The traditional winter sports have wrapped up and there’s something strange afoot. Forget the NRL/AFL premiership city swap or the biting, death threats, and excess player trading going on. No, it’s something different all together. It’s A-League time and people actually give a toss. With big name marquee signings of this magnitude and frequency not seen before, the A-League is the sport on everyone’s lips. Football in Australia will always have it’s core fans, some of the most passionate and dedicated in the country, but this is the year of the bandwagon. It’s suddenly pretty cool to have an interest in the game formally known as soccer. Here is our A-League for dummies…
The Melbourne Storm of the Comp – QLD Roar
Like the Melbourne Storm, the Roar have been at the forefront of innovation at the A-League for several seasons now. Obviously winning two premierships on the trot is evidence of their influence and domination, but it’s their possession based brand of football that has been a game changer with rival clubs altering their structures in an attempt to adopt and emulate Brisbane Roar’s style. Wining three in a row is a huge ask but it’s a sure bet that the Roar will up amongst the thick of it at the top of the ladder for the majority of the season.
The Teams To Hate
Every comp needs a villain or two. The AFL have Collingwood, the NRL have the Sea Eagles. The A-League have Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory. As much a response to geographical location as any other hate-inspiring factor, the two clubs have always enjoyed access to the two largest markets to draw from in terms of crowd and corporate support. A prime example was when Sydney signed Dwight York as their inaugural Marquee signing (probably the competition’s biggest signing to date until Del Piero). Their big brother status has been highlighted further by the the introduction of the Melbourne Heart and the Western Sydney Wanderers.
The Battlers
The Melbourne Heart and Western Sydney Wanderers will both enjoy an the battler tag as a result of their cashed up cross town rivals. Both recent additions to the comp, they lack the depth of the more established sides but have a pretty strong starting 11 who will give fans a bit to cheer about. Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory are the tall poppies that we all love to chop down, the Heart and the Wanderers provide the perfect solution for those of us who still have a soul.
Soccer vs Football
Soccer is a bad habit that we need to get out of pretty quickly. Maybe not as bad as calling out your ex’s name mid-coitus, but pretty bad none the less. It may seem a little silly, it’s just a name, we’re still all talking about the same sport right, but it is a pretty big deal within the Football community and has been discussed in much greater detail by people with a little more insight than myself – I am a dummy after all. It would signal a significant victory for a sport that has a history of marginalisation in Australia.
Stars
The A-League has been blessed this season with crop of players that will not only lift the standard of play but attract sizable crowds. Here are players to watch.
Alessandro Del Piero
A lot has been written about imports and in previous seasons it’s been a bit of a lottery as to who will fire and who will flop, but Del Piero has got to be a sure thing to have a successful couple of years. Having just wound up his career in the Serie A, one of the worlds elite completions, Del Pierro should be fit and sharp. He should create plenty of opportunities up front as well as scoring a few himself.
Besart Berisha
The Albanian is a fiery customer who is lethal in-front of goal, hitting the back of the net 20 times in his debut season. Regularly clashes with opponents as well as his own teammates so there is always something to see when he’s on the field.
Shinji Ono
A superstar in Japan , Ono’s versatility and ability to shift the ball smoothly and efficiently should account for a pretty successful debut season for the Wanderers.
Hey Ladies!
Okay, we are not saying girls can’t get on board as legit fans. But there nothing to say they can’t enjoy the work of these dreamboats along the way.
Marcos Flores
The dark, smouldering Argentine has that passionate South American thing going for him. He also great balance, footwork and has an eye for the back of the net if that means anything to you.
Erik Paartalu
Oh Eric, tell me how you’re going to head Brisbane’s mid-field drive this year… I’m sorry what, where you saying something. It’s just your eyes. they’re so…(sigh!)
Fred
The bubbly Brazilian has won many fans in his time in Australia thanks as much to his affable nature as his ability to deliver the goods on the field.
Final Notes
It might take some time to adjust if you’re new to the game. If you’re in a social situation and feeling a little uncomfortable, then here are some go to tricks to bluff the legitimate fan:
– Anytime there is a score you are permitted to yell “goooooaaaalllll!” Depending on the importance of the goal, you may also get away with lifting your shirt over your head and running around the bar, tipping peoples drinks over as you go.
– Whenever the opposition is on the attack just yell “Offside!”
– If someone goes down as a result of a tackle, turn to the punter next to you and mutter “That should be a card.”
– In a break in play start a conversation with “Did you see Maradona on the news last night. He’s really lost it this time.”
Things not to say
– “Is Beckham playing?”
– “Why are you getting so worked up? Its only a game”
– “That was an excellent dive!”
Championship Odds
Melbourne Victory – $4.50
Brisbane Roar – $5.50
Sydney FC- $6.00
Perth Glory – $7.00
Central Coast Mariners – $10.00
Adelaide United – $11.00
Newcastle Jets – $12.00
Wellington Phoenix – $15.00
Melbourne Heart – $17.00
Western Sydney Wanderers – $26.00
Odds via Centrebet and are subject to change.
Pictures Quin Rooney Marianna Massey,Chris Hyde, Matt Thompson, Ryan Persie, Bradley Kanaris, and Quinn Rooney at Getty Images
