Sydney FC rorting the salary cap?
Nick and debutante Geoff run the rule over the weekend's matches. Is Adelaide a spent force? Will Mike Mulvey resurrect Roarcelona?
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Sunday, 23 December 2012
Wednesday, 28 November 2012
Nearpost Podcast November 28th
Nick, Gerald and Clive are back again this week, taking a look at Holger's squad for the East Asian Cup qualifiers as well as discussing the week's news in Australian football.
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Thursday, 22 November 2012
What's Your Plan Holger?
Nick Amies, Gerald Crawford and Clive MacKillop take an in-depth look at the new A-League broadcast deal as well as running the rule over Holger Osieck's tenure as Socceroos coach.
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Tuesday, 6 November 2012
The Podcast Returns...
After a brief vacation the Nearpost Podcast is back! Nick Amies, Ben Kelly and Clive MacKillop take you through all the action of the weekend's A-League and W-League fixtures and also giving you their predictions for the upcoming round of fixtures.
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Sydney FC - Rogic is just developing, Flores and co are the final product.
You knew they'd concede heaps once Sydney came out 3-1 down on Saturday and went to a back three.
They did.
Schoolboy Coaching? Possibly, schoolboy defending...all game.
Confidence at an all time low?
Of course 6 or 7 players out including a defence means results are perhaps not showing the real Sydney especially as its early in the season.
But you can guarantee if they can't get three out of four defenders back for this week they'll get thumped again.
Melbourne will rip them to shreds.
Worse teams than Melbourne have caused them problems this season; think game 1 v Wellington.
The pace, touch and vibrancy of the Victory front six could scare Trent McClenahan and co.
Tommy Rogic - he's just developing, Flores and co are the real thing.
Brebner and Broxham gone - Ernie Merrick take note!
It has always been interesting to watch the evolution of Australia's biggest supported football club. Melbourne Victory.
Ernie Merrick took them to the heights early.
Thumping Sydney FC at Olympic Park in season 1 in front of a sold out crowd, followed in Season 2 by Archie's Grand Final (I was there)demolition of Adelaide United in front of 55,000 at one of the AFL's once previously monopolised hallowed grounds.
Ernie remained, players changed.
Grant Brebner and Leigh Broxham took centre stage and Ernie couldn't see it.
The damage done to the brand, the Victory brand.
Renowned for fast flowing football particularly in season 2 with Fred flying in behind and at times ahead even of Archie and Allsopp, things slowed a little once the Killer B's took over.
In Asia Ernie's men were embarrassing. Every time.
And surely that was the true test for the rampant A-League squad.
Second time in Asia, Ernie was ditched pretty early.
And so Brebner, the faithful long ball servant retired.
And Leigh Broxham after just one game under Ange and a demoralising few minutes at full back where he clearly gave up against Brisbane, or seemed to, he's also now gone.
Not even on the bench.
Fans, we think we know football.
We'd be screaming for years that Brebner and Broxham might get a you a result or two against Brisbane but they never were going to take the club forward, into Asia were they?
Ange must be a fan, that's all you can assume!
Rado v Ange: Round 5 assessment
It was all Rado, what did Ange do?
Or so came the cry from some football followers and if grew a little louder once Brisbane had thumped Melbourne 5-0 in Round 2.
5 rounds in and it's time for further assessment.
Melbourne Victory are the most improved team in the league.
Their first half performance was simply stunning last night v the renowned tough to beat Wellington Phoenix. Last night Melbourne passed and passed again. It was fast and incisive, more so that Brisbane at their best? Possibly.
And I loved it.
Archie and Marco Rojas have more pace than Brisbane ever had in the forward line and although Flinkler and Flores struggle for pace and endurance they can play a pass, a special pass, to ongoing willing runners can't they?
If anything Melbourne at their best are slightly more direct than Brisbane were at their best. Is this deliberate or just the nature of the group assets?
Brisbane are still maintaining possession but five games in they are looking far less potent and although still have a lot to offer no doubt they need to find extra pace and energy not to mention a few goals.
There ball possession is still fine, but their ball movement too predictable and too slow to create real havoc. Early days?
Broich looks a little less consistent this year. Berisha also - is he following Rado's new plan by dropping deeper or is this just his frustration coming through.
The Roar without Ivan Franjic are half the team and it was no surprise with him back against Adelaide the possession and energy so reliant on wide players, returned. Not so the goals, not yet.
Melbourne showed they have been training.
How many goals will Archie create for Rojas? At least three tap ins already. Interesting!
And with Flores and Finkler combining for one of the goals of the season, mind you the other two for Victory weren't bad were they, then you can see things are on the up.
Pace and movement in the final third is evident and thrilling. One touch.
Weakness? Clearly they couldn't sustain it beyond 48 minutes or the third goal!
Wellington came back hard which showed how well Victory had played early on. But Ange would be worried.
Flores and Finkler are no Mackay and Murdocha. Can you see Victory winning games in the last 3 minutes? Not yet, not with these players.
But Victory have shown they can possibly perform on a par, maybe even better than Brisbane at their best.
Victory's defence, even the much-maligned Adrian Leijer, seemed more composed.
Although if the ball is down the other end all night you can pick yourself up for the odd chase and tackle I suppose.
Mark Milligan over Jon Bru is a huge improvement.
Great for the A-League to have another Ange team producing excitement. If he spends two years at each club in another 16 or so think of the quality of the league!!!
If it's not Ange that produces the quality free-flowing team, then who is it? Kevin Muscat?
Sunday, 4 November 2012
Sydney FC: The entertainers. And have they found a no. 9?
Have you ever seen Sydney FC entertain like that?
They were sharp out of the blocks, took the lead with a great finish and with a little more urgency could have been a couple up early.
The Mariners were all at sea, unusually sloppy with their ball retention in front of their back four and the defence was losing tackles and players at will.
But Sydney despite being handed the lead and the initiative contrived to throw it all away in an instant.
The keeper spilled a tame shot, and Seb Ryall simply bundled the ball home to ensure it was a double catatrosphe.
It got worse.
Josh Rose parked himself in the attack...Holger must be worried about Emmo defensively after that..and Tommy Rogic slowly delivered the ball to anyone who wanted it and if they didn't he simply shot and scored himself.
Trent McClenahan fouled in the box when the danger had passed. Did he have a bet on.
3-1 and that's before half time. Sydney simply couldn't defend.
And then Ian Crook sends them out with a back three.
I kid you not. We all screamed it's going to be a mauling.
7-2. It was.
Danny McBreen even scored three!!!
Adam Griffith, Pascal Bosschardt and Fabio could easily reduce this game to a 3-2 type of defeat...and that's at best.
The positives? Sydney showed some attacking flair, real creativity against a Mariners team not easy to breakdown.
How many times have we watched a laborious Sydney FC build up...slowly. Oh for the days!
Have they found a new number 9 in the Panamanian. Jason Culina and ADP will need young legs around them. But it might be worth getting Yau in front of ADP. Surely ADP can release this guy. Lovrek is never going to score is he?
Sydney can be a good team, they have the players but do they have the Coaching staff.
After the performance in Wellington - they had a pre-season to prepare for that - the game last week and last night you wonder what they are going to build on in training this week.
United leave it late - but what quality goals..sssh don't tell the Canberra Times
Funny how people see a game of football.
I read the Canberra Times report of the game between Canberra United and Adelaide and you got a sense it was all United and they left it late but the report missed the real talking point among the fans.
The sheer quality of the goals.
Caitlin Cooper rose at the NEARPOST like that leaping salmon and thundered the ball into the net. The tension lifted immediately.
It was a crucial goal at a crucial point in the game.
United had struggled to complete many of their excellent opportunities and Adelaide had clung to a 1-0 lead.
But a more powerful leap and header than Coopers you won't see.
Until the second goal.
Ariane Hingst drove a free kick into the ball into the box with such power and pace, it had to be seen to be believed.
No-one in the stands wanted to head it believe me.
Ellie Brush came tearing in, leaping into the path of the ball and simply smashed the ball home.
It was the winning goal. It deserved to be the winning goal and Captain Brush, who had been leaping and winning headers all day, showed the determination, skill and leadership to win the game.
And then enter Sammy Wood. Wood picked the ball up maybe 20 - 25 metres out (40 in the Canberra Times apparently, that would make the half way circle in my book) and having only just come on, looked up and drove and effectively lobbed the keeper.
No mean feat, especially when you consider Sammy is in her first season and only just getting a few minutes on the park. This was her second run as substitute.
To understand the importance of the goal to Sammy, to Jitka you have to know something about the game, the players. If Sammy can score a goal like that in those minutes who knows what she can do over the season.
I think it was the confidence to try the shot that impressed me most. The delivery? Well that sent me home smiling!
You can read the Canberra Times report here!
Wednesday, 31 October 2012
Jitka Klimkova - my pick for the next Australian Coach
With Matildas Coach Tom Sermanni stepping down the search is on for the next Coach.
Should we appoint from within, or bring in new ideas?
Certainly we need someone who can lead the game not just the team. Tactful and savvy with the media and of course a great coach of a team reaching for the heights.
So who is out there?
Here's my top three in no particularly order.
Robbie Hooker? Professional, former Matildas and now current Socceroos Assistant, Robbie is experienced and able to pick up where Tom left off. Would he bring new ideas? He'd keep the ship moving you'd think but would he take it forward? a recognised outstanding coach, is he the top man, a leader? Media savvy? Not sure he'd promote the game as well as Tom.
Jitka Klimkova? Jitka is not Australian but has won the W-League title with Canberra United. A natural progression? Thought very highly of in the W-League, and standout Coach from the current crop. Professional, able and hugely talented. Media savvy? Very.
Spencer Prior? Limited experience as a Head Coach, would probably represent a big risk. Although Tom Sermanni has had plenty of time to make his assessment of both Spencer and Robbie. If the former EPL player gets the gig he's won the Golden Ticket - from retired EPL player to Head Coach of a National team, and not just any national team but one from the lucky country.
I don't think he's ever been a Head Coach of a professional team.
He is the current Assistant to Tom Sermanni. Media savvy? Certainly he's done a lot of work in this area but unproven as head of a national media circus.
It it time for a female Coach?
Unless it's Klimkova it isn't going to happen is it?
Should the Coach be Australian? Yes and no.
It's important to grow the game and the coaching opportunities in Australia. I'd like to see an Australian Coach or someone currently living and committed to the game in Australia.
That makes the three candidates above top of the list.
I think taking all things into account
I'd go with Klimkova. Or is there someone else in the wings? Gary van Egmond?
World's best appoint Australian Football Coach
A great day for Australian football.
Matildas Coach Tom Sermanni has been appointed Head Coach of the World's Number One ranked Football team, USA.
While this is a huge blow for the Matildas let's pause a moment and consider this.
An Australian Coach has been appointed Head of one of the best, if not the best, teams in the World.
Aussie Coaching on the rise? You bet.
Hats off to Tom, he has been an unbelievable success in his 8 years in charge of the Matildas, leaves the squad in good shape, transformed the team and squads through various transitions and leaves with huge interest in the game from fans and the next talented group of players.
Nearpost Radio - we want hosts/presenters - all things Aussie football
Nearpost Radio runs on 2xx 98.3fm every Tuesday 6.30pm - 7pm from the Griffin Centre, next to the Canberra Centre, in Civic.
Nearpost covers all things Socceroos, A-League and W-League. We're Aussie based and Aussie focused. (Few other, if any, radio or tv shows only cover Australian football)
The show was launched by Fox Sports Simon Hill over five years ago and in that time many passionate football fans have been involved in the show.
Paddy Bordier, Nick Cumpston and Lucy Zelic have recently been asked to produce, host and present the FFA's new weekly warm-up A-League podcast and as a result Mariners Mad Nick Amies is looking for new hosts and/or presenters, either weekly, or fortnightly.
The show goes to air live each week, is podcast on itunes and on this blog and also goes live and recorded to some of the 300 Community Radio Stations across the ACR Network.
If you know your Australian football why not get involved? contact flanagan.eamonn@gmail.com if you'd like to know more.
Sunday, 28 October 2012
Would Ange let Berisha run around like that?
Interesting to watch Berisha run around headless on the weekend. How deep can a number 9 go? Would Ange allow that?
Thomas Broich gave away more balls in one game than in the whole of the previous season. Would Ange allow that? Central Broich as well! Rado - it aint working is it.
The Roar kept coming, but it wasn't like the Roar of old was it.
You never really felt they were going to break the Wanderers down.
Watching the Roar post Ange - there have been changes in this order.
1. More defeats.
2. Longer passes
3. More poor passes
4. Player movement gone haywire, watch Berisha
5. Ivan Franjic a key mobile player crucial to the Roar system has missed a number of of games already.
Bad day at the office or signs of change?
A-League - a line been drawn?
Four games in and we're getting a feel for the season ahead.
Melbourne Heart,West Sydney Wanderers, Sydney FC and probably Wellington Phoenix are my current tips for the bottom four places this year.
The Heart flattered in their first game but have struggled since. Dylan MacAllister got rave reviews in game one. but I wasn't fooled. The forward line looks to be a little unimaginative. David Williams isnt really going to win a game for you is he?
What can help the Heart? Possibly Vinny Grella, if he can still run, could release Richard Garcia into a more forward direct role. This could save their season. What else?
West Sydney simply will not score enough goals despite a wonderful win on the weekend.
The Phoenix will struggle away from home and as a result may never get into the top six. Sydney FC - can't see them making it can you?
Four games, two wins, penalties and free kicks galore and little else. No goals from open play, or few and therefore few points will come their way.
Surely Melbourne Victory can improve. If they can keep a few clean sheets that would help and on this form they are pushing the bottom four, with the Phoenix possibly penning them down.
Brisbane, Mariners, Perth, Adelaide and Newcastle look healthy. All seem to have plenty of options in their squad this year and are guaranteed goals you'd think.
Do Sydney FC have a forward line?
We know ADP is brilliant but his team isn't is it?
It's important that the A-League has a quality Sydney FC team, especially this year.
Crowds have flocked to the first two home games and the Club clearly have an opportunity to average 20,000 if they are exciting the fans.
But Ian Crook seems to have a battle on his hands doesn't he.
Sydney are lacking in many areas. Amazingly Terry McFlynn the Captain, who presumably Crooky built his pre-season around was dumped after two games.
Will he ever be seen again?
Lovrek looks like the usual Sydney import - all show, no impact. And the Panamanian Lau has yet to control a ball never mind do anything of note, not even against 10 men.
Joel Chianase. Sydney need him back and fast. Can he produce a goal or two on the back of last season. He's still unproven but Mitch Mallia looks lacking everything just now.
Would he be better, more aggressive down the middle?
Sydney's forward line is dire.
The wing backs young and headless in tried and tested Rhyan Grant's case.
Terry Antonis needs to step up this year, but unless Jason Culina and Pascal Bosschart can bring some experience, quality and pace to the team Sydney's season may well be over before it really begins.
Lucky today, completely outclassed by a Perth team well drilled in the ability to keep the ball.
Sydney in the first half had nothing, not even the nous to change the tempo or keep the ball.
Mainly they have no forward line, so what can such a team do. How will they threaten?
It took the pace of Emerton to get beyond the forwards to receive a wonderful ball from Abbass but really could any of the forwards have achieved such a pass. Not with their running or thinking?
Sydney lack a forward line. That is the problem.
Tab cancelled next week - what minute will Jacob collect his 5th booking and his first suspension of the season
Steve Pantelidis sent off and Jacob Burns booked again. We're not dirty - we are as white as snow. But we're making plans for like without Jacob. 5th game, 5th booking coming up!
Monday, 22 October 2012
For the love of football Jacob Burns leave Del Piero alone
It takes 5 bookings to miss a game or two through suspension.
I've no idea if Jacob Burns knows this but surely if we've had three games he's had three bookings. Correct!
As far as I can see most haven't even been in the tunnel - although I suspect the Ref has already marked his card, just to save time.
Who knows maybe Fox demand it so they can get the game in before the ads.
Anyway with just two games to go Perth can then plan to introduce one or two youngsters.
Are there any youngsters in West Australia who play football or does Fergie think Britain and Ireland is West Australia.
So why not take a weekend off Jacob and do not injure our Del Piero or you are dead meat.
Aussies on the rise in football - just to help you Phil get past the atmosphere etc:)
Adam Sarota and Tommy Oar were named in the Eredivsie team of the week. And that's no mean feat is it?
And I couldn't help seeing a remarkable performance, again, from Trent Sainsbury at the heart of the Mariners defence. And he's fast.
James Virgili did some magical work to beat the Mariners experienced defence and lay a goal on a plate for Heskey. I want to see more of Virgili. Simply marvellous.
With Craig Goodwin displaying wonderful arrogance and Ben Halloran tearing it up for the Roar Aussie football is starting to get some wonderful young talent appearing on the scene.
Tom Rogic had his best game to date.
They all have a long way to go but isn't it great, each year, to see the next wannabees all over the A-League. And there seems to be more of them each year and they are coming through more prepared.
Han Berger program and focus taking shape at an individual level?
Pity Perth Glory can't find two or three - I might even watch them then.
Socceroos - are they so crucial to football's growth?
We've always been told that the national team of Australia and their success is absolutely crucial to footballs growth and the A-League's growth?
But is it?
For the first time in living memory the A-League and domestic football has gone through the roof at precisely the time the Socceroos have had a run of their worst performances and results since 2010.
Memberships are rising suggesting that people are more passionate, more often about their local club than the success of the Socceroos.
I'm sure every Australian wants to see the Socceroos succeed but you just get the feeling it's not the definitive saviour of football or the A-League anymore.
Celtic and Rangers fans turn up - and Scotland haven't been to a World Cup for years. Similarly English fans follow their clubs and England often disappoint, by their expectations.
Football, club football can survive without the success of the National team. In the last six or so weeks I'm getting the feeling that A-League success can be built independent of Socceroo success.
Who'd have thought?
Time to get back on the wagon - First Phil Rothchild, Peter and Rebecca are you next?
One of the fiercest snipers at football since the poofter, wog era Phil has not only WATCHED three A-League games on the one weekend, he ENJOYED them. And he's taking his kid to watch Sydney and Perth this weekend.
There were many other decent games he could have watched over the last seven years but seemingly it's all so much better now. Anyway welcome aboard Phil, and looking forward to seeing Rebecca and Fitzy on the bandwagon soon.
Which makes you wonder.
New TV deal coming - has the FFA negotiated editorial as well?
Daily Telegraph reducing the sniping.
Great coverage in the Telly. They've even changed the name to football - why would they do that, right now?
Type rest of the post here
Wednesday, 17 October 2012
Nearpost Podcast October 16th
Our cup runneth over with quality football after last weekend's exploits. The imports continue to impress with Jeronimo, Del Piero and Heskey all netting for their sides and another set of impressive attendances, punctuated by the 35,000 that turned up to see Newcastle steal the show at the SFS. Nick Amies, Gerald Crawford and Tom Logan review all the games from round two as well as taking a look at the Socceroos and the upcoming weekend's matches.
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Monday, 15 October 2012
Forget McFlynn - lets boo the corner dwellers
They call football entertainment and the A-League, off to a flyer, wants fans to return time and time again.
But if players run like scared chooks off to the corners the moment the clock hits 80 or maybe 85 minutes fans will be running out the gates even faster.
Gary Van Egmond is an admirable, proven coach.
Does he send a message to his gun players to "Head to the Corners" or is this the price you get for bringing in experience a la Michael Bridge.
What a great message to give to a young kid.
Craig Goodwin inspired on the weekend and in the form he was in when he had the chance to finish the game or go to the corner, the brave boy chose the corner.
Why?
Individual thought - or Coach instruction?
And it's not just Craig is it.
I don't think it was the Cup Final on the weekend, just a normal round game.
Adelaide are doing it, the Mariners thrive on it, now the Jets. Pathetic.
Is it player advice or standard Coaching technique these days?
Pathetic Coaching - Professional Coaching....who needs it?
Sunday, 14 October 2012
ADP/Heskey awesome but what about our Aussie(s)?
The Sydney crowd for a football game, over 35,000, was massive and you just knew Del Piero would get THAT free-kick on target.
How many times has he taken that free kick in his life. Most players send their first 20 into row Z, ADP simply buried it.
Down the other end Emile Heskey showed a different physique and style but one equally entertaining to watch. His control also mesmerising at times for a big fella under pressure and the ball way off the ground. And a nice goal too.
But while we were all drooling at what the little 37 Italian can do with a mere movement of the hip, it was an Aussie who took my eye.
Craig Goodwin.
Arrogant, don't you love the best players arrogance, pacy, strong and skill.
What a season this guy will have. And what an asset to have in your team.
And later we saw Ben Halloran another Aussie, on fire. And he's only going to improve once the Roar players realise what an outlet they have in front of him.
A Matthew Leckie with more skill?
Brisbane were brilliant. Halloran will take this team to new heights this year. The pace!
But it's equally interesting watching a Champion Coach like Ange Postecoglou coming to terms with what he wants and is trying to achieve.
Last night there was little evidence his team had done anything pre-season!
Wednesday, 10 October 2012
The A-League is back!
It feels wonderful to finally type those words! With crowds on the up and not a single dull game in round one, the season kicked off in style and looks set to improve. Nick Cumpston, Nick Amies and the returning Gerald Crawford review and preview rounds one and two of the A-League whilst also bringing you news from all other areas of Australian football.
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Sunday, 7 October 2012
Football makes it mark with record attendances
While it was great to see the A-League open with a round record for attendances there were a number of players and teams that caught the eye early.
While the Roar - did I see a few long balls post-Ange - didn't really achieve, the Glory with their established stars got their win, but they'll never win over the neutrals at this rate.
Liam Miller and Travid Dodd excited in patches, Dean Heffernan further forward isn't my idea of exciting innovative coaching. Each to their own.
Nick Fitzgerald looked one footed for the Roar while Ben O'Hallaran looked to have left his football at the Gold Coast - early days no doubt.
In Western Sydney - Aussie Aaron Mooy shone when he moved forward in the second half, Aussie Tom Rogic was outshone by Aussie Trent Sainsbury for the Mariners. Pacy Aussie Mitch Duke will have an interesting year.
Great to see some young guns getting and having a go.
If Mark Bridge, for WSW, could play that final pass he too could be a tremendous player playing much deeper than ever. He's not a forward but can he deliver the pass?
Tony Popovic has shown he can coach, already, and be competitive. Now his hard work begins with it seems a lack of goalscorers.
Shinji Ono looked the business, but can he play at the tempo required in the first 6o minutes and can he last a game, every game?
In Wellington, Louis Fenton took Socceroo Brett Emerton to the cleaners, while Terry McFlynn showed that the league has clearly passed him by both in technique and work rate. What does he give a Sydney team that contains Del Piero?
Ian Crook looked to be the Coach with the most to do - or was that Ange Postecoglou. If Ange can sort the defence they should improve and Ange is proven, Crooky is the new Durakovic, new coach superstar player. How do you manage that - when Allesandro knows more than Crooky judging by the teams cohesion or lack of it.
Why do Sydney teams always look the same, poor tempo, poor attacking threat, and lack of ability to keep the ball consistently and boss games. And defence always scrambling - no matter what Coach?
Answer: Terry McFlynn is always in the middle of every team
Crooky? Where do you start. Confidence would be low after that and the two behind Del Piero are possibly the least experienced and in McFlynns case the least technically able centre or defensive midfielder in the league.
Who'd you rather? To impose a style, your style of play?
Partaluu v McFlynn
Burns v McFlynn
Muscat v McFlynn
Broxham v McFlynn - okay that's a close one.
Hutchison v McFlynn
Drop him? Paul Reid and Terry Antonis or will Del Piero simply become the new Dwight Yorke and control the whole game - looks like he can and he'll be wasted further forward if he never gets the ball.
Can Sydney or Melbourne with Adrian Leijer really flourish with McFlynn and Leijer in such key positions this year? I doubt it.
Alessandro Del Piero gave all players a lesson in technique and tight, tight control. Delightful movement and a touch to die for. Clearly the touch between the A-League and Champions League remains as wide as the kilometres.
Adelaide showed that the best warm-up for an A-League game is a 30 plus hour flight to Tashkent and back - nice one and haven't they picked up some interesting signings. Can't wait to see them play at home this season.
Victory too seem to have some good, even great, football to come. Fans should be excited, but shades of last season already, great promise, but can they (Leijer and Traore) defend?
John Aloisi was the winner of the weekend. A great game with great goals. 42,000 for football - it still excites.
Richard Garcia and Dylan MacAllister look like the recruits of the year. Good work John Aloisi. Garcia ex-epl has come in quietly and showed his class on the weekend. Perhaps the cauldron suited him. MacAllister should benefit from the team structure and wing players Aloisi has sent out.
With Wellington missing half a team and a Coach this weekend, the Heart should hit six points early. Would be a great start for them.
Gary van Egmond and Ian Crook will be very disappointed. The Roar went long a few times under Rado - who'd have thought. And Melbourne under Ange will bounce back. He'll make them!
For the record the B-League - what was that - didn't make me laugh, Hayden Foxe did. What was that!
Now if only the Socceroos could get a win. Sorry I had to spoil it!
Thursday, 4 October 2012
Football delivers in Australia - let the games begin
Great players, great adverts, ABC Radio to cover football, higher memberships and a huge pre-season buzz about the A-League.
We're a proud lot we football fans, and none more so than this season.
Now we've really got something to crow about. You can feel it can't you?
And before we get on with the football a moment to reflect on why our growth stalled.
In Australia John O'Neill and Frank Lowy raced us to the top - Asia, World Cups and the A-League.
Success came thick and fast. TV deal, record crowds for domestic games and even 70,000 to watch the Socceroos take on China in a meaningless World Cup Qualifier.
Was it Frank Lowy's vision that did us in? Or John O'Neill seeing what he'd achieved jumping ship to help his first love, Rugby Union.
Whatever it was it seems that Ben Buckley was told to get the World Cup Bid up and running and over the line and clearly for fledgling code it was too much too soon.
A-League funds MUST have been diverted to the World Cup bid. Advertising plummeted, Newspaper coverage disappeared and teams went belly-up. ( and how much money did we waste helping the likes of NQ Fury before they died - the interesting thing was we had the money to waste!)
The AFL - maybe they did us a favour?
Killing the World Cup bid has meant we have once more, one focus. Our domestic league.
After all it is this league that provides the employment, the constant connection in a way the 5 or 10 intermittent Socceroos games per year never can.
The buzz of the pre-season - huge isn't it - but now you feel the FFA knows what they have to do.
Ben Buckley is still there - maybe Ben too is now focused and has some money, time and vision for the A-League. Frank's focus must have returned as well.
The snipers will be out - cue Wilson, Fitzsimon (just a bit of fun Pete) and the rest of the aging dinosaurs and woebetide any football fan who steps out of line this season.
And with plenty of football media now evidence across many platforms - the dark side can remain dark - and it will have little impact.
We know the football will be good, we saw it last year and this year watch the atmosphere go off in Melbourne pre-game on Friday night.
We're going to get a real boost this year and perhaps this is the year, with the TV deal to come, that we'll have enough money to build on the hype year on year.
Imagine that impact.
And Investors will be back when they see the swagger and interest around the league.
The ABC getting on board is a major signing. Fox Sports and SBS both seemed certain to be in the next TV deal, so you'd expect both to grow the game this year.
We have great media coverage for football now and in the near future.Both pay and fta.
It's never felt so good for football has it?
I think we're finally at the starting post - finally.
Tuesday, 2 October 2012
Daily Telegraph changes to football - wonder why? http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/mainstream-aussie-press-finally-adopting-the-term-football-as-soccer-seen-as-thing-of-the-past/story-e6frfmq9-1226486030704
Australia's favourite football commentator Simon Hill reports that the Daily Telegraph has changed from using the word Soccer to football.
Paul Kent, Rebecca Wilson - guess you are loving that!
Seems to me the Telly has increased coverage of the game in recent weeks as well.
Wonder why the change of name?
Here in Canberra, the Canberra Times are tortured soles.
Football online but the same journos and organisation dare not use the term football in their papers.
Guess they still call Telstra Tower, Telecom Tower. Get with the times.
And of course you have to love Tim Gavel from the ABC - another tortured sole it seems.
When interviewing the Head of Capital Football he'll generally say:
We're now talking to Heather Reid, the CEO of Capital Football, "So how's the Soccer Heather."
Great to see the last bastions holding out with their own language. It's been interesting to observe the subtle shifts as organisations slowly but surely move to the term football. In some cases it's people like Tim holding the line.
Always good when he's away - football coverage increases about 90% on all news bulletins across the week. Interesting.
Football or Soccer. Does it really matter? Yes and no. Certainly it's about respect expecially given the history of media treatment of football in Australia. All codes deserve respect so deal with it!
And I can't think of another organisation in Australia where the media would constantly call the code/organisation something different from it's title
http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/mainstream-aussie-press-finally-adopting-the-term-football-as-soccer-seen-as-thing-of-the-past/story-e6frfmq9-1226486030704
Monday, 1 October 2012
Let's give Australian football, the A-League, an almighty shove.
It's been a roller coaster ride for Aussie football fans over the seven years of the A-League but has the FFA finally embedded the code?
Football has had many ups and downs in Australia over the last seven years. And while the Socceroos are crucial to interest and revenues it's the A-League that is perhaps the true test of our stability and potential for growth.
The A-League starts Season 8 on Friday. Did you know?
There has been so much to like about the A-League over the last 7 years but for every glorious goal or fantastic game, fans belief quickly wobbles as financial woes lead clubs to go bust time and time again.
And of course Australia has the unique media approach to football - ignore it, slag it off and if you are like Rebecca Wilson, Peter Fitzsimons, Cory Bernardi and the like take every opportunity to denigrate the code. Tiresome.
But to Fitzsimons and Wilson - you can whinge all you want - but maybe just maybe the community and times will have passed you by, finally!
Even on Saturday in The Age football was again attacked in an Opinion Piece about the AFL Grand Final - the stupidity.
We've seen the screaming headlines around crowd violence in pre-season and until Del Piero rocked up we were looking like entering the season on the back of media attacks from the tried and trusted.
But thanks to some amazing investment from Sydney FC, Newcastle and the FFA, we enter the season with renewed hope, perhaps even more positive than in Season 1.
There is so much goodwill for football. The World Cup bid, attacked by the AFL, perhaps was too much too soon for the FFA. Up against a cashed up and connected indigenous organisation - read that again - we were not ready for such a bid, or at least our A-League wasn't.
But you have to wonder that finally, just finally, do we have real hope, nay a plan, for the future.
Maybe the FFA now has a leader who has some dollars to play with and a real sense of how we can build and entrench the game still further in the Aussie psyche.
We've cried out for a business model, a plan, to embrace the fans, for fans to embrace, and to spend the money wisely and slowly build the game. Little boot by little boot, fan by fan.
We can do it - we've always known it - we just haven't been sure those running the game knew it.
Do we now have a plan?
1. FFA to invest in a Marquee a la Del Piero every year?
Dwight Yorke showed us Sydney will come to games when we have a real Marquee. The league should invest - maybe they have - in a Sydney marquee. Shinji Ono, great player is not a real Marquee - Del Piero is.
His presence has given the A-League a huge boost in the media ahead of the new season. We had it last year with Kewell and Emerton.
Lesson 1: Do it every single year and reap the benefits of the global game. Last year Kewll, this year Del Piero, next year Kaka, Ronaldinho or the like.
Can we budget to bring in one or maybe two players like this each year? Look at the media message we got out as the AFL and NRL finals bedded down. And that ain't easy is it.
It's a great and easy way to promote the season. And I love the fact that we turn the global game to our advantage.
2. The TV deal - this ones for you Peter FitzSimons.
Some Rugby Union types preposterously call football the 4th code. Whatever! If the rumoured A-League on SBS each weekend is to be believed - and I do - then Union will surely be hanging it's head a little lower this week.
How big?
I'm not sure people have really grasped how many could watch a Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory crucial game, or a Grand Final. A million? Maybe more? That's enough to get those Commercial channels sniffing isn't it! Yuck, I mean great for the future.
What better time to get on fta with a few new star players flying in.
3. Money
Football needs it like no other sport. International teams galore, Women players poorly paid, grassroots facilities non-existent, junior fees higher than the cashed up AFL programs.
But if the TV deal stabilises clubs there are many other commercial sides for football to gain from.
Sydney.com jumped onto Sydney FC recently and all Sydney games will be beamed live to Italy.
When did that happen....for mighty Collingwood or those Bulldogs or Waratahs!
Sydney has three new sponsors this season, the Mariners, Perth Glory have all recently announced new sponsor deals. Things are looking up.
With fta on board the attractiveness of football to sponsors can only grow.
Stable clubs will reduce losses. They won't make money, but they will and can increase revenues and that in turns mean they are selling more jerseys, more sponsorships, more community programs. More, more of everything is good!
It seems football after seven years - let's not mention the previous 100 plus - is on the cusp of something new.
Now is the time to get behind the game and give it an almighty shove.
Get to as many games as you can, watch as many young Australians playing the game as you can, and tell your schoolmates, your workmates, your mum and dad to sit down and enjoy the game.
And here's hoping Adelaide United can win for Australia in Uzbekistan on Wednesday night - but you knew that!
Melbourne Derby opens the season on Friday - don't miss it - it'll be a cracker.
Thursday, 27 September 2012
A-League not just ADP - we've got young guns as well and here are ten to watch
Focus is on the stars, the big stars in Alessandro Del Piero and Emile Heskey, but for many fans of the A-League seeing the young players develop is equally, if not more, exciting.
We've seen heaps of players leave for better contracts over the years. Tommy Oar, Matthew Leckie, Luke De Vere, Nathan Burns, Mustafa Amini and many many more and who didn't want to watch these guys?
Well the A-League keeps producing them and here they come.....again.
1. Marcos Rojas - possibly the best thing about the Wellington Phoenix and now he is settled under a coach who understands Youth, Pace, Confidence and Skill. This guy could fly.
Don't miss this Melbourne Victory talent. Expect him to be excitement plus this year Excitement Potential 9/10
2. Terry Antonis - Sydney FC. If Antonis can produce his early season form of last year it won't be Del Piero we'll be salivating over but Antonis. At his best he's fit, fast, mighty skilful and he can run beyond the strikers. If he's settled, not injured, and not disrupted by his U20 Aussie appearances he should have a great year.
Excitement potential 9/10
3. Tom Rogic - The Canberran turned into a Central Coast Mariner. Tom set the A-League on fire last year, and that from a no.10 role. What young player walks into that role and makes a huge impression? Rogic will be faster, fitter and stronger this year. He's sure to take the league by storm before he heads overseas as many predict.
Don't miss this guy develop.
Excitement potental 9/10
4. Joel Chianese - he scores goals. After a stunning end of season last year the Sydney FC striker running on to passes from ADP should frighten the whole league. Who wouldn't want a young guy with pace, nous and ability to score in front of ADP?
Excitement potential 9/10
5. Nick Fitzgerald - he's not a name on everyone's list but he has power and strength to frighten any team. A forward with pace and skill should get a few Roar fans out of their seats this year, providing he cracks the team. A big if seemingly.
If he does he will excite 8/10
6. Jesse Makarounas - Perth Glory - this guy is young, very young but he should be around for a few years in the A-League. May not get much game time this season but when he does he's sure to interest you. Composed, with an eye for a forward pass and a goal or two, will be interesting to see him progress.
Excitement potential 8/10
7. Aziz Behic - Melbourne Heart. Renowned for their youth policy it will be a while before a new crop break through at the Heart. They've nearly all be sold to Korea, EPL, Newcastle Jets or Serbia! Aziz got left behind? But he will continue to excite. A forward turned into an attacking left back and he can attack. Great to watch - he should improve further this year.
Excitement potential 8/10
8. Ben Halloran - expected to get more game time than Fitzgerald and clearly one to excite given his explosive pace. Gold Coast recruit who should flourish in a better team this year. Clive Palmer did something right - he signed a heap of quality youth players and because he spent up in the early seasons all these guys got A-League games last year. Nice one Clive!
Excitement potential 8/10
9. Jimmy Jeggo Impressed last season with Melbourne Victory - may take some time to get game time but will be good to see on the field in the final third. Not as eye catching as many of the above but a rising star...possibly. 7/10
10. Heaps more. Well there are a number of others who will excite you, Bernie Ibini-Isi (Mariners) Craig Goodwin, Mitch Cooper, Connor Chapman, Taylor Regan and James Brown - take your pick - at the Jets, Julian Davies at Victory, Evan Kostapoulos and Iain Ramsay at Adelaide United, Luke Bratten at the Roar, and so the list goes on.
There'll be others break through many who disappoint but one thing's for sure we'll keep producing exciting young players for the A-League.
Wednesday, 26 September 2012
Asia Cup in Australia 2015? Is it more important than Brazil World Cup for Socceroos?
Right now everyone wants to qualify for the World Cup - but really the focus for Australia should be on getting to the final of the Asia Cup in 2015.
The Asia Cup 2015 will be held in Australia just six months after the Brazil 2014 World Cup.
And Australia has a remarkable and rare opportunity to grow the game. A fantastic international tournament to be held on home soil. And the AFL can't stop it...not in January.
They won't even be able to comment on how it destroys their season, their stadiums or games...did they even know it was coming! Were they asleep at the wheel - but that's for another "lemon" day.
Players from the EPL, Italy, Germany, Holland will grace our shores and will tweak the interest of the local populace. Plus there will be great atmosphere at the games - ex-pats care about football far more than they do for Georgian Rugby 2003 for example.
And while the focus is to find a team capable of winning a game in the current World Cup qualifiers, how much better would our 2015 team be if they were playing NOW!.
Mark Bresciano - out, Tim Cahill out, Lucas Neill out, Brett Emerton out.
Let's just do it.
Australia needs to be brave - forego 2014, great if we qualify but why not really bite the bullet.
Football needs to grow and develop in Australia - surely just now the 2015 is more important than Brazil. Surely?
No guts no glory - in 2015 - and it starts now doesn't it. Or else we'll all be grumbling that Michael Zullo, or Jason Davidson isn't playing so well at left back or Chris Herd looks confused up against Kagawa in midfield or the Aussie speaking Ki via Brisbane; and why is Luke De Vere unsure of who he is playing alongside.
That Asian Cup team can only be ready if it starts now – but Tommy
Oar, Adam Sarota, Ryan McGowan, Luke De Vere, Robbie Kruse, Brendan
Hamill, Curtis Good, Matthew Luongo, Nikita Rukavystya, James Holland,
James Troisi will only be apart of a quality team if they are in the team now, every game –
or a few of them at least.
Leave it until August 2014 and we'd have four games, friendlies at that to build a team to compete against the current Japan and Korea sides which are preparing and playing World Cup qualifiers, they both got to the Olympic Semi-finals as well, right now.
Any chance of us preparing for 2015? Any chance of leaving a successful Aussie
football performance legacy from the Asia Cup 2015. How long before we
have such a tournament here again?
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