A-League thread

[dwaino]

What a waste. So many chances. I don't think victory ever want to shoot, rather just see how far they can dribble into the box.

[mightytiges]

Clearly not switched on mentality and paid the price  .

Perth out of finals, heart in by default.

Brisbane in by default as well.

Wellington could be kicked out as well. Lowy and the FFA aren't happy with what they bring to the A-league table in terms of crowds, finances and tv ratings. That would mean 3 news needed if the FFA wants to go to 12 teams. The Australian saying Canberra is one of the favourites for an A-League licence. Better hope they last longer than the Cosmos and Canberra City.

[dwaino]

I don't think Wellington are a great fit for the A-League. When I think of creating a package to sell the game to prospective players or partnerships overseas I think of showing them the big clubs and the big games. It's bad enough we have a handful of minnows domestically but then we have to explain there is another small market team tacked on and based in another country. I don't have an answer but Canberra would at least be a fit being between Sydney and Melbourne and couldn't do any worse in terms ratings and support than Wellington. Absolutely dreaming if they want to expand the comp though. Newcastle and CCM are already absolutely horrid in terms of empty stands and average lists, Brisbane aren't much better since the bandwagon well and truly broke down. Caught a bit of the Glory v Sydney game and it was pretty poor vibe, looks like many stayed home in Perth after what has just happened. Hopefully it doesn't kill off the support for the team. Melbourne and Sydney are large markets and are already trying to grow 2 smaller sides so we can't squeeze in any more there.

With the FFA cup now, we could probably get away with 1 or 2 less sides and just copy the European competitions. Do away with A-League finals and make the Premier's Plate the grand trophy and invest more interest in the FFA cup. After 5 or 6 years we might then have a clear prospect for an expansion side.

[mightytiges]

No finals wouldn't work in Australia. There would be nothing to play for for most of the sides by about round 10. Finals is also a major money earner for the FFA in terms or crowds and ratings compared to the regular season.

Canberra would be the last place I would expand into. Population is only 350k(?) and for the Asian Cup many of those crowds were full of fans from overseas.

[mightytiges]

After last night's results, Victory is just one win away from finishing top of the league  . It's going to be hard to back up tonight after playing midweek but it'll be the same for the Brisbane. So the league title could be ours tonight.

[mightytiges]

Barring something ridiculous like a 0-7 loss or Victory losing narrowly but Sydney winning 7-0, then the Premiers Plate is Victory's 3rd .

In more good news  , the A-league GF will be at AAMI Park if Victory host it. Commonsense prevails.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/football/a-league-grand-final-will-be-played-at-aami-park-should-melbourne-victory-qualify/story-fnp0lxax-1227310960050

City/Heart will finish 5th. So an away elimination in either Adelaide, Wellington or Sydney. You guys play Adelaide away in the last round so it could end back-to-back trips to Adelaide.

[mightytiges]

Another trophy in the cabinet



Now onto the finals.

Adelaide Utd vs Brisbane
Wellington vs City/Heart

Lowest ranked winner plays Victory in the semi-finals. The other plays Sydney.

[tigs2011]

 

[tony_montana]

Victory v City semi final 

[Hellenic Tiger]

Victory v City semi final 

Would be fantastic for Melbourne.

[Hellenic Tiger]

Victory v City semi final 

Would be fantastic for Melbourne.

It's hapenning on Friday night.

[tony_montana]

Victory v City semi final 

Would be fantastic for Melbourne.

It's hapenning on Friday night.

Bloody great for the game and for City too - reckon what they've been missing since inception is a big moment game like this one. In all likelihood, will likely lose to a better side, but hopefully they take in the moment, give it a red hot crack and give the fans something to get excited about and build on.

[Hellenic Tiger]

City have nothing to lose.
Given Perth were disqualified and us beating Wellington in NZ.
Victory have everything to lose given they got the Premier's Plate.

Has a Essendon v Carlton 1999 Prelim feel about it.

Go City. Will be a great night for soccer in Australia either way.

I know this is an old saying but

"A derby, where the stakes could not be higher."

Got my tix this morning.

[tony_montana]

City have nothing to lose.
Given Perth were disqualified and us beating Wellington in NZ.
Victory have everything to lose given they got the Premier's Plate.

Has a Essendon v Carlton 1999 Prelim feel about it.

Go City. Will be a great night for soccer in Australia either way.

I know this is an old saying but

"A derby, where the stakes could not be higher."

Got my tix this morning.

good man Don, got mine today also, level 2 aisle 27 

[dwaino]

Will be pee poor if victory drop this one. Last derby they were just going through the motions while heart's season was on the line. Reaching the granny was always the expectation this year. Repeat of first derby, victory in a canter