The dawn of the new A-League season is now upon us and what a cracking season it promises to be. Last season, we witnessed numerous ups and downs (pardon the idiomatic expression…); Central Coast Mariners won the A-League Championship for the first time. Also, Western Sydney Wanderers defied belief, breaking numerous records including longest winning streak, as they went on to become Minor Premiers and A-League runners-up in what was their inaugural season.

There were disappointments aplenty; Lucas Neill failed to impress, Melbourne Heart were lacklustre throughout after a promising pre-season, Sydney FC crumbled in the opening weeks and who could forget 3AW’s shock jock?

But with all of this seemingly behind us, the upcoming season promises to be the biggest and most exciting yet. And on that note, From The Stands asked several of expert football writers, from home and across the ditch, for some bold predictions for the ninth installment of Australia’s premier club competition – the A-League.

A-League Champions

Cronan Yu: Western Sydney Wanderers

Cam Gordon: Melbourne Victory

David Hards: Melbourne Victory

Laurence Rosen: Melbourne Victory

Daniel Palmer: Melbourne Victory

Simon Overall: Brisbane Roar

Minor Premiers:

Cronan Yu: Central Coast Mariners

Cam Gordon: Melbourne Victory

David Hards: Western Sydney Wanderers

Laurence Rosen:  Brisbane Roar

Daniel Palmer: Melbourne Victory

Simon Overall: Brisbane Roar

Wooden Spoon:

Cronan Yu: Melbourne Heart

Cam Gordon: Newcastle Jets

David Hards: Newcastle Jets

Laurence Rosen: Newcastle Jets

Daniel Palmer: Wellington Phoenix

Simon Overall: Wellington Phoenix

Best Youngster (Under-21)

Cronan Yu: Connor Pain

Cam Gordon: Louis Fenton

David Hards: Joshua Brilliante

Laurence Rosen: Storm Roux

Daniel Palmer: Connor Pain

Simon Overall: Corey Gamiero

Top Scorer

Cronan Yu: Alessandro Del Piero

Cam Gordon: Besart Berisha

David Hards: Besart Berisha

Laurence Rosen: Kosta Barbarouses

Daniel Palmer: Besart Berisha

Simon Overall: Besart Berisha

Best Coach

Cronan Yu: Tony Popovic

Cam Gordon: Ange Postecoglu

David Hards: Ange Postecoglu

Laurence Rosen:  Ange Postecoglou

Daniel Palmer: Ange Postecoglu

Simon Overall: Mike Mulvey

Best Transfer

Cronan Yu: Isaias Sanchez

Cam Gordon: Kenny Cunningham

David Hards: Harry Kewell

Laurence Rosen: Pablo Contreras

Daniel Palmer: Kosta Barbarouses

Simon Overall: Marcos Flores

Worst Transfer

Cronan Yu: Matt Jurman

Cam Gordon: Liam Reddy

David Hards: Orlando Engelaar (Is it too late to say Ljubo Milicevic?)

Laurence Rosen: Kew Jaliens

Daniel Palmer: Orlando Engelaar (due to injury)

Simon Overall: Harry Kewell

Best Player

Cronan Yu: Alessandro Del Piero

Cam Gordon: Marco Flores

David Hards: Mark Milligan

Laurence Rosen: Shinji Ono

Daniel Palmer: Alessandro Del Piero

Simon Overall: Alessandro Del Piero

Continue the conversation via Twitter: @Cronan_Yu, @hardsy05, @userlastname, @Cambo_Gordon, @MVFCLR22, @SimonOverall

The post A-League predictions for 2013-14 appeared first on From The Stands.

Note: Last season I chose Central Coast to finish 7^th and Western Sydney to finish 10^th.  I accept no responsibility for my predictions.

Premiers: Western Sydney Wanderers

Last season they won the hearts and minds (and the Premiers plate) of the A-League with their passionate fan support, surprising results and great football.  This season the hunter becomes the hunted, but I do believe Tony Popovic’s men are up to the challenge.  The defensive duo of Topor-Stanley and Beauchamp showed last season who was boss and I expect the same again.  The inclusion of Brendan Santalab will further increase their goal scoring options.  Be prepared for louder versions of “who do we sing for “as the Wanderers look to make amends after last season’s disappointing grand final result.

Second (and Champions, sorry Wanderers): Melbourne Victory

Ange Postecoglu is a master when it comes to ‘bossing’ the A-League and the remainder of the competition.  I witnessed the youthful Victory compete with Liverpool during the preseason along with 95,000 others and from that day I was convinced they would become 2013/14 Champions.  It’s probably wrong for a Heart fan to think this way, hopefully I’m wrong again.  The strengthening of the defence through the signing of Pablo Contreras has only convinced me further that Victory will be lifting the golden toilet seat.  My only concern for the team is where they will get their goals from.  Thompson hasn’t been as prolific as previous seasons and the loss of Rojas and Flores will hurt.  The club is in a strong financial position which resulted in managing to fold onto now captain Mark Milligan.  Victory’s 20,000+ members should enjoy a wonderful season.

Third : Brisbane Roar

Any team with Broich and Berisha are capable of winning another A-League title.  The addition of Matt McKay and Liam Miller only further strengthens Mike Mulvey’s squad.  It won’t be the helcian days of Roarcalona but Brisbane fans can expect to see winning football from a squad that is one of the league’s best.  The loss of Halloran will hurt, but shortly be forgotten when Brisbane find themselves nearing the head of the table.  Even the fixture gods are supporting Brisbane with an opening game in Wellington whilst most of the Nix will be playing International football.  Brisbane area a lock for a top four finish and a home final at least.

Fourth : Central Coast Mariners

Last season Graham Arnold’s men took them all before them, but we all know this season will be much harder.  The loss of Socceroos keeper Maty Ryan will hurt the club, but the pursuit of European football was always on the young stars radar.  Zwaanswijk and Bojic will also be missing from what was one of the league’s best ‘back 5’s’.  The club has recruited very well with the signings of Marcos Flores and the return of Matt Simon to help veteran (and reigning golden boot) Daniel McBreen, who will miss the first month of the season thanks to Chinese football commitments.  Everyone knows Arnold’s men will be prepared for the title defence challenge but I am not convinced the team can win back to back championships.

Fifth: Adelaide United

What will hurt Adelaide more, the loss of Dario Vidosic or the absence of Ian Fyfe’s beard?  Obviously losing Socceroo Vidosic to Switzerland will hurt the team but at times Dario could be too inconsistent for my liking.  The Spanish influence will be something new for Australian football fans, and something we all look forward too.  Already we have got carried away with the Barcelona fairytale but we will need at least a few months to see what impact new manager Josep Gombau has on the team.  I’m prepared to pick Adelaide for a finals appearance at this early stage, but the club will need to avoid another fade out like last season.

Sixth : Sydney FC

Last season I fell into the trap of the ADP factor and predicted Sydney to win the Championship.  I know a few others out there did too; it was an easy trap to fall under, that of the Italian superstar.  This season I’m smarter and have selected Sydney to sneak into the top six just ahead of Wellington, Perth and Heart.  Frank Farina knows Del Piero most likely has one last chance to win a title and has recruited well.  Richie Garcia and Nicky Carle will bolster the midfield but Farina has failed to address the defensive issues that haunted the club last season.  Pedj Bojic joins the team, but he alone cannot help the league’s worst defence.  One thing I can guarantee at Sydney matches this season will be goals, unfortunately for Sydney fans they will be at both ends.

Seventh: Wellington Phoenix

Ernie Merrick is back, and other clubs should be worried.  Last season’s cellar dwellers have recruited well, and like Perth, Melbourne and Newcastle should be competing for 5^th and 6^th.  The loss of Mark Paston will have an impact on the teams defence but it’s the other end of the pitch fans will get excited about.  Jeremy Brockie played a lone hand last season but will be joined by former Victory star Carlos Hernandez and Kenny Cunningham.  The triple threat of the Wellington attack will have Australian clubs having to watch out for Merrick’s men.  The biggest problem for the Nix is the season doesn’t stop for International matches.  New Zealand and Costa Rica both have important matches coming up and this will impact on the Nix.  If Wellington misses the finals by 3-5 points expect a change to the 2014/15, or at the least a very angry team across the Tasman.

Eight: Perth Glory

The most surprising team of the preseason, but still too reliant of the usual suspects at the club.  The all time leading scorer Shane Smeltz is another year older but Perth will look to him once again to continue his scoring duties.  The heart and soul of the club Jacob Burns will once again won’t leave anything on the pitch and will lead his team in the only way he can, from the front.  The loss of Liam Miller will hurt the club, and the decision to release Dean Heffernan was a little puzzling.  The departure of Ljubo Milicevic (before even playing a game) will only benefit the club with no off field dramas occurring during the season.  Perth played some exciting football in the second half of last season under Alistair Edwards and Perth supporters will be expecting more of the same.

Ninth: Melbourne Heart

The Heart has loaded up with veterans and has the potential to win the league.  The preseason has not been kind to the club with the injury to Engelaar and niggles too many other players.  The return of Harry Kewell to A-League football is a fantastic signing by the club and should benefit the attendance figures and the clubs fire power.  Tough decisions were made after the disappointment of last season with Bolton, Colosimo, Fred and Thompson no longer at the club and Garcia moving onto Sydney.  The return of Aziz Behich (on loan) will have the biggest impact on the team, with his dominance on the wing a happy return for those in the Yarraside.  My main concern with Heart is their perceived lack of depth, injuries could hurt the team more than most and this is why I have selected Heart to finish 9^th again.

Tenth: Newcastle Jets

The Jets have barely made any new signings after narrowly missing last season’s finals series.  A preseason injury to marquee man Emile Heskey will hurt the team early but will give the young squad an opportunity to be noticed under the ‘HeskeyTime radar’.  I expect Craig Goodwin and Josh Brillante to continue their rapid improvement and this is tremendous for the development of not only Newcastle football but Australian football.  Last season the Jets showed on their day they could compete with anyone but consistency ultimately cost them a place in the finals.  Many are predicting Van Egmond to be the first coach sacked during the season but I don’t share this opinion.  Newcastle, like Perth will play some quality football at times but just don’t see them having the quality to compete for a top six position.  Last is a harsh call on the Jets, and most likely unwarranted but just remember fans I chose the Wanderers to finish last in 2012/13.

Think you can predict the finishing order of the season? Enter our competition here and you could win a 12 month subscription to Four Four Two Oz.

https://www.fromthestandsal.com/2013/09/21/competition-predict-finishing-order-201314/

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It is often you’ll hear or read an article containing the famous words of Liverpool legend Bill Shankly, but so carefully spoken with his heart on his sleeve he spoke words only football supporters would understand.

“Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it’s much more serious than that.”

Since reading these famous words, it has been etched, and seared for good measure, into my brain.

Yes, I know, I’m quite possibly just another fan using a typical Bill Shankly quote. But who cares?

Just feeling this way about the A-League, isn’t that what we all want? A mate in the stands, singing with the fans, with a beer in our hands.

Football Federation Australia wants to know how you (I) #PowerTheGame?

Well how I #PowerTheGame: I’m a huge Roar fan and will admit that with pride, but despite my passion for the club I hold so dear, I seek something more. Something more fulfilling than enjoying the successes of my football team.

I have read the auto-biography of the late Johnny Warren. His book whilst insightful and educational left me with another thought: The prospect of football being number one in Australia.

Now before I receive a tirade of abuse from potential outside readers. I don’t feel as though my thoughts are irrational or less important than yours. We each have our sport and desires to see that sport or even just our team succeed. How boring if we didn’t?

Johnny Warren is quoted as saying “I told you so.” For those of you that now understand the depth as to this meaning will also understand Johnny Warren was football through and through. He may have been blind, arrogant, ignorant or down right stupid, but those who knew Johnny or at least gained an outstanding as to how he felt, know his thoughts are justified based on his intention – a growing desire to see the game grow to which point Australians accept, appreciate and/or love the game.

I share – although with just a tad less important status in the world of football – the same thought process.

It grains on my father for he’s a rugby league man through and through. I grew up with the sport in my life having supported the sport before I started following the A-League.

Football just speaks to me in ways Rugby League never has. This isn’t to say the sport doesn’t speak with others but again you get where I’m coming from.

I have written a few articles on what it means to be a football supporter and the passion it evokes in me, but I now feel a sense of content with where I belong in this crazy place we call the world.

With only days remaining before we kick-off another season of the A-League, football fans alike should reminisce about what it means to be a supporter.

Whether it be a passionate active supporter, obsessive and outgoing sod like myself or a more reserved sideline sitter in the stands cheering just as loud but not looking so silly, our voices all need to be heard.

We are all apart of something more, something great. Just remember that We Are Football and you and I Power The Game.

So its Time To Shine season 2013/14.

The post Blog: Why I can’t wait for season 2013/14 appeared first on From The Stands.

Before we start, lets take a quick look at how Fantasy Football works. The rules are very simple yet the outcomes are very frustrating. You get a budget of AUD $2700000.00, and based on players values you select a team from all the current A-League team lists. All players start with a perceived value based on last seasons statistics and, while choosing no more than three players from any club, you need to fill a team of 15 players (11 on field and 4 substitutes) all within budget.

For the beginner:

The easiest way to do this is to “auto fill” your team. This is a method whereby the website pre-populates a team, then allowing you to remove who you don’t want and replace them with players of the same value. For example, if the auto fill gives you Besart Berisha for $325K and you don’t want him, you then chose another forward for the same value such as Mark Bridge.

Option two is to pick the players you want and then auto fill the remainders. For example, pick a GK, two defenders, two midfielders and two forwards, then select auto fill the remainder.

Tip: ensure your auto filled players will play and are not injured.

For the seasoned expert:

Here within is only one option for the aspiring A-League managers, and to get to this level you must ensure you’re ready to do some homework; selecting a team based on a real thought pattern. You can’t merely create a team in thirty minutes… you must deliberate over “who, why’s and how’s”, all the while keeping in mind player values. Do you pick midfielders who create assists or forwards that score weekly? Do you opt for a balance? Do you select midfielders who break forward and score or opt for a solid defence? There is one piece of advice: homework, homework and homework!

Tip: remember, no matter how much you research, Ange Postecoglou and Tony Popovic hold zero thought for your fantasy team and this will add a few grey hairs.

The basic rules and scoring:

Select a Fantasy A-League squad of 15 players, consisting of:

2 Goalkeepers

5 Defenders

5 Midfielders; and

3 Forwards

You select a captain and a vice captain; captain’s weekly points double, and should he not play, your vice-captain will receive this treatment. Teams must be selected with a Captain and Vice Captain prior to the “game week lockout”. Game week lockout occurs fifteen minutes before the first game of that round. For example, round one lockout starts at 19:15 October 11th 2013 and runs for the duration of the round. Points will calculate and tally upon completion of the round; all points and substitutions will take place and results are finalised for each week. No changes can be made during this lockout period.

Scoring

How do my players score and what for?

Playing in a match (or part of a match e.g. at least 60 minutes)

Scoring a goal

Making an assist (the pass or touch leading to the goal)

Keeping a clean sheets (goalkeepers, midfielders and defenders only)

Saving a penalty

Goalkeeper saves 3 shots or more

As well as the above, points can be deducted for some or all of the following:

• Conceding a goal (goalkeepers and defenders only)
• Receiving a yellow or red card
• Missing a penalty kick
• Scoring an own goal

For full scoring points and rules please visit the rules tab to the top right hand corner, just under the deadline clock, or: http://aleaguefantasy.foxsports.com.au/rules

Leagues types

I have played Fantasy football for a few seasons now, and enjoy it thoroughly. I register my team into many different leagues. You can chose the “traditional league” option where most points at seasons end wins, or the “head to head” option where you play other teams in the league based on your weekly points. Some people play private leagues for money; if you do, remember to bet responsibly… however I personally get more fun from merely the bragging rights of beating my mates, particularly my good mate Mark Riley.

Fantasy Football is a lot of fun… its designed to keep you engaged, and if you’re like me, I end up watching other games (which I wouldn’t normally) just to see players in my team. Wait and see, I am sure you’ll find yourself hoping Del Piero scores, as he is your selected captain, even if you go for Adelaide. Or you will find yourself looking for John Aloisi’s twitter handle to ask him why he dropped Jeremy Walker, or who he’s starting this coming Saturday. Fantasy Football creates football managers that many partners refer to as “football monsters”, because Fantasy Football isn’t about “oh, well you did your best”. Fantasy Football is about winning at all costs. We don’t sign up to lose, we are not doing this to be laughed at by the boys in the work place cafeteria because we selected Pedj Bojic as captain, and he didn’t even play. We are doing this because we’re, in our heads, at the end of the season emailing, texting, tweeting and screaming to our mates, ” You should have selected Tom Juric, I showed you!”

Fantasy Football starts this Friday night, register your team at: http://aleaguefantasy.foxsports.com.au/ and get your team into the FTSAL league. Our traditional league code is 144-100. Please join ours, get your friends to join ours, and even start your own. Fantasy football is for everyone, have a great and enjoyable year.

The post A guide to A-League fantasy football appeared first on From The Stands.

I find myself writing anger-induced articles again when I should be studying for my HSC; if I don’t make university, I know who to blame though. Earlier, the Herald Sun happily announced to their frothing, neck-beared audience that “Soccer clubs [and] police crack down on hooligans at Melbourne games.” On the eve of biting arguments between the Northern Terrace and BWB, as well as the club itself, the unbelievable specifics of proposed measures have been released in all of their terrifying detail.

Before I drill into these Orwellian and ridiculous systems, let me first present you with some real quotes. No, not quotes I made up after reading “1984” and pondering what football must be like in communist, North Korea. Words right out of the too-often-open mouth of the Herald Sun and, I’m sure, Victorian Police.

“SNIFFER dogs will be used to search for flares, video analysts sent to high-risk matches to track known offenders and rogue supporter groups targeted by clubs in an unprecedented crackdown on Victorian soccer hooligans.”

“a stronger push for court prosecutions for feral fans”

“A DEDICATED police investigations team headed by a high-ranking detective formed to probe all criminal incidents at A-League matches”

“ban flags and banners of splinter supporter groups in the stands, clamping down on the association of rogue fans”

“DOB-a-yobbo text messaging hotlines for matches”

“IMPROVED CCTV and video monitoring of fans.”

“we’re going to do whatever we can to ensure we provide a safe environment for supporters, families and kids who come along to watch sport.”

“If successful, the Victorian model is expected to become a national action plan for controlling soccer crowds with the FFA to meet NSW Police, agencies, venues and teams next week.”

“The police Public Order Response team will regularly attend matches along with uniform and plain clothes officers, targeting public order and alcohol-related violence.”

So, where do we buy our mandatory swastikas?

Football fans in this country are repeatedly treated like animals. Our crowds are reported time and time again as free-for-all riots, unsafe for any respectable AFL watching family. You’ve heard it all before, from myself and others, about how the media treats our sport. It’s a new level of disgusting when the police themselves have jumped on board the HMS Screw Soccer.

So what is their reasoning for cracking down on the blight that is soccer crowds? There were surely hundreds of arrests made at last years packed Grand Final? The truth is, there weren’t even enough for the sea of vicious, piranha-esque journalists to make a story out of – I can’t find a thing. So, why don’t we take a look at one game which they did make a lot of noise about – last year’s Sydney Derby. That was a disaster, they should’ve arrested the entire crowd. Unfortunately, NSW Police only found excuses to arrest three in the crowd of just under thirty thousand. I must be fair… let’s go back to the Melbourne Derby in 2011 where a whopping sixteen people were evicted; it is, in fact, Melbourne crowds that the Victorian police are so concerned with. What about last year’s derby? They improved slightly, but still deserve some sort of concentration camp after twelve evictions for public disorder. The packed final between Melbourne and Perth Glory saw six people sent packing, prompting the Victorian police to literally consider “an unprecedented crackdown on soccer hooligans, including possibly banning them from attending AFL matches.”

You can see why we have a problem, can’t you? I’ve been saying for quite some time that now’s a better time than ever for the always reliable denunciation campaign… I mean, Dob a Yobbo system. If only soccer crowds were as family-friendly as their AFL counterparts.

Well, let me hit you with some facts, mouth-breathing hordes of Herald Sun worshippers.

After Freo’s loss in the AFL the other week, nineteen arrests were made in Perth alone; not even in the stadium. Let’s hope the fourty four year old who got punched in the face by a nineteen year old is recovering well. Four more are being summoned for charges of assaulting a police officer, let’s not forget them. What about inside the stadium? Well, 35 were arrested, but at least the police were “happy”. Better than the AFL final a few years ago when 47 were arrested. Should I dive into the blight of racism, such as the thirteen year old girl who called Adam Goodes an “ape”? St Kilda veteran, Steven Milne, earlier this year pleaded for the AFL to stamp out on crowd abuse in the AFL. He declared in an interview, ”People go to the footy and take their kids to the footy. I wouldn’t put [them] in the Collingwood cheer squad or the Port Adelaide cheer squad,”

They’re no angels… where are the FBI crack-units?

Look, I don’t want to make this an AFL vs Football thing; this isn’t some sort of code war, no matter how much the Herald Sun wants it to be. However, it’s absolutely clear that soccer crowds are by no means the Iraqi battlefield police are making them out to be. In fact, AFL crowds are arguably worse. So why are the police wasting tax payer’s money and wasting their time on setting up “dedicated police investigation teams”, sniffer dogs and video analysts? Why is it their crusade to create a “family-friendly” environment at football games, when they’re the ones causing friction?

Nobody wants violent or “anti-social” behaviour at any sporting event, but there will inevitably be a minuscule minority of those not on their best behaviour, within any grouping of thousands of people. This is no excuse to turn a family-friendly sporting environment into a police state, federal crackdown. Because, believe it or not, A-League crowds are family friendly and, believe it or not, the police have better things to do.

Follow me on Twitter: @userlastname

The post We are not criminals. appeared first on From The Stands.

“Here’s the problem with soccer: Idiots”

- Neil Mitchell, 3AW, February 19 2013

Active supporters are the catnip that turns the atmosphere of a regular football game into a frenzy of passion and energy. As the Red and Black Bloc demonstrated last season, active supporters can transform a stadium into an intimidating battleground in which memorable struggles can be fought. While things can get out of hand sometimes, on the whole active supporter groups are well-behaved, intelligent people who just want to cheer on their team and spend bucket-loads of money on merchandise.

A variant of the active supporter is the ultra, groups of fans who are fanatical in the support of their team but also, importantly, of each other. It is with one of these groups, Horda, who Neil Mitchell blogged about voraciously earlier this year.

The actions of active supporter groups – especially ultras – become more apparent during derby games, when media and police attention is at its zenith. Footage of the Red and Black Bloc tormenting restaurant patrons was a popular one trotted out on TV last season, and the Herald Sun reported in 2011 on the attempted abduction of a Victory supporter by members of a Heart ultra group.

I raise these examples not to antagonise, judge or criticise, but to reflect on the dilemma both clubs and the FFA must deal with. On one side of the coin, you have the fostering of healthy fanaticism with the aim of building a lasting club legacy. On the other, you have the managing of spectator safety – passive, active, ultra and away supporters – respecting the stadium itself, and managing the public image of your club.

It would appear that Melbourne Victory have flipped their coin and angered their active supporter groups, barely 5 months after the Melbourne Victory fans won the Supporter Group of the Year award from the Professional Footballers Association:

“For years our fans have been the benchmark when it comes to support in the stands across the A-League, and as players, we certainly feel that it gives us an edge over our opponents.

“We know our fans will also take their support to another level in the coming seasons, now that Western Sydney’s Red and Black Bloc are on the rise, and we can’t wait to see it again when we take to the pitch.”

- Adrian Leijer, then Melbourne Victory captain.

What makes this about-face even more interesting is that just over 12 months ago, Victory were echoing sentiments that travelling Victory fans were the target of ‘overzealous security treatment’:

“The club wants to concede and acknowledge that there are significant issues with varying levels of security management.”

- Trent Jacobs – General Operations Manager, Melbourne Victory

The Northern Terrace Collective (NTC), an alleged collective of active supporter groups who sit in the Northern Terrace part of Etihad Stadium, is currently engaged in a dispute with the club over stricter security rules for the upcoming A-League season. From reading the letters published on their Facebook page, the NTC and some other groups have expressed their disapproval of the following terms laid down to the active supporters by the club:

• Banning of ‘crew’ banners, banners supporting individual supporter groups within the Northern Terrace
• Introduction of tarpaulins to the edges of active supporter areas, thereby containing supporters and reducing the number of entrances/exits to the area
• Introduction of scanners to entrances/exits of active supporter areas to increase security
• Reduction of the active bay size

These measures have supposedly been brought into place due to repeated breaches of the “Supporters Charter”, a document drafted between the active supporters and authorities, in Season 8. According to the Blue and White Brigade (BWB), another active supporter group, the following is the reason why the measures have been brought in:

“1st season of a Supporter Charter (Season 2011/12)
1. No breaches of the supporter charter within the active allocated area.
2. No breaches of the supporter charter by Vic Police & stadium management

2nd season of a Supporter Charter (Season 2012/13)
1. 45 breaches of the supporter charter within the active allocated area.
2. 1 breach of the supporter charter by Vic Police
3. 2 breaches of the supporter charter by ACG”

- BWB

The NTC claims that everyone in the Terrace is being punished for the actions of a few:

“The general principle of collective punishment is outlawed under the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 and is widely considered to be a violation of both human rights and natural justice. The restrictive policies put forward by MVFC to limit the size and restrict movement within the North Terrace can be seen as nothing else but subjecting the innocent majority to suffer as the result of the actions of the guilty few. Such repressive punishment stands against the values of a democratic and free society.”

- Letter from the NTC to the Victory

The NTC also claims that their concerns are being dismissed by the Victory, without any avenues for discussion or appeal.

“We feel that it is important to mention that, at no stage during our meeting with MVFC, were we involved in a negotiation process. We were not consulted about the proposals before they were decided upon, and at that point we merely had them dictated to us. When asked to put forward a proposal before the meeting last night – which we did – it was flat out rejected and not even open for discussion.”

There have even been threats from the Victory to remove the NTC from the formal terrace leadership group.

“At last night’s meeting, it was suggested to us by the club that, if we withdrew our support and suggested others do likewise, the NTC would be removed from the formal terrace leadership group and excommunicated from the monthly meetings with all stakeholders.”

The ultimate outcome has been the threatened withdrawal of support from the Northern Terrace.

“For these reasons, along with the health and safety concerns of all North Terrace members, we will be withdrawing ourselves from North Terrace active support, and advise all other North Terrace members to do the same in the interest of their own wellbeing, and the betterment of our active support.”

As a reaction to this, the BWB on Friday outlined that they will be taking over the active supporting duties in the Northern Terrace this upcoming season.

“Earlier today we released a statement based on a meeting with MVFC last night. In that statement we advised the position of the newly formed NTC from the meeting – their intention to boycott the designated North Terrace active area this season.

Their decision is based on their concerns regarding new measures adopted by the club to stop non paid-up NT members entering the designated active area and causing a repeat of last year’s incidents.

In response, the Blue & White Brigade would like to advise that they will be leading the North Terrace and will be supporting the players in round 1 and beyond.

“The Blue & White Brigade respects every individual’s decision; however we believe our course of action cements a vibrant and safer North Terrace community.”

- Blue and White Brigade

This decision has already drawn the ire of Melbourne Victory supporters from the NTC, furthering the schism which threatens to distract the Victory from the upcoming season.

The timing could not be more perfect for the FFA, who today announced the formation of a body dedicated to working with clubs to improve their active supporters.

“The unique nature of A-League supporters has been further acknowledged by the FFA, who will introduce a football specific working group this season. The operation will be implemented with a view to providing security that accounts for the distinctive style of support from active supporter groups such as The Cove of Sydney FC and the Red and Black Bloc of the Western Sydney Wanderers and will involve clubs, police, stadiums and FFA security operations. ”It’s now something all our clubs are harnessing,” Gallop said. ”Our players let our fans know that they respond to that atmosphere. There’s a working relationship between our fans and our players that’s really turbocharging the season.””

NTC

In terms of the NTC, I think this paragraph sums up the problem (bolding mine):

“The NTC were asked to put our proposals in writing, we did so in the form of the letter we released to the public via the North Terrace Melbourne Facebook page last night. MVFC were unsatisfied with our response – it was their belief that we did not put forward any alternative proposal. We disagree with this assertion. We put forward a proposal for the North Terrace to remain as it was last season as we believe in terms of both the level of support and growth it was arguably the most improved season in recent years.”

- NTC

Now let’s pretend that we all own football clubs. You are faced with violence and flaunting of the rules which takes place within a certain stadium area that your fans inhabit, after promises from those who claim to represent those fans that no issues will occur. The previous season had no recorded incidents by other active supporter groups.

Do you:

1. Increase security measures to this certain area of the ground
2. Do nothing, as NTC have essentially suggested?

I think it would have been naïve for Melbourne Victory to sit on their hands and do nothing, while I think it’s also naïve for the NTC to assume things will change by not doing anything differently.

“Insanity is repeating the same mistakes and expecting different results.”

- Rita Mae Brown

The point of this is, if you are a club and are given a proposal which simply says ‘nothing should change’, then you could make the case that no proposal has been put forward, thus the club doesn’t need to do anything differently.

The approach being used by the NTC has been rendered mostly pointless now that the Blue and White Brigade have offered to step in and fill the void.

Ultimately, the NTC are in a Catch 22: Continue going to the Northern Terrace and compromise all that they claim to stand for. Don’t go, and the Blue and White Brigade may render them redundant in the supporter landscape by filling the stands with fans who will be reassured by the extra security.

Since I initially wrote this on Friday, both the BWB and NTC have been trading barbs on their Facebook pages. I’ve only provided an initial summary, but check out both pages for more info: North Terrace Collective, Blue White Brigade

As both sides are now accusing the other of mis-representing the truth, I’ll leave it up to you to decide who, if anyone, is right.

Melbourne Victory

The club is not blameless in this whole affair. Nobody wants to see fans caged in, whether it’s with tarps or actual cages. Containing sections of fans into certain areas is a noble goal on paper, but physically keeping fans in place is just asking for trouble. These are active supporter bays, fans will NOT sit still. Without giving them a way to flow naturally in and out of the area, it’s going to create dangerous situations.

The scanners are another matter altogether. Treating your fans like criminals is certainly one way to alienate them, especially if it interferes with them coming and going in the area. It will certainly slow down the ability of fans to enter and exit the active support area, which will only further increase fan unhappiness.

Ultimately the club is partially responsible for this mess as would seem they have gone back on the Charter they wrote with their own fans by shutting some of them out. To go from co-operation to heavy security measures which wouldn’t be out-of-place at an airport is completely irresponsible, not to mention turning the Victory active supporters group into a laughing-stock by not stepping in as they slowly destroy each other.

Conclusion

I agree that the NTC have completely valid points regarding the way the club is treating the active supporter sections; no supporter should be treated like a criminal. However I think their approach to the situation is unrealistic in an environment where support for the A-League is continuing to grow all the time, so there are always more fans to fill the void left behind by the disgruntled ones if they choose to boycott. To quote Henry Ford, founder of the Ford car company:

“Don’t find fault, find a remedy; anybody can complain.”

Personally, I think the NTC resemble Clive Palmer’s Football Australia compared to their more moderate BWB comrades: rhetoric-heavy claims, laden with threats of boycotting, but ultimately toothless given their lack of size compared to the number of fans who will go along with what the Victory want in a more conciliatory manner. I think the NTC will ultimately be unsuccessful in this particular fight, but that isn’t always a bad thing. One of the best ways to learn is to fail.

“Failure is simply an opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.”

- Henry Ford.

Who do you think will blink? The club or the fans?

The post North Terrace vs Melbourne Victory – Who will blink first? appeared first on From The Stands.

A unique French perspective on our local league – The A-League – provided by two French guys: Jeremy Docteur and Nicolas. Why would French people care about our league? Jeremy was born and bred in France, but has an Aussie mum and loves the country. Nicolas holds the blog Lucarne Opposée which covers many leagues and has been following the A-League since 2010. Not to mention, our league is becoming global. So read on, and enjoy this unique perspective.

Guess who’s back? The A-League is finally regaining its rights. More than six months after Central Coast Mariners’ victory, the championship is about to start again. And we sincerely believe this season will be the best.

The grand departure comes nearer each day and it’s really approaching now; it’s the A-League’s 9^th season, THE season of all hopes. I know some of you out there haven’t ever seen a game and if so, don’t panic. Nicolas and I have been preparing a little dossier on the A-League from the other side of the world. We have two main goals: first of all, show Australia us French people can actually care about things not made in France, and secondly, and this is the most important point, we really wanted to provide an interesting piece to express our thoughts on the A-League and hence let Australians know what we think about it (though, on that point, we are definitely not the most unbiased people to ask).

Conquering the world

Since the transition of the National Soccer League (NSL) to the A-League in 2005, the Australian championship went from the useless championship to something more attractive, almost interesting. A-League’s reputation just can’t stop growing. Postecoglou’s two seasons at the Roar allowed Australia to discover another style of football, of which the dual with Mariners and later handover of power, played an impressive role with the media. The 2012/2013 season was the season where A-League passed a milestone. 2012/2013 was the year of arrival of the stars: Heskey to the Jets, but especially the international icon Alessandro Del Piero to Sydney.

Mediaset and the Football Federation Australia (FFA) reached an agreement which would guarantee a couple of Sydney FC’s games to be broadcasted on Italian television. Backstage, the federation is getting organised so that the message gets spread. The objective is to conquer medias. And it is working. Exuberant passion has joined the fans in the stadium. This has been encouraged by the cross-town rivalries set up by the Heart and newly-founded Western Sydney Wanderers, one of the main attractions of last season. The result is – overall – very promising.

Last August, the FFA renewed its confidence and extended the deal with the World Sports Group (WSG) that is in charge of TV rights contracts (excluding Australia and Oceania) to the season 2016/2017. This season, the deal with Mediaset has evolved: wholeness of all of Sydney FC’s matches will be broadcasted. August also saw FFA’s CEO announced that the A-League had found a new broadcaster, and not the least; the group BSkyB and its new channels entitled BT Sport have agreed to broadcast a minimum of two A-League games every week. The new British broadcaster has the rights on 38 games of Premier League and is counting on ESPN – which has been purchased as well – to challenge Sky. David Gallop also added that WSG had been a major part in the expansion of the reputation of the A-League. Consequently, the federation is also selling the rights for the National Team to various channels all around the world.

Until this season, the A-League has been reserved to householders who were subscribers of Fox Sports. From this season, SBS owns certain rights; Likewise Canal+ in France. These public channels will broadcast Friday’s big game accompanied by talk shows prior and after the games in order to debrief. These rights also boost SBS’s ability to cover A-League in more detail in their football talk show: The World Game

To conclude, the A-League concerns many world markets: Mediaset Premium Calcio in Italy, BSkyB in Great Britain, Fox Sports in the US and many other Asian distributors (China, Hong-Kong, Singapore etc). Thanks to SBS joining Fox Sports in Australian coverage, the beautiful game can now come in numbers into Australian houses.

The method : MLS Kangaroo style

Let’s just recall the A-League’s organisation and specific features in case you’re discovering it throughout this article (which we doubt).

Modelled on the MLS, a season of A-League is split in two: a regular phase/season of 27 games (the ten teams each face each other three times) before a play-off stage for the 6 best teams. The main difference is with the play-off organisation. The top two ranked teams at seasons end go straight into the semi-finals with their opponents determined after a round of games where the 3^rd faces the 6^th and the 4^th faces the 5^th. The winners of the semi-finals will face each other in the Grand Final with the highest ranked team getting the home advantage.

A real flavour of MLS is a salary cap in which marquee players escape from. A foreigner list of five players also has to be strictly respected. Everything is thoroughly well organised in order to guarantee sportive equity. Therefore, most of the editions are tight contests and teams do or don’t succeed on a knife edge (Sydney missed out on the play-off due to goal difference; Perth last team to qualify only had 5 points more than Wellington, who finished last).

2013-2014 : what is going the best season

This upcoming season no big name marquee signings, however several clubs have nonetheless managed to make good deals.

On October 11th, the season starts with a seductive (or not?) blockbuster: The Newcastle Jets are on the road to Sydney. Del Piero versus Heskey. Both clubs faced much more trouble than we thought they would last year, finishing 7^th and 8^th respectively. Many changes for the Sky Blues with some big departures in the likes of Lucas Neill, the two Griffiths and even Kruno Lovrek, whereas the Jets have remained stable and have offered themselves an experienced defensive player with Kew Jaliens, a Dutch international under Van Basten.

Elsewhere, Adelaide lost Vidosic but reinforced themselves with Australian international Zullo from Utrecht and might be turning a bit Hispanic with their coach Josep Gombau and the addition of two free players from Spanish lower divisions. Are they willing to produce nice football? Might want to rate them as outsiders.

If we now have a look at the two last champions: Brisbane, from now on coached by Mike Mulvey, acquired the likes of Mckay. As far as the critics regarding his international performances are legitimate, the full-back will surely bring strength to a squad which has seen Ben Halloran leave to Germany. The Roar still looks solid nonetheless. On the other hand, the Central Coast Mariners have sold (two of) their big prospects: Mathew Ryan, the goalkeeper and immensely rated in the perspective of replacing Mark Schwarzer in the Socceroos and Ibini who has left for China… I believe we all will agree to say his choice is for the least curious in a World-Cup season. Good news though, Matt Simon is back and Marcos Flores has signed from Melbourne Victory. The Mariners remain one of the favourites.

The most spectacular recruitment is Melbourne Heart’s one. In June, Kewell agreed to sign after a missed spell in the Gulf. The arrival of Massimo Murdocca, one of the key elements of the Roar and Postecoglou a few seasons ago in the midfield can, no doubt, seriously strengthen the team. They also secured Engelaar’s move as marquee signing before the former PSV Eindoven player broke his leg in pre-season. The arrival of Aziz Behich from Turkey to solidify the defence and Kisnorbo from England’s Championship are good opportunities for both club and player.

We will also have to follow Popovic’s Western Sydney Wanderers even though there hasn’t been any notable movements except from Kresinger’s departure.

Wellington have had a very South-American recruitment this year with Carlos Hernandez’ return to A-League and Kenny Cunningham. Sidneï signed for Perth while Melbourne will have to do without Marcos Flores and Marco Rojas, two major elements of their team. They will be counting on new signings Barbarousses and Mitch Nichols and their marquee signing of Chilean international Pablo Contreras.

No need to tell you this season is going to be one heck of a season.

Prediction time

We know, you’ve been desperately waiting for this. The classic predictions pre-season where everyone enjoys coming back to you 6 months later to tell you at what point you’ve been ridiculous. But we are fearless and you never know, we might predict one or two good things…

1. Title contenders

Nicolas: I believe Graham Arnold’s Central Coast remains number one considering they are the team with the most certainties for a couple of seasons now. However, I’d carefully watch Melbourne Heart and Brisbane. It seems the Roar have moved on from Postecoglou’s spell and tried to be malicious this summer (Winter… well, you know).

Jeremy:  Whether we try to be original or not, we’re not going to earn more money. Therefore I’ll go for the Mariners, I think they’ll be able to keep the spirit and the form they had last season. But I also think you can take the same argument for the Wanderers and it’ll also work out smoothly. Should Heart’s recruitment have direct positive effects they might turn out as very serious candidates too.

1. The surprise of the season

Nicolas: Personally, I think Brisbane can surprise a fair lot of people. The Roar cheered up so many Aussies on many occasions with Postecoglou that they let us down last season. But Mulvey’s arrival, plus the structure and a couple of young talents (for example Kwame Yeboah) makes me think they will probably annoy more than one team. Just have a look at their pre-season, 11 wins out of 12 games. Besides, they’d be even more challenging if the young Frenchman on trial was to sign.

Jeremy: The Wanderers were already THE massive surprise last season, can we still use that term if it happened again? Absolutely for me! The club has only been in the league one season and is about to start their second. They’ve maintained last season’s structure which is tremendously important when you want to move on. Let’s hope they can confirm all the good things they provided last year. Otherwise, I think we better mind Victory.

1. The deception of the season

Nicolas: Jeremy will sulk but I think it will be Sydney and Del Piero. We are used to having huge hopes and being promised the earth with the Sky Blues but I’m afraid the scenario will happen again. A few reasons: many arrivals and departures hence the club has to restructure and rebuild itself (plus I doubt the arrivals are of the quality of the departures), the very classic crisis in the middle of the season doesn’t help but most of all Frank Farina. In my opinion, he is not capable of federating a group. With the Mariners, both clubs based in Melbourne and the other club in Sydney, I see all as stronger than Sydney FC. I can barely see them challenging anything this season. Furthermore, their pre-season has been at the level of my expectations – very weak.

Jeremy: I feel sad and a little bit embarrassed to write it, but I’m scared for the Jets. They regularly have a lot of hassle and I can’t see them enchanting us within the next months. If not, how not to mention Sydney FC. As Nicolas said above, their pre-season, has been in my opinion quite special: they went on a special “tour” in Italy to face very weak teams (sometimes the adversary was amateur). What was the purpose of that, holidays? More than being irregular in their results, both teams are this time regular in mediocrity. Yet again, I’m hurt and sad.

We hope you all enjoyed the article. We personally would like to thank the host for giving us the opportunity of writing about the A-League on a popular Australian website.

A la prochaine !

You can follow Jeremy (@BackoTheDoc) and Nicolas (@LucarneOpposee) on Twitter

The post French perspective on the coming season appeared first on From The Stands.

For those of you not in the loop, you can read his article here: http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/meredith-opinion-display/60–What-did-you-really-expect/75642

6:0, what did I expect, wrote Nick Meredith. Well, Nick Meredith, Muppet Extraordinaire, what did I expect? I expected some fight, some passion and some respectability. What I got was exactly what you wanted, it seems. A team of quitters, losers; players who played to lose.

I didn’t expect Australia to win, but I didn’t expect Australia to get thrashed. This game was meant to be a good test of where we’re at in world football. Truth be told, we got the lesson some of us have expected in recent times. But that’s not my point. That’s for a different story.

Ask any fan, pick anyone at random. Hell, pick Frank Lowy. Fans hate seeing their teams get belted, especially when they’ve not even turned up. You can get belted and tried your damn heart out and you’ll be respected. Or you can take the Nick Meredith approach, bend over and take it because that’s how the world works.

No, Nick Meredith. That’s not how it works.

You want me to quit and give up because Brazil is better, has a larger pool of players and because the country itself follows football as if it were bigger than religion? Ah, no thanks. That’s not for me.

You, Nick Meredith, want me as a fan, to lower my expectations when I watch the Socceroos? Because we don’t have 5,000 Harry Kewells? Because we don’t dominate the world in football like we do in cricket, rugby and AFL? Don’t even get me started on what is wrong with that statement. Because we only have 1 player who is a regular who also plays in one of the top 5 UEFA leagues? Ah, no Nick Meredith. That’s not going to happen.

Nick Meredith seems to have forgotten what Australia is about. I was born in Australia. I grew up in Australia. I was taught to fight hard, never quit and give everything I had. When it comes to football, I play to win. I don’t care if the opposition consisted of Fred, Jo, Luis Gustavo, Maicon, Dani Alves or Ramires. I play to win.

That’s what Mr. Meredith seems to forget. Fans will hurt if we lose 6:0. But fans are hurt more because of the manner in which we lost. There was no fight against Brazil. We did exactly what Nick Meredith wanted Australia to do: bend over and take it.

Well no, Nick Meredith. What do I expect? What I expect is that the players give their all. I don’t care who the opposition is. Fight for every ball. Fight for every chance. Make the opposition know we’re here. We’ll win some and we’ll lose some. But whatever happens, the opposition will know that we were there and made it hard, win, lose or draw.

That’s what I expect Nick Meredith. That’s what the fans expect.

The post The Grand Stand: Nick Meredith, Muppet Extraordinaire appeared first on From The Stands.

Shane is 24 years old, and cruising towards the prime of his career. He can play at left back, or centre back, depending on where his team needs him. In his last six games, he has played both positions three times. Not only is he a versatile man, but also a hard-worker. In the last two seasons, for English club Millwall, the industrious Australian has appeared over seventy times, establishing himself as one of the best defenders in England’s second tier. In that period he has graced the field for almost 6500 minutes, having been substituted off only twice. Some might call him a work-horse. Others call him a really decent footballer.

Oh, he’s also very, very good at taking freekicks:

There’s a lot more to like about Shane. Although playing at youth level for the Republic of Ireland (a team that wanted him for their senior squad, and would be playing him now) the Perth born 24-year-old decided that he was proud of being an Australian. Mr. Lowry made a commitment to the Socceroos, one that was rejoiced by many of us who were following his career. What a champion.

…right?

Unfortunately, since making that undoubtedly huge decision in 2009, and having seen his form and ability develop significantly over the last three seasons, Shane is yet to be picked for a Socceroos side. Holger, you could say, has left our man high and dry.

Meet David:

David is a very happy bloke. Today, he was picked once again to represent Australia internationally. This will be the 46th time in his career, one that is reaching its twilight as he crawls towards 30 years old. Mr. Carney, too, can play at left back, and he is sometimes more adventurous than that, roaming forward into the murky world of left midfield.

In the last two or so years, David has graced three football clubs; sometimes appearing for them three, even four times. In fact, Mr. Carney has played just under 5000 minutes of football in his entire career. Around 500 of those in the last two years. He’s a relaxed man, David, and that’s why we like him so much. One constant throughout his career is a desire to play at quality clubs in quality leagues; the New York Redbulls where he currently earns a living is only testament to this.

Look to your left, look to your right, now look at David Carney’s gymnastic potency:

But perhaps David’s most desirable feature, is his unique ability to personify the four-leaf clover. The Australian stalwart, as he is known in some circles, has defied all odds to consistently earn selection for the Socceroos and a pay check. Is it his blonde hair, blue eyes and irresistible charm? Or is he some sort of superhuman? Nobody knows.

Now, compare the pair.

In a team that has been calling out for a left-back desperately; in a team that has been forced to play central midfielders in the full back position due to an apparent lack of options, it is clear which of the above gentlemen deserves to be in the Socceroos side, and who doesn’t. But this is the world we’ve grown so accustomed to living in; where jokes become reality, and reality becomes a joke.

Follow me on Twitter: @userlastname

The post Compare the pair… appeared first on From The Stands.

Is Melbourne Heart 2.0 a false dawn or does the club have what it takes to be a title contender this season? If I knew the answer to this question, I would either be a rich man or at least avoid seeing my local GP for regular blood pressure tests.

Of course this seems like I am avoiding the question and what type of opinion piece would this be if I continued in this vein? Season 2013/14 will be the most important in the club’s short history, and it could be a make or break situation for many involved in the club.

This upcoming season of the fourth for the club, and Heart are entering a new direction, undoubtedly foreign territory. And it appears that after four mediocre seasons, the club are looking for fresh start. A revolution is seemingly underway.

Gone is the ‘youth’ policy, the signings which the club have made appear to be for the ‘here and now’, and this is something I firmly support. Melbourne Heart have always signed older players but sometimes our heads appeared to be in the clouds in relation to the direction the club is taking when we primarily place our focus on youth. One cannot aspire to be a ‘youth’ based club when cross town rivals have a better youth system in place under the tutelage of Ange Postecoglu.

Head coach John Aloisi is well aware of the fact that he is under immense pressure to perform after the severe fade out of last season where a finals berth appeared within reach for the majority of the season.  An embarrassing away record and an inability to come from behind last season proved costly and some senior players paid the ultimate price.  A player clean out ensued with Colosimo, Thompson, Fred and Tadic all were shown AAMI Park’s back-door, whilst club champion Richard Garcia joined Sydney after contract negotiations couldn’t be reached.

On a brighter note, Heart admittedly did well to shore up the gaps left behind by the departures from the club. The signing of Harry Kewell is a much-needed one for the club.  Attendances, although improving every year, have been disappointing and is a direct result of the club’s poor on-field form, with the club only making the finals in one of the three seasons.

The World Cup carrot for Kewell is the biggest possible motivation any 35-year-old player can have.  Kewell has one last shot at representative football and Heart is that vehicle for Kewell.  Positive performances on the pitch will benefit both Kewell and Heart and could see Kewell receive a boarding pass for Rio De Janeiro. Of course all this could go pear-shaped and we could have another Vince Grella situation on our hands (I am prepared to bet on it).  However, this was a clever piece of work from John Didulica and his team, a calculated risk and is one worth taking.  Kewell, as captain, commercialises Heart, allowing it to grow in popularity. Unlike Fred, the former Socceroo, regarded as Australia’s most decorated player ever, is one that will be recognised by the general sporting population of Melbourne, not just by football fans.

The captain-coach partnership of Aloisi/Kewell is a step in the right direction for the club from a marketing perspective and can only benefit all those involved with the club.  Attendances must start strong and continue throughout the season, this will only happen with positive results and good football and as history has shown, mediocre results will only see so many times patrons continue through the turnstiles.

Previous circus comments aside, Kewell needs Heart as much as Heart needs Kewell. For sure, Kewell won’t rediscover his Leeds/Liverpool form as he is long past his prime. However, he still has the talent and the leadership skills that are needed to become an A-League success story.

The preseason injury to Orlando Engelaar was cruel and unfortunate, but that’s football.  On paper Engelaar appeared to be a perfect fit for Heart, some have criticized the club for obtaining the signature of yet another 35+ old player, but again I cannot fault the club for this.  The injury will give Engelaar time to observe the standard of the A-League and he could even play a key role off the pitch with his wealth of both international and European club experience.

The signing of Michael Mifsud, affectionately known as the “Maltese Messi” (that’s a lot of M’s) is an intriguing one.  Heart have never possessed a prolific scorer within their ranks. In fact, not one of the club’s strikers have managed to reach the double digits when it comes to goalscoring exploits. And it is widely expected that Mifsud should buck this trend.

Last season Josip Tadic proved a failure, only managing to find the back of the net on six occasions. Having a consistent avenue to goal could be the difference between success and failure for the club.

In addition, the description of Massimo Murdocca as a ‘hard worker’ may appear a little harsh and insinuate a lack of talent. However, this is not the case. Murdocca will provide a spark to the midfield, a factor which was missing for much of last season, and his work ethic will hopefully inspire a more concerted effort from all involved.  Iain Ramsey is another interesting signing, he will be hurt by the loaning of Aziz Behich but should adjust and become an important squad player.

At times last season, the team lacked cohesion. Players appeared to be playing for themselves,not a team playing together in order to reach the season objectives. Many ask whether or not it is a direct result of Melbourne Heart continuing to hand out one year contracts.  For sure, it does play a part, especially late on in the season.  Most of the new additions have signed on for one year contracts, which to me is a definite concern. Is the club too myopic for their own good or does the current financial predicament take its toll on contracted players?

Gambling on injury prone players such as Patrick Kisnorbo and Harry Kewell is a risk worth taking, but no responsible club would be in a position to offer their types of players a two year deal in such a transient league.  Aloisi needs to find a way how to gel his players together and change the attitude throughout the club.  The A-League is a highly competitive league and team morale plays a very important role.  This appeared to be lacking last season and must be addressed if Heart want to achieve something this season.

Melbourne Heart ‘Here and Now’ is a gamble from all parties involved, but one which was necessary to ensure success.  The squad is now assembled and although preseason results have been underwhelming, they don’t count for much.  Come October 12, the results will give all Heart fans a better indication of what the season upholds.

Final Thoughts:

I’m prepared to believe in Heart this season, but this belief doesn’t come with high expectations.  Give me an honest 27 game campaign (and increased home game attendances) and I will be happy.  I’m expecting a finish of anywhere from 5^th-8^th.  A home final would be a bonus; another repeat of last season would be devastating.  If everything goes right for us we have the potential to win the title, but so does every team, that is the beauty of the league.

The post The Hards’ Word: Melbourne Heart – Here and Now appeared first on From The Stands.