The Departure Lounge 2014
As regular season wraps up it is that time of the year again where are a number of players bid their final farewell to the A-league, clubs and supporters as they move on. This year there are a number of players already exited along with a number that are checked in, patiently waiting in the departure lounge to make their transit to life after playing professional football in Australia.
It is only fitting to farewell each of them from the Stands we sit in, to thank them for their contribution to the development, professionalism and future of the round-ball game in Australia, for being fierce opposition as well as cherished team players.
Terry McFlynn – Midfielder: Sydney FC – Retiree.
An inaugural member of Sydney FC, a team captain and club leader, McFlynn will certainly be missed for his passion and dedication to the Sky Blues. Having appeared 178 times for the Sky Blues with a whopping 300+ career fouls committed over the course of nine seasons in the A-League, he has certainly earned the endearing phrase sung loud and proud from fans in the stands “…He’ll batter your kneecaps in.” – Marcel
Michael Bridges – Forward: Newcastle Jets – Retiree
With 72 appearances in the A-league, 9 games with Sydney FC in 2007 before taking up a permanent spot in the A-league with the Jets from 2009, captaining in the 2010/11 season. In April 2011 Bridges announced his retirement but it was short lived. He made a stellar returned in the 2011/12 season, scoring against Melbourne Heart. Having emerged as a strong mentor at the Newcastle Jets, it is likely that we will continue to see him influencing the future of football in the years to come.** – Marcel
** Please note, at this time we cannot guarantee that this isn’t going to be like a John Farnham style of “final” retirement given Bridges history on retirement announcements.
Harry Kewell – Forward: Melbourne Heart – Retiree
Kewell’s decision to return home to adorn the A-league has been well worth it for the fans. His 41 appearances in the A-League across two seasons in the league have been thoroughly enjoyable. His first season with Melbourne Victory was nothing short of stellar with 8 goals and 4 assists. Unfortunately his return this season with Melbourne Heart has been plagued by injuries, no doubt contributing to his decision to hang up the boots. There has been little doubt that Kewell has made a valuable contribution and impact particularly in Hearts resurgence in the seconds half of this year’s season. – Marcel
Brett Emerton – Midfielder: Sydney FC – Retiree
Another favourite Socceroo returning home, Emerton’s 57 appearances for Sydney FC over three seasons was outstanding, delivering the class to the league that fans had been seeking. He immediately established himself as a strong leader amongst the team, a guiding hand for the youth players. Beloved by the fans, his retirement has not seen him disappear entirely and we look forward to his ongoing contribution in our game with his role at the FFA. – Marcel
Jacob Burns – Midfielder: Perth Glory – Retiree
Another A-League player with in excess of a hundred appearances, Jacob Burns has been an integral member of Perth Glory. He has routinely displayed true sportsmanship, a competitive and respected sense of fairness throughout his career. One of the hardest working players in the league and a formidable enforcer, he will long be revered for his positive leadership during his captaincy with the Glory. – Marcel
Shinji Ono – Midfielder: Western Sydney Wanders – Departing
Ono has been a quality marquee and foundation player for the Wanderers with 45 appearances over a glittering two seasons for the debutants in the competition. His commanding displays and dominance in the midfield, paired with some spectacular goals has really set the standard for expected quality in the A-league. His experience, tenacity and gracious nature ensured forevermore his position as a favourite for all fans in Wanderland. – Marcel
Mile Sterjovski – Midfielder: Central Coast Mariners – Retiree
After a successful career in Europe Mile returned home and played five seasons in the A-League. His wealth of knowledge and experience proved valuable with both Perth Glory and Central Coast Mariners. He was rewarded with a Championship last season with the Mariners and proved to everyone he is retiring on his own terms, whilst still on top finding the back of the net in both the league and ACL. Sterjovski is a fan favourite and will be missed throughout the league. A member of the golden generation, representing the Socceroos on 43 occasions. – David
Leo Bertos – Midfielder: Wellington Phoenix
Having joined the Phoenix back in 2008, Leo Bertos went on to make 127 appearances for the Wellington club and established himself as part of the team’s leadership group. Unfortunately his final year with the Phoenix was tainted with injury problems resulting in him struggling to make the starting side on a regular basis. A fan favourite of the Yellow Fever, Bertos will likely be remembered for his screamer of a free kick against the Glory back in season 09/10. – Cam
Stein Huysegems – Forward: Wellington Phoenix
The former Belgian international has only been with the Phoenix for the last two seasons but has made a huge impact with the fans. The affectionately nicknamed “Waffles” made 48 appearances for the Nix and was the club’s leading goal scorer this season with 10 goals. A true professional in every sense of the word, Huysegems will be greatly missed by the fans and media in New Zealand for his comical interviews and topical thoughts on all things football. – Cam
Rumours abound on what the future holds for a number of players that are off contract and if they will be leaving our shores. It is unlikely that we will continue to see the magic of Alessandro Del Piero (Sydney FC), or the physicality of Emile Heskey (Newcastle Jets). Post the finals, this picture will become clearer. There will likely be some more joining the departure lounge as contract renegotiations take place, some making changes to their shirt colours and even some making their way to international opportunities. No matter who joins our departure lounge between now and the start of next season, we the fans, will certainly be wishing any and all of them, the best of luck for their futures.
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