of view, and see them championing a reform in the FFA, and respect them for that. What is best for the club now is that the fans rally around it and try to regain some stability.
Having seen some of the protests and fan forums on the subject, it seems that most fans are desparate not to see the Jets disappear, so I'm hoping we won't lose them. People in the Hunter - Don't give up on your team. Show up in numbers. Support them. Who knows, HSG could now be inclined to pump some more investment into the area and the club to try and win back supporters.
It really will be an exciting ride.
Written by Peter Duke
Monday, 30 April 2012
Sunday, 29 April 2012
A-League: Recent Updates
Right, so, quick run down of the recent goings on in the A-League
Postecoglou Joins Melbourne Victory
Yeah, it finally happened. Former Roar manager Postecoglou has made the move south to Melbourne, where he was once the player and manager of...South Melbourne. Good move? Bad Move? I guess time will tell, but if he can replicate his Brisbane success down in Melbourne, I suppose that would make him undoubtedly the best manager ever to grace Australian football. This is definitely one to keep an eye on. Rado Vidosic has taken over as manager of Roar.
Andrezinho Leaves Perth
Sad face. Unfortunately, he wasn't to get a finals win to leave with, but the sometimes talismanic Andrezinho will be seeking his future football elsewhere, most likely back in his native Brazil.
Graham Arnold Joins Sydney
Graham Arnold has left his post at Central Coast (Rhyme!). He leaves having given them a first trophy in a few years. Actually...1st placed manager joins 7th, 2nd placed joins 8th...Noticing a pattern. Interesting. The former Australia head coach has cited the will for a new challenge with a bigger club as his main motives for leaving. Good luck, Graham.
Postecoglou Joins Melbourne Victory
Yeah, it finally happened. Former Roar manager Postecoglou has made the move south to Melbourne, where he was once the player and manager of...South Melbourne. Good move? Bad Move? I guess time will tell, but if he can replicate his Brisbane success down in Melbourne, I suppose that would make him undoubtedly the best manager ever to grace Australian football. This is definitely one to keep an eye on. Rado Vidosic has taken over as manager of Roar.
Andrezinho Leaves Perth
Sad face. Unfortunately, he wasn't to get a finals win to leave with, but the sometimes talismanic Andrezinho will be seeking his future football elsewhere, most likely back in his native Brazil.
Graham Arnold Joins Sydney
Graham Arnold has left his post at Central Coast (Rhyme!). He leaves having given them a first trophy in a few years. Actually...1st placed manager joins 7th, 2nd placed joins 8th...Noticing a pattern. Interesting. The former Australia head coach has cited the will for a new challenge with a bigger club as his main motives for leaving. Good luck, Graham.
Wednesday, 25 April 2012
A-League: Postecoglou Leaves Roar
We knew it was coming, didn't we? I did say a few times it could be his last game in charge. Back-to-back Championship winning coach Angelos "Ange" Postecoglou has officially left Brisbane Roar. The Greek import, in an interview with Fox Sports FC, gave his main reason for leaving. "A new challenge beckons me somewhere".
Much has been made of his supposed desire to move to Melbourne Victory, and it is claimed he has already agreed verbally to a 3 year deal worth $1.5m. Lucky git. Why don't I get paid that much? Anyway, he all but admitted Victory was his destination after much recent press speculation, saying "There’s no secret about where I’m likely to end up"
Why Victory, you ask? Why would you leave a club you have won back-to-back championships and nearly back-to-back Premierships with and taken to the Asian Champions League for the first time, to go to a club who are past their prime, and who finished 8th this season? If you asked that, you'd be at the same point I was when I first read about it. However, those Aussies that are in the know will tell you that Postecoglou was a hero for South Melbourne FC. He won 3 Premierships and 2 Championships in his time there as a player, from 1984-1993, and was their coach from 1996-2000, winning 2 more Championships and a Premiership to boot. He's treated like a god down there.
For the Victory board, the PR bonus is obvious. Home-town hero coming back to rescue an ailing squad? If he manages to swing things around down there, it'll just...It would be a fairytale. His record in the A-League is immense. 3 trophies in 2 seasons, as well as his NSL managerial record standing at 3 trophies in 4 seasons.
Brisbane have announced that Rado Vidosic will move up from Assistant Manager to become the Head Coach. No word yet on who will be his assistant. This has sparked hope amongst the Brisbane fans that former player and Adelaide star Dario Vidosic - Rado's son - will make a return to the club. I'll post again when more info comes through on Postecoglou's move.
Much has been made of his supposed desire to move to Melbourne Victory, and it is claimed he has already agreed verbally to a 3 year deal worth $1.5m. Lucky git. Why don't I get paid that much? Anyway, he all but admitted Victory was his destination after much recent press speculation, saying "There’s no secret about where I’m likely to end up"
Why Victory, you ask? Why would you leave a club you have won back-to-back championships and nearly back-to-back Premierships with and taken to the Asian Champions League for the first time, to go to a club who are past their prime, and who finished 8th this season? If you asked that, you'd be at the same point I was when I first read about it. However, those Aussies that are in the know will tell you that Postecoglou was a hero for South Melbourne FC. He won 3 Premierships and 2 Championships in his time there as a player, from 1984-1993, and was their coach from 1996-2000, winning 2 more Championships and a Premiership to boot. He's treated like a god down there.
For the Victory board, the PR bonus is obvious. Home-town hero coming back to rescue an ailing squad? If he manages to swing things around down there, it'll just...It would be a fairytale. His record in the A-League is immense. 3 trophies in 2 seasons, as well as his NSL managerial record standing at 3 trophies in 4 seasons.
Brisbane have announced that Rado Vidosic will move up from Assistant Manager to become the Head Coach. No word yet on who will be his assistant. This has sparked hope amongst the Brisbane fans that former player and Adelaide star Dario Vidosic - Rado's son - will make a return to the club. I'll post again when more info comes through on Postecoglou's move.
Monday, 23 April 2012
A-League: Grand Final Reaction
Wow, what a match that was. Let's just break it down. For the last time this season, here's my patented break down.
Dukey's One to Watch: Brisbane Roar 2-1 Perth Glory
I promised myself I wouldn't cry! *sniff*
Right, we'll. What a game this was. Controversy, goals, a fly-by-that-never-was, and drama. Lots, and lots, of drama. For those of you who weren't here yesterday, here's a run-down. Roar became the first club in A-League history to retain a title (Premiership or Championship) after beating down a Perth side at the height of their powers.
Perth, who dropped arguably their best player Andrezinho to the bench due to a groin complaint, were exemplary and defended like lions for the best part of the game. Not only that, they were a potent threat from the start. They were holding up Roar's flowing, attacking play straight away, and stopped them mustering any real threat for the first...oh...80 minutes of the game. They started off by playing a high line and Brisbane just couldn't find their rhythm.
A record crowd (advancing 150 on last year's total) of 50,334 watched as the game began with neither side really wanting to make any real advances, but after about half an hour the game came alive. Shane Smeltz was the wounded warrior of the Glory side as a nasty gash to the face left him running round in a bandage for the rest of the match and requiring plastic surgery afterwards. I'd put a picture in, but it's pretty gruesome. All square into half time.
Straight after halftime, Glory began how they began the first half. Dominating possession, locking out Brisbane and probing Roar's back line. They found the gap after 50 minutes, Billy Mehmet with a powerful run through the Brisbane defence, the ball falling to Travis Dodd who desparately hit a ball across the face of goal for the unlucky Ivan Franjic, who had previously had Roar's best chance with a well placed drive at the other end, to knock in off the side of his boots.
To any other side this would have been a devastating blow, not just that there had been a goal, but that it was one that could have easily been avoided. However, Brisbane are not just any side. They upped the ante and increased the pressure on Perth for the rest of the game. Broich seemed like he had glue on his boots, and robona after robona fooled the Glory defence and he was able to slip in and out of the box, lashing a couple of shots at the keeper while he was at it, desparately searching for a goal.
Then it came. In the 84th minute, that man Broich managed to whip in a peach of a cross for Berisha to head in at the near post, leaving Danny Vukovic, who to be fair had a decent game, stranded. Heffernan, the Glory defender who had been a bit rough all match then went and got his second booking and left his team down to 10 men. This could be the cause of what happened next. The game seemed to be heading for extra time when in the 94th minute, Berisha again found himself in a desparate tussle in the box trying to get a shot off to win the match. He was surrounded, a slight touch was made, he swung, he missed, he fell to the floor. Penalty.
Perth fans and players were incensed at the decision, and the Golden-Boot winner peeled away celebrating as if he'd scored and won the match. Which he duly did as he dispatched the penalty with ease. It turned out to be the final go of the match. Perth kicked off and lost the ball within seconds, and the crowd erupted. Orange Sunday II was complete.
Captain of Perth and eventual recipient of the Joe Marston medal (see report below) Jacob Burns was very harsh in his media interview at the end of the game, saying that Berisha knew it wasn't a penalty, while Berisha was a lot more concerned with thanking the fans.
Well that's it. The season's over. Plenty more to come though - Asian Champions League, Euro 2012, FA Cup Final, Champions League and the run in for the Premier League. Maybe even some Olympic football. I'll be redesigning the site soon aswell so it'll be better, and hopefully I'll be getting a new writing crew to help me cover more leagues for next season.
Dukey's One to Watch: Brisbane Roar 2-1 Perth Glory
I promised myself I wouldn't cry! *sniff*
Right, we'll. What a game this was. Controversy, goals, a fly-by-that-never-was, and drama. Lots, and lots, of drama. For those of you who weren't here yesterday, here's a run-down. Roar became the first club in A-League history to retain a title (Premiership or Championship) after beating down a Perth side at the height of their powers.
Perth, who dropped arguably their best player Andrezinho to the bench due to a groin complaint, were exemplary and defended like lions for the best part of the game. Not only that, they were a potent threat from the start. They were holding up Roar's flowing, attacking play straight away, and stopped them mustering any real threat for the first...oh...80 minutes of the game. They started off by playing a high line and Brisbane just couldn't find their rhythm.
A record crowd (advancing 150 on last year's total) of 50,334 watched as the game began with neither side really wanting to make any real advances, but after about half an hour the game came alive. Shane Smeltz was the wounded warrior of the Glory side as a nasty gash to the face left him running round in a bandage for the rest of the match and requiring plastic surgery afterwards. I'd put a picture in, but it's pretty gruesome. All square into half time.
Straight after halftime, Glory began how they began the first half. Dominating possession, locking out Brisbane and probing Roar's back line. They found the gap after 50 minutes, Billy Mehmet with a powerful run through the Brisbane defence, the ball falling to Travis Dodd who desparately hit a ball across the face of goal for the unlucky Ivan Franjic, who had previously had Roar's best chance with a well placed drive at the other end, to knock in off the side of his boots.
To any other side this would have been a devastating blow, not just that there had been a goal, but that it was one that could have easily been avoided. However, Brisbane are not just any side. They upped the ante and increased the pressure on Perth for the rest of the game. Broich seemed like he had glue on his boots, and robona after robona fooled the Glory defence and he was able to slip in and out of the box, lashing a couple of shots at the keeper while he was at it, desparately searching for a goal.
Then it came. In the 84th minute, that man Broich managed to whip in a peach of a cross for Berisha to head in at the near post, leaving Danny Vukovic, who to be fair had a decent game, stranded. Heffernan, the Glory defender who had been a bit rough all match then went and got his second booking and left his team down to 10 men. This could be the cause of what happened next. The game seemed to be heading for extra time when in the 94th minute, Berisha again found himself in a desparate tussle in the box trying to get a shot off to win the match. He was surrounded, a slight touch was made, he swung, he missed, he fell to the floor. Penalty.
Perth fans and players were incensed at the decision, and the Golden-Boot winner peeled away celebrating as if he'd scored and won the match. Which he duly did as he dispatched the penalty with ease. It turned out to be the final go of the match. Perth kicked off and lost the ball within seconds, and the crowd erupted. Orange Sunday II was complete.
Captain of Perth and eventual recipient of the Joe Marston medal (see report below) Jacob Burns was very harsh in his media interview at the end of the game, saying that Berisha knew it wasn't a penalty, while Berisha was a lot more concerned with thanking the fans.
Well that's it. The season's over. Plenty more to come though - Asian Champions League, Euro 2012, FA Cup Final, Champions League and the run in for the Premier League. Maybe even some Olympic football. I'll be redesigning the site soon aswell so it'll be better, and hopefully I'll be getting a new writing crew to help me cover more leagues for next season.
Sunday, 22 April 2012
A-League: Joe Marston Medal Incorrectly Awarded
I...I don't know how they managed this, but the Joe Marston medal which was awarded to Thomas Broich was incorrectly awarded due to an "administrative error". The actual winner was Jacob Burns, like I said. It's the latest in a series of blunders by officials that have marred what was otherwise a great day. What do you think about the way the FFA have handled the Grand Final? Who would have won the JM medal if you were in charge? Comment below or tweet @Firstflightfoot!
A slight make-up for the indignity of how they lost. Anyway, night time. Bye y'all!
A-League: Grand Final LIVE TEXT
NOTE: Please refresh this page every couple of minutes to see the latest feed. (All times BST (Just to be annoying for you Aussies))
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.
0934 - Jacob Burns now to say a few words.
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@Visconte11 - enjoy!
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.
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.
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.
 |
| 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.
A-League: Grand Final Day!
Hey guys, just a quick reminder that I'll be running a live text for the Roar - Glory game at 7am BST (4pm AEST). Hopefully I'll have lots of pictures to show you, and I'll run our twitter account, so if you want to get involved, you can tweet @firstflightfoot and if there's anything interesting, it'll feature on the site. I'll start the text an hour before kick-off, I hope to see you all there!
Friday, 20 April 2012
FFA Statement on Newcastle Jets
4 posts in one day? You must be dreaming, right?
"Football Federation Australia (FFA) has today rejected the assertions made by Hunter Sports Group (HSG) in relation to the Newcastle Jets Hyundai A-League licence.
FFA has remained willing to enter formal negotiations and to receive a formal proposal from HSG in order to find a resolution in the best interests of the game in the Hunter Valley.
FFA CEO Ben Buckley reaffirmed this position with HSG CEO Troy Palmer earlier this week.
On Thursday, Mr Palmer informed Mr Buckley that a discussion between Mr Palmer and HSG chairman Nathan Tinkler was due to take place overnight, and that a proposal would be submitted to FFA by lunchtime today (20 April 2012).
No proposal has been submitted and no further contact has been made with FFA.
“HSG embarked on a unilateral breach of contract in the first instance and has given FFA no opportunity to have face to face meeting to take place,” said FFA CEO Ben Buckley.
“We are disappointed that no talks have taken place to resolve our differences. The people of Newcastle and the Hunter Valley, and the Jets’ players, coaches and staff, have a right to feel betrayed by these actions.
“FFA reaffirms its position that it does not accept that HSG has the right to return the A-League licence.”
In response to HSG’s media statement today, FFA provides the following facts;
• No formal negotiations have taken place between FFA and HSG over a settlement of this matter since HSG unilateral announcement on 10 April 2012.
• FFA did not reject the alleged four-point compromise proposal listed by HSG in its media statement. The first time FFA was aware of the four-point proposal was when it received the HSG media statement today.
• FFA did not set a deadline of 5pm today (20 April 2012) for a formal response to FFA legal correspondence. In fact, HSG’s lawyers have repeatedly sought extensions of time to respond to FFA and that these requests have been granted, including an extension to close of business this Monday 23 April 2012.
In relation to the four-point proposal published by HSG, two of the three substantial matters are subject to existing procedures.
“The Jason Culina matter is being heard by an independent arbitrator and it’s right and proper that the matter proceeds in this chamber without interference,” said Mr Buckley.
“The suggestion of a commercial review of the A-League is already a priority for the newly-established Joint A-League Strategic Committee, which is endorsed by the majority of A-League clubs. There’s no need for a $250,000 external review.
“That leaves one matter outstanding, which is the acquisition fee paid by HSG. We have an open offer to enter formal negotiations on this issue, but HSG has repeatedly declined to sit down around the table.”
FFA today reaffirms its commitment to the football community of the Hunter Valley.
“The region is too steeped in football tradition and passion not to be represented in the A-League,” said FFA CEO Ben Buckley."
OK, so it seems things aren't as clear-cut as they were in the Jets' statement. Two sides to every story and what-not. Didn't think they'd lie about that kind of thing...I guess we wait for the next statement. I'll keep y'all posted.
"Football Federation Australia (FFA) has today rejected the assertions made by Hunter Sports Group (HSG) in relation to the Newcastle Jets Hyundai A-League licence.
FFA has remained willing to enter formal negotiations and to receive a formal proposal from HSG in order to find a resolution in the best interests of the game in the Hunter Valley.
FFA CEO Ben Buckley reaffirmed this position with HSG CEO Troy Palmer earlier this week.
On Thursday, Mr Palmer informed Mr Buckley that a discussion between Mr Palmer and HSG chairman Nathan Tinkler was due to take place overnight, and that a proposal would be submitted to FFA by lunchtime today (20 April 2012).
No proposal has been submitted and no further contact has been made with FFA.
“HSG embarked on a unilateral breach of contract in the first instance and has given FFA no opportunity to have face to face meeting to take place,” said FFA CEO Ben Buckley.
“We are disappointed that no talks have taken place to resolve our differences. The people of Newcastle and the Hunter Valley, and the Jets’ players, coaches and staff, have a right to feel betrayed by these actions.
“FFA reaffirms its position that it does not accept that HSG has the right to return the A-League licence.”
In response to HSG’s media statement today, FFA provides the following facts;
• No formal negotiations have taken place between FFA and HSG over a settlement of this matter since HSG unilateral announcement on 10 April 2012.
• FFA did not reject the alleged four-point compromise proposal listed by HSG in its media statement. The first time FFA was aware of the four-point proposal was when it received the HSG media statement today.
• FFA did not set a deadline of 5pm today (20 April 2012) for a formal response to FFA legal correspondence. In fact, HSG’s lawyers have repeatedly sought extensions of time to respond to FFA and that these requests have been granted, including an extension to close of business this Monday 23 April 2012.
In relation to the four-point proposal published by HSG, two of the three substantial matters are subject to existing procedures.
“The Jason Culina matter is being heard by an independent arbitrator and it’s right and proper that the matter proceeds in this chamber without interference,” said Mr Buckley.
“The suggestion of a commercial review of the A-League is already a priority for the newly-established Joint A-League Strategic Committee, which is endorsed by the majority of A-League clubs. There’s no need for a $250,000 external review.
“That leaves one matter outstanding, which is the acquisition fee paid by HSG. We have an open offer to enter formal negotiations on this issue, but HSG has repeatedly declined to sit down around the table.”
FFA today reaffirms its commitment to the football community of the Hunter Valley.
“The region is too steeped in football tradition and passion not to be represented in the A-League,” said FFA CEO Ben Buckley."
OK, so it seems things aren't as clear-cut as they were in the Jets' statement. Two sides to every story and what-not. Didn't think they'd lie about that kind of thing...I guess we wait for the next statement. I'll keep y'all posted.
Gold Coast Officially Dead
So the FFA have actually also announced that Gold Coast United won't be represented in the 2012/13 season.
FFA has made the assessment that the a level of public and corporate support on the Gold Coast for an A-League team falls below the minimum requirements for a professional club.
In addition, a viable business plan and adequate capital investment have not materialised over the past six weeks since the termination of the license held by Gold Coast United Pty Ltd on 29 February.
“FFA is bitterly disappointed that Gold Coast United Pty Ltd failed to develop a market for football on the Gold Coast over the past three seasons,” said FFA CEO Ben Buckley.
“Today’s decision to exit can be directly attributed to Gold Coast United Pty Ltd’s lack of community engagement and its inability to build a football culture around the club.
“We acknowledge the hard work and commitment over the past six weeks by Football Queensland, Gold Coast Football Association, the Gold Coast players and coach Mike Mulvey. The team showed great professionalism and pride in performance in the way they completed the season.
“FFA’s mandate is to govern for the good of the game and this decision is the only responsible course to take in ensuring we have a sustainable Hyundai A-League.”
The potential for a National Youth League team to remain on the Gold Coast is currently under discussion with Football Queensland.
Newcastle Jets Confirm License Return
Woah, Blogger just changed.
You know how I literally just said that I'd keep you updated on the Newcastle Jets situation? Well a statement was issued in the last half an hour on behalf of the Jets.
"The Newcastle Jets confirm that following last week’s announcement and attempts at seeking resolution with Football Federation Australia (FFA) that the decision remains to return the Newcastle Jets A-League licence.
Despite recent inflammatory comments by FFA Management, lengthy discussions between Troy Palmer of Newcastle Jets and Ben Buckley, CEO FFA took place in which the Newcastle Jets proposed options for a compromise.
In relation to the major issues between the Newcastle Jets and FFA that have led to this untenable situation, Newcastle Jets proposed the following:
1. The Newcastle Jets Licence fee be reviewed and amended in line with the fees paid by the owners of Adelaide United. A transaction completed only 2 months after the Jets were saved.
2. The Jason Culina insurance matter be settled immediately with financial liability being shared equally between the Newcastle Jets, FFA and the Player.
3. The Newcastle Jets will invest $250,000 on behalf of all clubs and the FFA to create an independent taskforce to review ownership, financial and commercial models of football competitions globally to make recommendations on improving the sustainability and transparency of the A-League with a view of implementation in the 2013/14 Season.
4. The Newcastle Jets continue with the A-League Licence until 30 June 2020.
Mr Buckley immediately rejected the above proposal.
This inflexible stance highlights the inequitable position and ongoing discrimination in which the Jets have been placed over the past 18 months. The FFA’s mindset of being unwilling to negotiate provides a clear impression that FFA does not want the Newcastle Jets to be part of the football family.
Confident of its legal position, Newcastle Jets now welcome and look forward to any forthcoming legal action. Such action will bring transparency and integrity to dealings that the Newcastle Jets have sought throughout its involvement in the A-League.
Whilst disappointed to be pushed into this position, the Newcastle Jets remain proud of its achievements to rebuild the Jets by attracting over 10,000 Members, greatly increasing crowd attendance, securing major corporate support, creation of a Merchandise program that set benchmarks in the A-League and the establishment of a Football Department befitting of a professional code. All elements that were not in place when the Newcastle Jets were saved in September 2010.
As a not for profit organisation, the Newcastle Jets made a commitment to its community, to football and to aspiring juniors in the area. This commitment remains, with further investment in junior development and an elite academy in the Hunter.
Finally, the Newcastle Jets remain committed to working with contracted players and staff to identify new career opportunities."
Quite lengthy, I know. But let's have a look at it, shall we? Hunter Sports Group - the owners of the Jets - have made clear their intentions for the past few weeks, and it's sad to finally see them confirm their decision. From the sounds of the things, the FFA are way too unflexible when it comes to negotiations. They seem to want to be 100% in the driving seat. I genuinely think the way the league is set up is wrong. It would be better to have the European/British system of each team in the league having an equal amount of shares in the league, allowing them to make decisions that affect them rather than having to negotiate with a 3rd party.
Another possible side affect from this withdrawal could be that Gold Coast are saved. The FFA desparately want 10 teams to get better TV deals, negotiations for which begin soon, and since this, even with the addition fo the new Western Sydney side, would leave the league with 9 teams, there could be added impetus to maintain the GCU side or even to fast track a Canberra side.
The demands were not unreasonable. There is a great disparity between license fees for each team which I don't believe is fair. HSG were right to want that sorted. For those of you who don't know, the Jason Culina case was about a player - Jason Culina - who signed for the Jets while his dad was the head coach. He then went and got injured, and as their marquee player, it was quite a blow especially since the injury was fairly severe. They want that sorted out, which i suppose is reasonable. I believe proposal 3 - the investment for sustainability and transparency - is desparately needed, and all clubs should chip in if they want to save a league it seems is in an increasingly untenable position. As for point 4...that's a given really. Nobody wants to lose the Jets. They're a decent side and showed that in the closing stages of last season. It would be a shame to lose another club. New investors need to be found, and the league and FFA in particular need to be sorted out.
Greater transparency, more control for the clubs over their own destinies, and a willingness to negotiate are what is needed.
You know how I literally just said that I'd keep you updated on the Newcastle Jets situation? Well a statement was issued in the last half an hour on behalf of the Jets.
"The Newcastle Jets confirm that following last week’s announcement and attempts at seeking resolution with Football Federation Australia (FFA) that the decision remains to return the Newcastle Jets A-League licence.
Despite recent inflammatory comments by FFA Management, lengthy discussions between Troy Palmer of Newcastle Jets and Ben Buckley, CEO FFA took place in which the Newcastle Jets proposed options for a compromise.
In relation to the major issues between the Newcastle Jets and FFA that have led to this untenable situation, Newcastle Jets proposed the following:
1. The Newcastle Jets Licence fee be reviewed and amended in line with the fees paid by the owners of Adelaide United. A transaction completed only 2 months after the Jets were saved.
2. The Jason Culina insurance matter be settled immediately with financial liability being shared equally between the Newcastle Jets, FFA and the Player.
3. The Newcastle Jets will invest $250,000 on behalf of all clubs and the FFA to create an independent taskforce to review ownership, financial and commercial models of football competitions globally to make recommendations on improving the sustainability and transparency of the A-League with a view of implementation in the 2013/14 Season.
4. The Newcastle Jets continue with the A-League Licence until 30 June 2020.
Mr Buckley immediately rejected the above proposal.
This inflexible stance highlights the inequitable position and ongoing discrimination in which the Jets have been placed over the past 18 months. The FFA’s mindset of being unwilling to negotiate provides a clear impression that FFA does not want the Newcastle Jets to be part of the football family.
Confident of its legal position, Newcastle Jets now welcome and look forward to any forthcoming legal action. Such action will bring transparency and integrity to dealings that the Newcastle Jets have sought throughout its involvement in the A-League.
Whilst disappointed to be pushed into this position, the Newcastle Jets remain proud of its achievements to rebuild the Jets by attracting over 10,000 Members, greatly increasing crowd attendance, securing major corporate support, creation of a Merchandise program that set benchmarks in the A-League and the establishment of a Football Department befitting of a professional code. All elements that were not in place when the Newcastle Jets were saved in September 2010.
As a not for profit organisation, the Newcastle Jets made a commitment to its community, to football and to aspiring juniors in the area. This commitment remains, with further investment in junior development and an elite academy in the Hunter.
Finally, the Newcastle Jets remain committed to working with contracted players and staff to identify new career opportunities."
Quite lengthy, I know. But let's have a look at it, shall we? Hunter Sports Group - the owners of the Jets - have made clear their intentions for the past few weeks, and it's sad to finally see them confirm their decision. From the sounds of the things, the FFA are way too unflexible when it comes to negotiations. They seem to want to be 100% in the driving seat. I genuinely think the way the league is set up is wrong. It would be better to have the European/British system of each team in the league having an equal amount of shares in the league, allowing them to make decisions that affect them rather than having to negotiate with a 3rd party.
Another possible side affect from this withdrawal could be that Gold Coast are saved. The FFA desparately want 10 teams to get better TV deals, negotiations for which begin soon, and since this, even with the addition fo the new Western Sydney side, would leave the league with 9 teams, there could be added impetus to maintain the GCU side or even to fast track a Canberra side.
The demands were not unreasonable. There is a great disparity between license fees for each team which I don't believe is fair. HSG were right to want that sorted. For those of you who don't know, the Jason Culina case was about a player - Jason Culina - who signed for the Jets while his dad was the head coach. He then went and got injured, and as their marquee player, it was quite a blow especially since the injury was fairly severe. They want that sorted out, which i suppose is reasonable. I believe proposal 3 - the investment for sustainability and transparency - is desparately needed, and all clubs should chip in if they want to save a league it seems is in an increasingly untenable position. As for point 4...that's a given really. Nobody wants to lose the Jets. They're a decent side and showed that in the closing stages of last season. It would be a shame to lose another club. New investors need to be found, and the league and FFA in particular need to be sorted out.
Greater transparency, more control for the clubs over their own destinies, and a willingness to negotiate are what is needed.
New Sydney Club: Bright Beginnings
I can now blog on my phone, yay! You can expect things more often now.
Anyway. The new Sydney Club establishment procedure is in full swing. There have so far been 3 fan forums where members of different parts of Western Sydney have discussed things like playing staff, backroom staff, names, stadia etc.
This community engagement will be vital if the club is to be financially stable, and it is best to establish these community roots now.
So far the most popular name is Sydney Wanderers (not that far from Sydney Rovers really), and the players people are suggesting are all Gold Coast players who will soon be made redundant, as well as Jets players who may suffer a similar fate if Hunter Sports Group's plan to hand back their license goes ahead. I'll keep you all posted on that, too.
So yeah, here's looking forward to an awesome Sydney derby.
Wednesday, 18 April 2012
A-League: Finals so far
OK, I'm a terrible person. I'm going to catch you up on the finals as they stand now, and I'll do a live text on sunday for the Grand Final.
Elimination Final 1: Wellington Phoenix 3-2 Sydney FC
Wellington rightly triumphed over a Sydney side after an intense match which saw plenty of goals at either end. The first half was a pitiful affair, but after the break the match stormed into life. Lots of bookings, and 4 goals in 7 minutes ensured this was an Elimination Final to remember.
Elimination Final 2: Perth Glory 3-0 Melbourne Heart
Perth maintained their end of season form at just the right time. Shane Smeltz scored a second half hattrick that ensured Glory reached the minor final for the first time in...I can't remember how long. Melbourne never really looked like making a match of it, and will have to look forward to next season without Van t' Schip.
Major Semi-Final: Brisbane Roar 5(2+3)-(0+2)2 Central Coast Mariners
Brisbane ran the Mariners ragged over both legs and have avenged themselves for the bitter disappointment of losing out on the Premier plate on the final day of the regular season. They won the first leg 2-0 thanks to goals from Henrique and Paartalu, and the second leg, while closer, was the same story. Roar dominating possession, and Mariners having to feed off scraps. A 3-2 win for Brisbane meaning they advance straight to the Grand Final while Mariners have to play the winner of the minor semi final, the winner being...
Minor Semi-Final: Perth Glory 3-2 Wellington Phoenix
Perth. Wellington failed to do much in this match, aside from their two goals. Perth opened with Van Den Brink scoring early on, before Greenacre and Muscat took Wellington to the brink of their first ever A-League Grand Final Qualifier. However it was not to be. Billy Mehmet scored with 15 minutes to go to take the game to extra time. Substitute Howarth ended Phoenix's dream in the 112th minute and gave Perth hope of reaching the Grand Final for the first time since their NSL triumph in 2004.
Grand Final Qualifier: Central Coast Mariners 1-1 Perth Glory (Perth win 5-3 on penalties
This naming convention is starting to get a bit silly now. However, Perth are in the Grand Final and will face a capacity Suncorp stadium on sunday. Despite having a penalty against them missed by Zwaanswijk, they fell behind to an Adam Kwasnik goal in the 33rd minute, and fought like dogs to get back on top. Their reward for their hard work came...just a minute later. Shane Smeltz, the man who has single handedly dragged Glory kicking and screaming through the last few months levelled after just a minute of play. And when the scores were locked at 1-1 at the end of extra time, penalties loomed. All of Perth's were converted well, and with Mike McGlinchley sending the hosts' fourth penalty over the bar, captain Jacob Burns scored the decisive spot kick to send them through to their first Grand Final in 8 years.
So yeah, they'll face Brisbane at Suncorp on sunday, and I'll be here with a live commentary. Not sure how many people will read it, you should all be at the game. But for those of you who like me cannot go, I'll be here. :)
Elimination Final 1: Wellington Phoenix 3-2 Sydney FC
Wellington rightly triumphed over a Sydney side after an intense match which saw plenty of goals at either end. The first half was a pitiful affair, but after the break the match stormed into life. Lots of bookings, and 4 goals in 7 minutes ensured this was an Elimination Final to remember.
Elimination Final 2: Perth Glory 3-0 Melbourne Heart
Perth maintained their end of season form at just the right time. Shane Smeltz scored a second half hattrick that ensured Glory reached the minor final for the first time in...I can't remember how long. Melbourne never really looked like making a match of it, and will have to look forward to next season without Van t' Schip.
Major Semi-Final: Brisbane Roar 5(2+3)-(0+2)2 Central Coast Mariners
Brisbane ran the Mariners ragged over both legs and have avenged themselves for the bitter disappointment of losing out on the Premier plate on the final day of the regular season. They won the first leg 2-0 thanks to goals from Henrique and Paartalu, and the second leg, while closer, was the same story. Roar dominating possession, and Mariners having to feed off scraps. A 3-2 win for Brisbane meaning they advance straight to the Grand Final while Mariners have to play the winner of the minor semi final, the winner being...
Minor Semi-Final: Perth Glory 3-2 Wellington Phoenix
Perth. Wellington failed to do much in this match, aside from their two goals. Perth opened with Van Den Brink scoring early on, before Greenacre and Muscat took Wellington to the brink of their first ever A-League Grand Final Qualifier. However it was not to be. Billy Mehmet scored with 15 minutes to go to take the game to extra time. Substitute Howarth ended Phoenix's dream in the 112th minute and gave Perth hope of reaching the Grand Final for the first time since their NSL triumph in 2004.
Grand Final Qualifier: Central Coast Mariners 1-1 Perth Glory (Perth win 5-3 on penalties
This naming convention is starting to get a bit silly now. However, Perth are in the Grand Final and will face a capacity Suncorp stadium on sunday. Despite having a penalty against them missed by Zwaanswijk, they fell behind to an Adam Kwasnik goal in the 33rd minute, and fought like dogs to get back on top. Their reward for their hard work came...just a minute later. Shane Smeltz, the man who has single handedly dragged Glory kicking and screaming through the last few months levelled after just a minute of play. And when the scores were locked at 1-1 at the end of extra time, penalties loomed. All of Perth's were converted well, and with Mike McGlinchley sending the hosts' fourth penalty over the bar, captain Jacob Burns scored the decisive spot kick to send them through to their first Grand Final in 8 years.
So yeah, they'll face Brisbane at Suncorp on sunday, and I'll be here with a live commentary. Not sure how many people will read it, you should all be at the game. But for those of you who like me cannot go, I'll be here. :)
Wednesday, 4 April 2012
New Team for Western Sydney
OK, admittedly I'm horribly behind on A-League matches, but I'll catch up soon.
Anyway, in the mean time, Western Sydney have *finally* been granted an A-League license for the 2012-13 season, which kicks off in 6 months time.
There is a lot of optimism for this side, due to the huge amount of talent present in what is known as "football's heartland in Australia", but also a lot of pessimism following the failiure of the Sydney Rovers franchise, which fell apart before it could even begin a couple of years ago.
This coupled with the speed it seems the decision was made have made many people unsure about the viability of the side. Indeed the TV contract renewals are up soon, and the league needs that all important 10th side (assuming GCU drop out) to ensure they get a good deal. Toss that in with the possibility of 3 Sydney derbies each season, and you can hear the A-League bosses licking their lips.
I hope this AU$8m investment in men's football in the area from PM Julia Gillard works. It'd be great to see another derby match following the success of the Melbourne franchises. It also has a further AU$1m for the development of the women's game in NSW - essentially setting up a Western Sydney side in the W-League.
I'm not sure if this means there will definitely not be a Canberra side - I hope there is, I come from a country with a lot of teams in each league, so having 10 - or 11 - sides in the league seems silly to me. I know they teams have to be viable, but seriously, get some good derbies going. Stars like Lucas Neill and Scott Chipperfield have also expressed interest in the expansion side - Marquee players anyone? Presumably they'll be playing in Parramatta stadium, which for those of you not in the know (I just looked this up) was the home of Parramatta Power, an old NSL side. 21,000 capacity...It'd be nice to see it filled, and the community spirit in Western Sydney is strong (so I'm told), so I think this will be a good addition to the league.
I'll keep y'all posted, now on to some match reports.
Anyway, in the mean time, Western Sydney have *finally* been granted an A-League license for the 2012-13 season, which kicks off in 6 months time.
There is a lot of optimism for this side, due to the huge amount of talent present in what is known as "football's heartland in Australia", but also a lot of pessimism following the failiure of the Sydney Rovers franchise, which fell apart before it could even begin a couple of years ago.
This coupled with the speed it seems the decision was made have made many people unsure about the viability of the side. Indeed the TV contract renewals are up soon, and the league needs that all important 10th side (assuming GCU drop out) to ensure they get a good deal. Toss that in with the possibility of 3 Sydney derbies each season, and you can hear the A-League bosses licking their lips.
I hope this AU$8m investment in men's football in the area from PM Julia Gillard works. It'd be great to see another derby match following the success of the Melbourne franchises. It also has a further AU$1m for the development of the women's game in NSW - essentially setting up a Western Sydney side in the W-League.
I'm not sure if this means there will definitely not be a Canberra side - I hope there is, I come from a country with a lot of teams in each league, so having 10 - or 11 - sides in the league seems silly to me. I know they teams have to be viable, but seriously, get some good derbies going. Stars like Lucas Neill and Scott Chipperfield have also expressed interest in the expansion side - Marquee players anyone? Presumably they'll be playing in Parramatta stadium, which for those of you not in the know (I just looked this up) was the home of Parramatta Power, an old NSL side. 21,000 capacity...It'd be nice to see it filled, and the community spirit in Western Sydney is strong (so I'm told), so I think this will be a good addition to the league.
I'll keep y'all posted, now on to some match reports.
Saturday, 31 March 2012
A-League: Final Round of Matches
I'm aware the Final Series is in full swing, but meh. Here's Round 27 from the league.
Adelaide United 1-1 Melbourne Heart
Both sides were taking it nice and easy in this match, as Eli Babalj's goal cancelled out what could be Sergio Van Dijk's last Adelaide strike. Both teams looked like they were taking a breather, and why wouldn't they? Adelaide had nothing to play for, and Melbourne were already in the Finals. It was more of a chance to chalk up some goals. But no. 1-1. Hardly changed the table. Really not much to talk about to be honest. Colosimo bundled down Daniel Mullen to give Van Dijk a penalty which he coolly slotted in. Other than that, not much to report, sorry folks.
Perth Glory 4-2 Melbourne Victory
If the Adelaide match was dull, this was the complete opposite. Shane Smeltz scored an incredible 4 goals, in the 22nd, 47th, 62nd and 65th minutes to twice bring back Perth from behind against a stubborn and determined Victory side. Carlos Hernandez gave the visitors and unexpected lead 21 minutes into the match before Smeltz was like "NO" and headed home a minute later. Mark Milligan was like "YES" as he knocked in Victory's second just before half time. Smeltz was like "OHHH HELL NO" as he equalised 2 minutes later. Noticing a trend? However, that trend ends there, as Smeltz went on to score a further two goals to show the class that has eluded him due to his injury problems this year. Perth are in the finals, Victory got some 'splainin' to do.
Wellington Phoenix 1-2 Central Coast Mariners
Central Coast won the A-League basically. They bossed the match, and when Leo Bertos' goal came in, few would have dreamt that they could get another and give Brisbane a chance. And it'd didn't happen. John Sutton and Bernie Ibini-Isei scored either side of half time to seal the Mariners 2nd A-League title.
Sydney FC 3-2 Newcastle Jets
Newcastle have been brutally robbed of a Finals place by Sydney. I really can't stress how gutted I am for the Jets. They've tried so hard this season, but it was to be Sydney's chance for glory. In a must win game for the Blues, the talismanic Bruno Cazarine scored after 10 minutes. Bridges levelled for the away side 15 minutes later to give them hope. Two quickfire goals from Joel Chianese put the home side back in the drivers seat, and the Jets spent the rest of the match slugging it out to try and produce something magnificent. Wheelhouse made the score 3-2 with about quarter of an hour left of the match to set up a tense finale, with Newcastle throwing everything at Sydney, but they held out and are into the finals. Unlucky, Jets.
Gold Coast United 1-2 Brisbane Roar
What an emotional day. It could be the final game Gold Coast ever play unless their license is sold on to a new owner - and there are investors talking about it - but with their future in doubt, it was time to celebrate what they've brought to the game. And what better way to do that than by having one of your products score against your arch rivals? Daniel Bowles scored just before half an hour to give United a sense of pride in their team. With the title already decided, Brisbane had little to play for, but this was a derby match, and they wanted to end the regular season on a high. They came to win. And of course they did. Second half goals from Fitzgerald and Lambadaridis sealed the Gold Coast's fate and consigned them to the wooden spoon in what may turn out to be their final season. Poor Brisbane. They could have won the title had it not been for that wretched streak of form in December. But hey, they play the Mariners in the Major Final next week and will look to avenge themselves.
Hold on for the finals.
Adelaide United 1-1 Melbourne Heart
Both sides were taking it nice and easy in this match, as Eli Babalj's goal cancelled out what could be Sergio Van Dijk's last Adelaide strike. Both teams looked like they were taking a breather, and why wouldn't they? Adelaide had nothing to play for, and Melbourne were already in the Finals. It was more of a chance to chalk up some goals. But no. 1-1. Hardly changed the table. Really not much to talk about to be honest. Colosimo bundled down Daniel Mullen to give Van Dijk a penalty which he coolly slotted in. Other than that, not much to report, sorry folks.
Perth Glory 4-2 Melbourne Victory
If the Adelaide match was dull, this was the complete opposite. Shane Smeltz scored an incredible 4 goals, in the 22nd, 47th, 62nd and 65th minutes to twice bring back Perth from behind against a stubborn and determined Victory side. Carlos Hernandez gave the visitors and unexpected lead 21 minutes into the match before Smeltz was like "NO" and headed home a minute later. Mark Milligan was like "YES" as he knocked in Victory's second just before half time. Smeltz was like "OHHH HELL NO" as he equalised 2 minutes later. Noticing a trend? However, that trend ends there, as Smeltz went on to score a further two goals to show the class that has eluded him due to his injury problems this year. Perth are in the finals, Victory got some 'splainin' to do.
Wellington Phoenix 1-2 Central Coast Mariners
Central Coast won the A-League basically. They bossed the match, and when Leo Bertos' goal came in, few would have dreamt that they could get another and give Brisbane a chance. And it'd didn't happen. John Sutton and Bernie Ibini-Isei scored either side of half time to seal the Mariners 2nd A-League title.
Sydney FC 3-2 Newcastle Jets
Newcastle have been brutally robbed of a Finals place by Sydney. I really can't stress how gutted I am for the Jets. They've tried so hard this season, but it was to be Sydney's chance for glory. In a must win game for the Blues, the talismanic Bruno Cazarine scored after 10 minutes. Bridges levelled for the away side 15 minutes later to give them hope. Two quickfire goals from Joel Chianese put the home side back in the drivers seat, and the Jets spent the rest of the match slugging it out to try and produce something magnificent. Wheelhouse made the score 3-2 with about quarter of an hour left of the match to set up a tense finale, with Newcastle throwing everything at Sydney, but they held out and are into the finals. Unlucky, Jets.
Gold Coast United 1-2 Brisbane Roar
What an emotional day. It could be the final game Gold Coast ever play unless their license is sold on to a new owner - and there are investors talking about it - but with their future in doubt, it was time to celebrate what they've brought to the game. And what better way to do that than by having one of your products score against your arch rivals? Daniel Bowles scored just before half an hour to give United a sense of pride in their team. With the title already decided, Brisbane had little to play for, but this was a derby match, and they wanted to end the regular season on a high. They came to win. And of course they did. Second half goals from Fitzgerald and Lambadaridis sealed the Gold Coast's fate and consigned them to the wooden spoon in what may turn out to be their final season. Poor Brisbane. They could have won the title had it not been for that wretched streak of form in December. But hey, they play the Mariners in the Major Final next week and will look to avenge themselves.
Hold on for the finals.
Sunday, 25 March 2012
A-League: Final matches (Live Text)
(Please refresh the page every few minutes for new entries. All times GMT+1)
6.00am - It's time for bed. 6am. I'm so tired. Well done to the Mariners, commiserations to Brisbane, and good luck Sydney and Newcastle. Good night, y'all.
5.55am - GAME OVER. CENTRAL COAST ARE THE A-LEAGUE CHAMPIONS
5.53am - Central Coast are 2 minutes away from being crowned champions if they can just hold on.
5.49am - Still going, they're really going for it, these Kiwis.
5.46am - I don't believe this, Phoenix are attacking...watch this space...
GOAL: Someone (WP) Wellington Phoenix 1-2 Central Coast Mariners
This isn't over yet. I didn't catch who, but that was one hell of a free kick. Ryan stood no chance in his goal. 10 minutes to play.
5.39am - Wellington string some attacks together, each time getting straight to the keeper.
5.34am - Kwasnik on, Sutton off. One of the Wellington playersis down with what looks like cramp.
5.33am - Should have been 3. Head at close range bounces slow and high towards the top corner, not sure how it didnt go in, great defence.
5.31am - Mariners almost teasing the Kiwis now. Passing the ball around at ease, Phoenix posing no real threat.
5.29am - Central Coast have a chance to bury it once and for all. (Dont ask me the names, I can't see on my PC , it hates me right now) Someone passed it off to someone else who tried to whip it into the box, but it was cleared
5.25am - They're just all over the Phoenix now. It's going to take some inspired coaching by Herbert to pull this back round. Graham Arnold must be rubbing his hands together with glee.
5.20am - This game has been turned on its head. Mariners are on the attack, Wellington are desparately defending. Corners and everything.
GOAL: Ibini (CCM) Wellington Phoenix 0-2 Central Coast Mariners
Ibini gets a goal. Central Coast have this wrapped up. Phoenix won't be celebrating today.
GOAL: Sutton (CCM) Wellington Phoenix 0-1 Central Coast Mariners
Oh they do not deserve this. Mistake in the Wellington box allows Sutton to somehow steer the ball home. Brisbane...it's out of your hands. And there's half time.
4.49am - The keepers haven't had to do much, but Central Coast's is proving dependable. When called upon, he's always been there to collect.
4.47am - Just a couple of minutes left of the first half now. Both sides seem to be taking a breather. I can't see Phoenix getting 3 today, sorry lads.
4.44am - Bozanic whips in a free kick to the Wellington box. Nothing comes of it, though. Surprisingly littleresistance coming from the Mariners side.
4.41am - Interesting to see what Graham Arnold says at Half Time. As it stands, a Brisbane win would see them snatch the title from under the nose of the Mariners.
4.39am - Shots still fizzing around the place, all in the direction of the Central Coast goal though.
4.36am - Mega annoyed with my slow laptop right now. Grr. No sign of goals yet.
4.34am - New Zealand's U23's are winning against Fiji's in an Olympic qualifier, btw
4.31am - Handball claims dismissed by the referee. Clearly ball to hand by a Central Coast palyer.
4.28am - Free kick...over from Manny Muscat. Pressure still being piled on by Phoenix, nothing major from the Mariners yet.
4.25am - Both teams committing people forward. Strategy for Wellington thus far? Get the ball to Bertos and let him whip it in, see what we can do. Mariners trying a steady build up play.
4.24am - Phoenix really starting to apply pressure now. Zwaanswijk the hero for the Mariners this time.
4.22am - Pedj Bojic reads Bertos' cross. He's having trouble getting service to Greenacre today.
4.21am - 15 minutes of game time gone, to give you an idea. This must be the fullest I've ever seen the Westpac stadium.
4.19am - Just saw we have views from Australia and New Zealand. Hello guys! :D
4.18am - This game's like a basketball game. End to end stuff.
4.14am - I think that was Sutton...he just skied it over the Wellington bar, that was miles away.
4.12am - Corner to Mariners. Well cleared by the Phoenix lines, they try to counter attack, but it comes to nothing
4.08am - Nothing much happening. Probes from both ends.
4.06am - Kick off.
3.54am - 6 minutes. Ooga Booga.
3.51am - 9 minutes to kickoff. EXCITEMENT.
3.40am - Overall Head-To-Head Record
Played 14; Wellington Phoenix FC 5, Central Coast Mariners FC 7, Drawn 2
Head-To-Head at this venue
Played 8; Wellington Phoenix FC 3, Central Coast Mariners FC 3, Drawn 2
Still even for the most part.
3.34am - Last 5 Matches Head-to-Head
Central Coast Mariners FC, 2-0, Bluetongue Stadium, 18 Feb 2012
Central Coast Mariners FC, 2-1, Westpac Stadium, 4 Nov 2011
Central Coast Mariners FC, 1-0, Bluetongue Stadium, 9 Jan 2011
Central Coast Mariners FC, 3-0, Westpac Stadium, 13 Nov 2010
Wellington Phoenix FC, 2-0, Westpac Stadium, 22 Aug 2010
I guess if anything, history is on the Mariners side. However, they've only played one of the last 5 away from home. Potential sticking point? They lost that one match.
3.28am - Sorry for a lack of activity here guys, not much happening right now!
3.22am - Quick note about Gold Coast United. Today could be their last ever match unless investors are moved in quickly. I hope it isn't. Although a potentially title-deciding derby day isn't a bad way to go out.
3.17am - Just been handed the teamsheets.
Wellington: Paston Muscat Durante Sigmund Lochhead Brown Lia Bertos Sanchez Greenacre Ifill
Subs: Warner(GK), Ward Pavlovic Smith.
CCM: Ryan (Gk), Rose, Wilkinson (C), Zwaanswijk, Bojic, Hutchinson, Bozanic, McGlinchey, Rogic, Sutton, Ibini
Subs: Pasfield (Gk), Kwasnik, Hearfield, Amini
3.11am - Wow. I just found out about this Zombie experience thing. You go to an abandoned shopping center, get given airsoft guns and have to fight your wayhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif through hordes of the undead. Wow. Check. This. Shit. Out.
Also, I didn't get paid for that. I'm not that lucky.
3.04am - Central Coast need to win this. They are two points ahead of Roar, having surrendered an 11 point lead they held earlier in the season. A win will put them out of reach, but a draw will leave them 3 points ahead. Roar have a superior goal difference. If Central Coast draw or lose, Brisbane can win their derby with Gold Coast and win the title in the same match. Tense, no? If that's not enough to whet your appetite, Wellington sit 4th. They're 3 points behind Perth Glory, and are 2 goals worse off. Due to Glory's higher goals scored tally, Phoenix need to win by 3 goals if they're to guarentee themselves a home match up until the preliminary final. High stakes, I know.
3.01am - So let's have a look at our first match shall we?
2.58am - I'm not sure anyone will, but hey, worth a try! If you want to get in contact, by all means tweet us @firstflightfoot (the missing y is because the name was too long). Your tweet will appear on the right of this page. While you're here, like us on facebook too!
2.56am - The clocks went forward here in England today, I'm missing an hour of sleep. Not happy.
2.53am - Alright guys! Dukey here bringing you another FFF Live Text. It's the final day of the regular season in the Hyundai A-League, and boy do we have some crackers for you today. Central Coast Mariners will look to seal the Premier's Plate against a Wellington side with an eye on the finals. Sydney and Newcastle will battle it out for the final...finals...place available, with Sydney needing a win if they're to avoid a boring post-season. If the Mariners fail to win, Brisbane will look to take their chance and must beat Gold Coast to have any chance retaining the plate and of winning the first back to back title of the league. Fascinating stuff.
6.00am - It's time for bed. 6am. I'm so tired. Well done to the Mariners, commiserations to Brisbane, and good luck Sydney and Newcastle. Good night, y'all.
5.55am - GAME OVER. CENTRAL COAST ARE THE A-LEAGUE CHAMPIONS
5.53am - Central Coast are 2 minutes away from being crowned champions if they can just hold on.
5.49am - Still going, they're really going for it, these Kiwis.
5.46am - I don't believe this, Phoenix are attacking...watch this space...
GOAL: Someone (WP) Wellington Phoenix 1-2 Central Coast Mariners
This isn't over yet. I didn't catch who, but that was one hell of a free kick. Ryan stood no chance in his goal. 10 minutes to play.
5.39am - Wellington string some attacks together, each time getting straight to the keeper.
5.34am - Kwasnik on, Sutton off. One of the Wellington playersis down with what looks like cramp.
5.33am - Should have been 3. Head at close range bounces slow and high towards the top corner, not sure how it didnt go in, great defence.
5.31am - Mariners almost teasing the Kiwis now. Passing the ball around at ease, Phoenix posing no real threat.
5.29am - Central Coast have a chance to bury it once and for all. (Dont ask me the names, I can't see on my PC , it hates me right now) Someone passed it off to someone else who tried to whip it into the box, but it was cleared
5.25am - They're just all over the Phoenix now. It's going to take some inspired coaching by Herbert to pull this back round. Graham Arnold must be rubbing his hands together with glee.
5.20am - This game has been turned on its head. Mariners are on the attack, Wellington are desparately defending. Corners and everything.
GOAL: Ibini (CCM) Wellington Phoenix 0-2 Central Coast Mariners
Ibini gets a goal. Central Coast have this wrapped up. Phoenix won't be celebrating today.
GOAL: Sutton (CCM) Wellington Phoenix 0-1 Central Coast Mariners
Oh they do not deserve this. Mistake in the Wellington box allows Sutton to somehow steer the ball home. Brisbane...it's out of your hands. And there's half time.
4.49am - The keepers haven't had to do much, but Central Coast's is proving dependable. When called upon, he's always been there to collect.
4.47am - Just a couple of minutes left of the first half now. Both sides seem to be taking a breather. I can't see Phoenix getting 3 today, sorry lads.
4.44am - Bozanic whips in a free kick to the Wellington box. Nothing comes of it, though. Surprisingly littleresistance coming from the Mariners side.
4.41am - Interesting to see what Graham Arnold says at Half Time. As it stands, a Brisbane win would see them snatch the title from under the nose of the Mariners.
4.39am - Shots still fizzing around the place, all in the direction of the Central Coast goal though.
4.36am - Mega annoyed with my slow laptop right now. Grr. No sign of goals yet.
4.34am - New Zealand's U23's are winning against Fiji's in an Olympic qualifier, btw
4.31am - Handball claims dismissed by the referee. Clearly ball to hand by a Central Coast palyer.
4.28am - Free kick...over from Manny Muscat. Pressure still being piled on by Phoenix, nothing major from the Mariners yet.
4.25am - Both teams committing people forward. Strategy for Wellington thus far? Get the ball to Bertos and let him whip it in, see what we can do. Mariners trying a steady build up play.
4.24am - Phoenix really starting to apply pressure now. Zwaanswijk the hero for the Mariners this time.
4.22am - Pedj Bojic reads Bertos' cross. He's having trouble getting service to Greenacre today.
4.21am - 15 minutes of game time gone, to give you an idea. This must be the fullest I've ever seen the Westpac stadium.
4.19am - Just saw we have views from Australia and New Zealand. Hello guys! :D
4.18am - This game's like a basketball game. End to end stuff.
4.14am - I think that was Sutton...he just skied it over the Wellington bar, that was miles away.
4.12am - Corner to Mariners. Well cleared by the Phoenix lines, they try to counter attack, but it comes to nothing
4.08am - Nothing much happening. Probes from both ends.
4.06am - Kick off.
3.54am - 6 minutes. Ooga Booga.
3.51am - 9 minutes to kickoff. EXCITEMENT.
3.40am - Overall Head-To-Head Record
Played 14; Wellington Phoenix FC 5, Central Coast Mariners FC 7, Drawn 2
Head-To-Head at this venue
Played 8; Wellington Phoenix FC 3, Central Coast Mariners FC 3, Drawn 2
Still even for the most part.
3.34am - Last 5 Matches Head-to-Head
Central Coast Mariners FC, 2-0, Bluetongue Stadium, 18 Feb 2012
Central Coast Mariners FC, 2-1, Westpac Stadium, 4 Nov 2011
Central Coast Mariners FC, 1-0, Bluetongue Stadium, 9 Jan 2011
Central Coast Mariners FC, 3-0, Westpac Stadium, 13 Nov 2010
Wellington Phoenix FC, 2-0, Westpac Stadium, 22 Aug 2010
I guess if anything, history is on the Mariners side. However, they've only played one of the last 5 away from home. Potential sticking point? They lost that one match.
3.28am - Sorry for a lack of activity here guys, not much happening right now!
3.22am - Quick note about Gold Coast United. Today could be their last ever match unless investors are moved in quickly. I hope it isn't. Although a potentially title-deciding derby day isn't a bad way to go out.
3.17am - Just been handed the teamsheets.
Wellington: Paston Muscat Durante Sigmund Lochhead Brown Lia Bertos Sanchez Greenacre Ifill
Subs: Warner(GK), Ward Pavlovic Smith.
CCM: Ryan (Gk), Rose, Wilkinson (C), Zwaanswijk, Bojic, Hutchinson, Bozanic, McGlinchey, Rogic, Sutton, Ibini
Subs: Pasfield (Gk), Kwasnik, Hearfield, Amini
3.11am - Wow. I just found out about this Zombie experience thing. You go to an abandoned shopping center, get given airsoft guns and have to fight your wayhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif through hordes of the undead. Wow. Check. This. Shit. Out.
Also, I didn't get paid for that. I'm not that lucky.
3.04am - Central Coast need to win this. They are two points ahead of Roar, having surrendered an 11 point lead they held earlier in the season. A win will put them out of reach, but a draw will leave them 3 points ahead. Roar have a superior goal difference. If Central Coast draw or lose, Brisbane can win their derby with Gold Coast and win the title in the same match. Tense, no? If that's not enough to whet your appetite, Wellington sit 4th. They're 3 points behind Perth Glory, and are 2 goals worse off. Due to Glory's higher goals scored tally, Phoenix need to win by 3 goals if they're to guarentee themselves a home match up until the preliminary final. High stakes, I know.
3.01am - So let's have a look at our first match shall we?
2.58am - I'm not sure anyone will, but hey, worth a try! If you want to get in contact, by all means tweet us @firstflightfoot (the missing y is because the name was too long). Your tweet will appear on the right of this page. While you're here, like us on facebook too!
2.56am - The clocks went forward here in England today, I'm missing an hour of sleep. Not happy.
2.53am - Alright guys! Dukey here bringing you another FFF Live Text. It's the final day of the regular season in the Hyundai A-League, and boy do we have some crackers for you today. Central Coast Mariners will look to seal the Premier's Plate against a Wellington side with an eye on the finals. Sydney and Newcastle will battle it out for the final...finals...place available, with Sydney needing a win if they're to avoid a boring post-season. If the Mariners fail to win, Brisbane will look to take their chance and must beat Gold Coast to have any chance retaining the plate and of winning the first back to back title of the league. Fascinating stuff.
Wednesday, 21 March 2012
A-League: Penultimate Weekend
No time for details, you'll get a live text for each of the final weekends' games though. :) I'll give you the scores and a quick comment.
Melbourne Victory 3-0 Wellington Phoenix
Melbourne chose the wrong time to find their form, Wellington chose the wrong time to lose it. They didn't look like a finals winning side. Perhaps they're trying to save energy now they know their place is secure. But going into the final week, they know they're guarenteed a third or fourth place finish.
Central Coast Mariners 1-0 Adelaide United
Central Coast need a win in their next game to guarentee the Premier plate. Adelaide need a draw to guarentee their evasion of the wooden spoon. While Mariners didn't particularly look like a title winning side, grinding out results is the hallmark of champions.
Newcastle Jets 1-2 Brisbane Roar
Brisbane need to win to have any chance of taking the plate. If Mariners draw, Roar's goal difference will be enough to put them in first - they just need to win. It could be the first time a team has retained the A-League title. Jets need to draw with Sydney next week to stay in the finals places.
Melbourne Heart 2-2 Sydney FC
Heart are in the finals. No matter what the result of the Jets - Sydney game is, there is no possible way that both sides will be able to overtake them. Sydney have to beat Jets. They'll have to throw everything at them, only a win will do.
Gold Coast United 3-0 Perth Glory
Gold Coast...*sigh* I hope they're around next season. They're so unpredictable. Get new investors. Perth...They're in the finals, but they have the same problem as Melbourne. They need to get back to winning ways and fast if they're going to challenge for the championship.
Melbourne Victory 3-0 Wellington Phoenix
Melbourne chose the wrong time to find their form, Wellington chose the wrong time to lose it. They didn't look like a finals winning side. Perhaps they're trying to save energy now they know their place is secure. But going into the final week, they know they're guarenteed a third or fourth place finish.
Central Coast Mariners 1-0 Adelaide United
Central Coast need a win in their next game to guarentee the Premier plate. Adelaide need a draw to guarentee their evasion of the wooden spoon. While Mariners didn't particularly look like a title winning side, grinding out results is the hallmark of champions.
Newcastle Jets 1-2 Brisbane Roar
Brisbane need to win to have any chance of taking the plate. If Mariners draw, Roar's goal difference will be enough to put them in first - they just need to win. It could be the first time a team has retained the A-League title. Jets need to draw with Sydney next week to stay in the finals places.
Melbourne Heart 2-2 Sydney FC
Heart are in the finals. No matter what the result of the Jets - Sydney game is, there is no possible way that both sides will be able to overtake them. Sydney have to beat Jets. They'll have to throw everything at them, only a win will do.
Gold Coast United 3-0 Perth Glory
Gold Coast...*sigh* I hope they're around next season. They're so unpredictable. Get new investors. Perth...They're in the finals, but they have the same problem as Melbourne. They need to get back to winning ways and fast if they're going to challenge for the championship.
Wednesday, 14 March 2012
A-League: Run-in Preview
Well here we are. Tomorrow kicks off the penultimate round of A-League regular season matches. It is now that some teams can start preparations for the finals. For others, it is a time to blood their youngsters, while there are still a few teams involved in the scrap for the title or to actually get a finals place. Let's have a gander (I'm learning the lingo!) at the current standings.
Central Coast Mariners - 45 Points
Brisbane Roar FC - 43 Points
Perth Glory FC - 40 Points
Wellington Phoenix FC - 40 Points
Melbourne Heart FC - 35 Points
Newcastle Jets FC - 35 Points
Sydney FC - 34 Points
Melbourne Victory FC - 26 Points
Adelaide United FC - 24 Points
Gold Coast United FC - 18 Points
Now let's have a look at a breakdown. Ohhh yeeeeah.
Central Coast Mariners
Position - 1st
Highest Possible Finish - 1st
Lowest Possible Finish - 4th
Last 5 Matches - LDLDW
Final Matches - Adelaide United, Wellington Phoenix
Prediction
Central Coast started the season slowly, picking up points quietly while Brisbane took all the plaudits. As soon as Roar began to stutter, the Mariners were right in there to take their spot. However, recently there form has been a shambles, their win against Phoenix in February being their most recent victory. They face a stubborn Adelaide who, though only playing for pride, managed to hold rivals Brisbane to a draw last time out. They will then face Phoenix, who have their own title ambitions. While a draw will all but end Perth and Phoenix's challenge, it will let in Roar who have a superior goal difference. I think it will most likely be a Central Coast premiership win, but the finals will be a different story. My final prediction is that the Mariners will finish First.
Brisbane Roar
Position - 2nd
Highest Possible Finish - 1st
Lowest Possible Finish - 4th
Last 5 Matches - DDWWW
Final Matches - Newcastle Jets, Gold Coast United
Prediction
The golden boys of Australian sport fell apart mid-season, and that has cost them. Even if they managed to get one or two points rather than those losses, they would quite likely be in the lead right now. There is no point dwelling on what-ifs, and they have gone about the business of catching up with the Mariners and fending off advances from Perth, Wellington and Heart. They'll be playing a Jets team who are going to be desparate for points to guarentee their finals place, whereas the challenge from Gold Coast...is a hard one to call. It's a derby match, so anything is possible, but Gold Coast are wounded from months of turbulence. However, they did manage to draw 3-3 with the Mariners. I really can't call the match. But I think that Brisbane will most likely finish Second, though I do hope they manage to draw level with the Mariners this weekend and give us a cracker of a final matchday.
Perth Glory
Position - 3rd
Highest Possible Finish - 1st
Lowest Possible Finish - 5th
Last 5 Matches - WWLWL
Final Matches - Gold Coast United, Melbourne Victory
Prediction
These guys really went on one hell of a run, didn't they? It's a shame they petered out, I genuinely thought they would be the dark horse of the competition. They still are, don't get me wrong. Gold Coast, no disrespect intended, are very beatable, as are a struggling Melbourne Victory. Yes, a first A-League title will require other results to go their way (namely Central Coast and Brisbane both need to lose). A Central Coast draw would leave them in a position in which they could potentially catch up, but an inferior goal difference means they would need some convincing victories to have a chance. While Perth are in essentially the same position as Phoenix (up to the same Goal Difference), in view of their considerably easier game against Gold Coast, I think Perth will most likely finish...Third.
Wellington Phoenix
Position - 4th
Highest Possible Finish - 1st
Lowest Possible Finish - 5th
Last 5 Matches - DWWLL
Final Matches - Melbourne Victory, Central Coast Mariners
Prediction
I like Phoenix. They came from the ashes of the Knightz, and this season they've really blossomed. Against all expectation, they've surprised us time and again, and it's just a shame they couldn't keep up their good run. While they can technically win the league, I really wouldn't count on it. Too many other results have to go their way to make it happen. They are more likely to be the spoilers. If they can hold the Mariners to a draw, it will allow Brisbane to jump in and retain their title. But for my money, they have a much better chance of winning the finals. They just need to decide whether to give it all for these last two games, or just try and save their energy. With this in mind, I wouldn't be surprised to see them finish Fourth.
Melbourne Heart
Position - 5th
Highest Possible Finish - 3rd
Lowest Possible Finish - 7th
Last 5 Matches - DDWWL
Final Matches - Sydney FC, Adelaide United
Prediction
Heart had their own run of form...I'm starting to notice a trend...Anyway, Eli Babalj and Fred have been fantastic for them. They have single-handedly dragged Heart kicking and screaming to their finals place. However, it's not over yet. Sydney FC, who are only 1 point behind, are up next. This is going to be their deciding match for the season. It's all or nothing. They have to win it to guarentee them a spot. Adelaide shouldn't be too much of a trouble, but that doesn't mean they're through yet. I think they'll manage to at least draw with Sydney and Adelaide, and I think they'll finish Fifth. This table really doesn't look like it will shift.
Newcastle Jets
Position - 6th
Highest Possible Finish - 3rd
Lowest Possible Finish - 7th
Last 5 Matches - DWWLW
Final Matches - Brisbane Roar, Sydney FC
Prediction
After all the stick I gave the Jets at the beginning of the season, they've really turned it around. They're finally starting to play like a team, which will serve them well if they make the playoffs. However, I don't think they will. I think Brisbane will beat them, and the Sydney match will most likely be a Sydney victory. Funny, Sydney - Newcastle was the first A-League match I ever watched. It'll be an important one this time. I don't think they'll make it, though. Next season, expect to see a more determined side. They'll finish Seventh
Sydney FC
Position - 7th
Highest Possible Finish - 3rd
Lowest Possible Finish - 7th
Last 5 Matches - WDLWW
Final Matches - Melbourne Heart, Newcastle Jets
Prediction
What a season they've had. Disappointment, mainly. They were expected to do well, but Brett Emerton, while playing well on his own, has failed to ignite a spark in the rest of the side, and they're now scrambling for a finals spot. They play both of the teams ahead of them, that's what makes this so juicy. I don't know which of them they'll beat, but I'm sure they'll get at least 3 points from these two games. I have a feeling they'll beat Newcastle, and perhaps draw with Melbourne. So based on this, I reckon they'll finish Sixth. Not good enough for their fans, but it'll at least give them a chance in the finals.
Melbourne Victory
Position - 8th
Highest Possible Finish - 8th
Lowest Possible Finish - 9th
Last 5 Matches - LLDLW
Final Matches - Wellington Phoenix, Perth Glory
Prediction
Well, well, well. I guess now we're getting onto the Also-rans. Actually, that's a bit cruel, but they have completely failed this season. Has the Harry Kewell experiment failed? No. He has played well towards the end of the season, it's just down to whether he will still be there next season, or if he'll move elsewhere in the A-League, or even abroad. Either way, I feel Magilton needs to go. Yes, he inherited a poorly constructed squad, but he just hasn't been able to galvanise them. They'll lose to Phoenix and Glory, but since Adelaide most likely won't pick up the 2 point deficit, they'll finish Eighth.
Adelaide United
Position - 9th
Highest Possible Finish - 8th
Lowest Possible Finish - 10th
Last 5 Matches - DLLLW
Final Matches - Central Coast Mariners, Melbourne Heart
Prediction
Adelaide...they changed bosses, and had a rejuvenation, but despite playing well, they just couldn't get the victories. As much as it pains me to say it, I can't see them picking up the points to overtake the Victory. Both the teams they'll be playing have something to play for (Premiership and finals). As long as they can hold onto Sergio Van Dijk, they should be OK next season. But they'll finish Ninth this time.
Gold Coast United
Position - 10th
Highest Possible Finish - 9th
Lowest Possible Finish - 10th
Last 5 Matches - DLDDL
Final Matches - Perth Glory, Brisbane Roar
Prediction
Tenth. It pains me to say it. Gold Coast have so many talented youngsters like Mitch Cooper and Ben Halloran, and they'll find new clubs easy. I just...I can't see GCU being around next year. Clive Palmer, while he has spoken some sense, has ruined the club. They have failed to engage with the community, and while there are some investors interested, I don't think we'll see much action at Skilled Park next season. More likely to see a Western Sydney or Canberra side. Shame.
Central Coast Mariners - 45 Points
Brisbane Roar FC - 43 Points
Perth Glory FC - 40 Points
Wellington Phoenix FC - 40 Points
Melbourne Heart FC - 35 Points
Newcastle Jets FC - 35 Points
Sydney FC - 34 Points
Melbourne Victory FC - 26 Points
Adelaide United FC - 24 Points
Gold Coast United FC - 18 Points
Now let's have a look at a breakdown. Ohhh yeeeeah.
Central Coast Mariners
Position - 1st
Highest Possible Finish - 1st
Lowest Possible Finish - 4th
Last 5 Matches - LDLDW
Final Matches - Adelaide United, Wellington Phoenix
Prediction
Central Coast started the season slowly, picking up points quietly while Brisbane took all the plaudits. As soon as Roar began to stutter, the Mariners were right in there to take their spot. However, recently there form has been a shambles, their win against Phoenix in February being their most recent victory. They face a stubborn Adelaide who, though only playing for pride, managed to hold rivals Brisbane to a draw last time out. They will then face Phoenix, who have their own title ambitions. While a draw will all but end Perth and Phoenix's challenge, it will let in Roar who have a superior goal difference. I think it will most likely be a Central Coast premiership win, but the finals will be a different story. My final prediction is that the Mariners will finish First.
Brisbane Roar
Position - 2nd
Highest Possible Finish - 1st
Lowest Possible Finish - 4th
Last 5 Matches - DDWWW
Final Matches - Newcastle Jets, Gold Coast United
Prediction
The golden boys of Australian sport fell apart mid-season, and that has cost them. Even if they managed to get one or two points rather than those losses, they would quite likely be in the lead right now. There is no point dwelling on what-ifs, and they have gone about the business of catching up with the Mariners and fending off advances from Perth, Wellington and Heart. They'll be playing a Jets team who are going to be desparate for points to guarentee their finals place, whereas the challenge from Gold Coast...is a hard one to call. It's a derby match, so anything is possible, but Gold Coast are wounded from months of turbulence. However, they did manage to draw 3-3 with the Mariners. I really can't call the match. But I think that Brisbane will most likely finish Second, though I do hope they manage to draw level with the Mariners this weekend and give us a cracker of a final matchday.
Perth Glory
Position - 3rd
Highest Possible Finish - 1st
Lowest Possible Finish - 5th
Last 5 Matches - WWLWL
Final Matches - Gold Coast United, Melbourne Victory
Prediction
These guys really went on one hell of a run, didn't they? It's a shame they petered out, I genuinely thought they would be the dark horse of the competition. They still are, don't get me wrong. Gold Coast, no disrespect intended, are very beatable, as are a struggling Melbourne Victory. Yes, a first A-League title will require other results to go their way (namely Central Coast and Brisbane both need to lose). A Central Coast draw would leave them in a position in which they could potentially catch up, but an inferior goal difference means they would need some convincing victories to have a chance. While Perth are in essentially the same position as Phoenix (up to the same Goal Difference), in view of their considerably easier game against Gold Coast, I think Perth will most likely finish...Third.
Wellington Phoenix
Position - 4th
Highest Possible Finish - 1st
Lowest Possible Finish - 5th
Last 5 Matches - DWWLL
Final Matches - Melbourne Victory, Central Coast Mariners
Prediction
I like Phoenix. They came from the ashes of the Knightz, and this season they've really blossomed. Against all expectation, they've surprised us time and again, and it's just a shame they couldn't keep up their good run. While they can technically win the league, I really wouldn't count on it. Too many other results have to go their way to make it happen. They are more likely to be the spoilers. If they can hold the Mariners to a draw, it will allow Brisbane to jump in and retain their title. But for my money, they have a much better chance of winning the finals. They just need to decide whether to give it all for these last two games, or just try and save their energy. With this in mind, I wouldn't be surprised to see them finish Fourth.
Melbourne Heart
Position - 5th
Highest Possible Finish - 3rd
Lowest Possible Finish - 7th
Last 5 Matches - DDWWL
Final Matches - Sydney FC, Adelaide United
Prediction
Heart had their own run of form...I'm starting to notice a trend...Anyway, Eli Babalj and Fred have been fantastic for them. They have single-handedly dragged Heart kicking and screaming to their finals place. However, it's not over yet. Sydney FC, who are only 1 point behind, are up next. This is going to be their deciding match for the season. It's all or nothing. They have to win it to guarentee them a spot. Adelaide shouldn't be too much of a trouble, but that doesn't mean they're through yet. I think they'll manage to at least draw with Sydney and Adelaide, and I think they'll finish Fifth. This table really doesn't look like it will shift.
Newcastle Jets
Position - 6th
Highest Possible Finish - 3rd
Lowest Possible Finish - 7th
Last 5 Matches - DWWLW
Final Matches - Brisbane Roar, Sydney FC
Prediction
After all the stick I gave the Jets at the beginning of the season, they've really turned it around. They're finally starting to play like a team, which will serve them well if they make the playoffs. However, I don't think they will. I think Brisbane will beat them, and the Sydney match will most likely be a Sydney victory. Funny, Sydney - Newcastle was the first A-League match I ever watched. It'll be an important one this time. I don't think they'll make it, though. Next season, expect to see a more determined side. They'll finish Seventh
Sydney FC
Position - 7th
Highest Possible Finish - 3rd
Lowest Possible Finish - 7th
Last 5 Matches - WDLWW
Final Matches - Melbourne Heart, Newcastle Jets
Prediction
What a season they've had. Disappointment, mainly. They were expected to do well, but Brett Emerton, while playing well on his own, has failed to ignite a spark in the rest of the side, and they're now scrambling for a finals spot. They play both of the teams ahead of them, that's what makes this so juicy. I don't know which of them they'll beat, but I'm sure they'll get at least 3 points from these two games. I have a feeling they'll beat Newcastle, and perhaps draw with Melbourne. So based on this, I reckon they'll finish Sixth. Not good enough for their fans, but it'll at least give them a chance in the finals.
Melbourne Victory
Position - 8th
Highest Possible Finish - 8th
Lowest Possible Finish - 9th
Last 5 Matches - LLDLW
Final Matches - Wellington Phoenix, Perth Glory
Prediction
Well, well, well. I guess now we're getting onto the Also-rans. Actually, that's a bit cruel, but they have completely failed this season. Has the Harry Kewell experiment failed? No. He has played well towards the end of the season, it's just down to whether he will still be there next season, or if he'll move elsewhere in the A-League, or even abroad. Either way, I feel Magilton needs to go. Yes, he inherited a poorly constructed squad, but he just hasn't been able to galvanise them. They'll lose to Phoenix and Glory, but since Adelaide most likely won't pick up the 2 point deficit, they'll finish Eighth.
Adelaide United
Position - 9th
Highest Possible Finish - 8th
Lowest Possible Finish - 10th
Last 5 Matches - DLLLW
Final Matches - Central Coast Mariners, Melbourne Heart
Prediction
Adelaide...they changed bosses, and had a rejuvenation, but despite playing well, they just couldn't get the victories. As much as it pains me to say it, I can't see them picking up the points to overtake the Victory. Both the teams they'll be playing have something to play for (Premiership and finals). As long as they can hold onto Sergio Van Dijk, they should be OK next season. But they'll finish Ninth this time.
Gold Coast United
Position - 10th
Highest Possible Finish - 9th
Lowest Possible Finish - 10th
Last 5 Matches - DLDDL
Final Matches - Perth Glory, Brisbane Roar
Prediction
Tenth. It pains me to say it. Gold Coast have so many talented youngsters like Mitch Cooper and Ben Halloran, and they'll find new clubs easy. I just...I can't see GCU being around next year. Clive Palmer, while he has spoken some sense, has ruined the club. They have failed to engage with the community, and while there are some investors interested, I don't think we'll see much action at Skilled Park next season. More likely to see a Western Sydney or Canberra side. Shame.
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