A-League

I think the A-League is a vast improvement on the old NSL that I remember. Indeed, I dare say that the competition would be reasonably comparable with the majority of the SPL here, and far superior to the old NSL there...

I can still vividly remember the forlorn look on the face of ex-Celt, Joe Miller when he was playing for Parramatta. The despondent look as the ball was being hoofed long, from one set of defenders to the other set, virtually the entire match. Barely remember any midfield play in one particular game against the old Northern Spirit (who were supposed to be supported/sponsored/partnered with the Orcs... that's now 2 clubs that no longer exist, lol).

 

I remember going to Cosmos games in 2001 and thinking that it was about the level of a minor league team from where I'd lived previously in Florida. I was young then so I actually thought that there was some kind of premier division above it.

But yeah, the A-League now is more quality and definitely a very entertaining league.

 

Official A-League twitter page:

 

To borrow Vincent's line from Pulp Fiction "it ain't the same ballpark, ain't the same league, ain't even the same *' sport".

 

Michael Ballack will be announced next week as a Western Sydney player, should be an interesting season.

 

Brilliant signing. Can definitely see crowds being up this season with some of the signings that have been made.

 

That's pretty awesome that the A-league is attracting that kind of calibre of player as their marquee signings. Can only be good for the continual growth of the professional game.

 

Game 1, round 1. Melbourne Victory 1 - Melbourne Heart 2. Quality viewing for a neutral fan.

 

he just retired

 

lol... Heskey has scored twice against Melbourne Victory. 58 minutes gone.

 

Just seen the end of that game 2-1 Newcastle,can't stand the Victory mainly because of Muscat,think it was the end off last season the tackle he done on that young guy * beast easy to see he was a Hun.Looks like Heskey is going to be a good signing for Newcastle.

 

Was season before last, but that's one of the most disgusting tackles i've ever seen. Utter * of a man.

Heskey is definitely looking the goods for Newcastle!

 

Your right mate,that's when the Hoops were over here and we were a bit worried incase he done the same to one of us,did he not retire before we played them?

 

Was watching ESPN and del piero was playing for Sidney but not sure of the opposition. Not sure the significance of the game but the place was packed and seemed like a good atomosphere.

Can know the game Im talking about? Del piero missed a retaken pen but banged in the rebound.

 

This thread has been dead for ages, but I thought I would post about the upcoming final round of the regular season.

Next week the finals system will start. The top 6 out of 10 teams will participate in the finals (a system that I think rewards mediocrity). In the A-League you aren't crowned champions for finishing first in the table, you then have to win the playoff finals as well.

Melbourne Heart and Wellington are already out of contention. However Brisbane, Sydney, Perth and Newcastle will all be going for the last two final positions.


1 Western Sydney Wanderers FC 54pts
2 Central Coast Mariners FC 51pts
3 Melbourne Victory FC 41pts
4 Adelaide United FC 40pts
5 Brisbane Roar FC 32pts
6 Sydney FC 32pts
7 Perth Glory FC 31pts
8 Newcastle Jets FC 31pts
9 Melbourne Heart FC 27
10 Wellington Phoenix FC 27

Here's the fixtures of the last round:

Brisbane Roar vs. Sydney FC - whoever wins is in the finals

Newcastle vs. West Sydney Wanderers - Newcastle will be hoping other results go their way so they can make the finals, WSW will win the premiers plate if they can finish in 1st place

Central Coast Mariners vs. Melbourne Heart - CCM will need to win and hope results go their way in the WSW game to win the premiers plate

Perth Glory vs. Adelaide United - Perth are going for that finals position and Adelaide will be looking to finish 3rd

Wellington Phoenix vs. Melbourne Victory - Wellington are already out, but Melbourne will be looking to wrap up 3rd spot

 

I remember betting on a game a few weeks back, cant even remember who I betted on, but I remember seeing Western Sydney were on a little winning streak...didnt think they would keep it up to go all the way though! Not a bad Inaugural Season for them! :smiley-laughing002:

 

Nobody expected them to do as well as they have. They've got some we the best supporters in the league. Future is bright for that club.

 

A-League Grand Final (title decider) today between Western Sydney Wanderers and Central Coast Mariners.

Hoping WSW can take it out. Would be a fairytale finish for their first season in the league.

 

Who's favored? What players or developments should I look out for if I can find it on tv/the internet?

 

Keep an eye on Aaron Mooy who used to play in the SPL and former Japanese international Shinji Ono. West Sydney are favourites, finished 1st in the regular season but you have to win the play offs to be crowned champions.

15th minute 0-0