A-League 2018/19: Round 12 – Newcastle Jets v Brisbane Roar FC (Full Game)
Wednesday, 16 August 2017 –
The Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32 may have only just wrapped up but we have already seen some incredible performances from some PS4 NPL and lower-league players.
The beauty of the competition is that it allows existing and emerging talent a platform to shine on the big stage and put themselves in the shop window for higher honours.
And as we’ve seen with the likes of Jai Ingham (Melbourne Victory) and Danny Choi (Adelaide United), players who impress in the PS4 NPL and FFA Cup are every chance to earn a gig with a Hyundai A-League club.
With that in mind, we take a look at five of the hottest attackers banging on the door for a crack at Australia’s elite domestic competition.
JOEY GIBBS
The Blacktown City striker has had previous A-League experience with Western Sydney Wanderers and Newcastle Jets but never really established himself as a regular starter.
But two goals and a man-of-the-match performance in City’s 3-2 upset win Central Coast Mariners in the FFA Cup Round of 32 showed he’s more than capable of another shot at the A-League.
Netted 12 goals in 22 matches to help Blacktown City finish second in the PS4 NPL NSW this season.
MILOS LUJIC
Another who’s had A-League experience with Wellington Phoenix, Lujic is a goal-machine at Victorian NPL powerhouse South Melbourne.
The prolific striker netted an impressive 15 goals in 23 goals this season to help his side to second spot on the ladder heading into the final round.
The 27-year-old scored the dramatic winner to send South Melbourne into the FFA Cup Round of 16 at the expense of Edgeworth Eagles.
JARROD KYLE
A hat-trick in Gold Coast City’s 3-1 win over Western Knights in the Round of 32 is sure to have caught the eye of Hyundai A-League scouts.
The 24-year-old has previous A-League experience with Sydney FC and spent time in England with Sheffield Wednesday as a youngster.
Has netted 11 goals in 19 games in the NPL Queensland competition this season.
KENNY ATHIU
Known as ‘King Kenny’, the powerful Heidelberg United striker put his name up in lights with a cracking finish in the Victorian outfit’s stunning Round of 32 win over Perth Glory.
The Heidelberg frontman is the equal leading scoring in the Victorian NPL this season with 17 goals in 25 matches.
With strength, power and pace, the striker has all the ingredients for a shot at the A-League.
PATRICK ANTELMI
The 23-year-old has built an impressive reputation as a goal-poacher in the NSW NPL with Blacktown City and now Wollongong Wolves over the past couple of seasons.
Scored a hat-trick at the weekend against Sydney FC to take his tally to nine goals from 21 matches this campaign.
He signed with Portsmouth as a 15-year-old and also spent time with Leeds United and Wigan Athletic as a youngster but it never quite worked out for the striker in the UK.
Could the A-League give him a second chance?
Source : Football Federation Australia
Wednesday, 16 August 2017 –
Members are the most important pre-season signing and there is no better way to show your support for your club ahead of what promises to be the biggest and best season yet.
So what are you waiting for? Get your family and friends on board and help us reach a new membership record following last season’s impressive tally of 117,415 Hyundai A-League club members.
There are a range of flexible membership packages on offer so now is the time for you to play your part and become your club’s next marquee signing.
For all things membership head to http://www.a-league.com.au/membership
Become a member of your Hyundai A-League club by clicking on the respective link below.
Adelaide United – http://goreds.com.au/
Brisbane Roar – http://roar.memberlink.net.au/memberhome
Central Coast Mariners – http://www.memberships.ccmariners.com.au/
Melbourne City – https://www.citymembership.com.au/
Melbourne Victory – https://www.gomvfc.com.au/
Newcastle Jets – https://membership.newcastlejets.com.au/
Perth Glory – http://membership.perthglory.com.au/
Sydney FC – https://my.sydneyfc.com/membership-purchase
Wellington Phoenix – http://phoenix.memberlink.net.nz/memberhome
Western Sydney Wanderers – https://www.wanderland.com.au/
Source : Football Federation Australia
We crunch the Opta Stats to find out more.
CHARGING FROM DAY ONE
Sydney FC did something last season that no Premiership winner has done since 2006/07 – they won their first six regular season matches.
The Sky Blues dominant start put them on the road to a record points total and saw them crowned premiers well before the end of the campaign.
Ten years earlier, Ernie Merrick’s Melbourne Victory also won their first half-dozen games on their way to an eventual 12-point buffer at the end of the pre-finals segment of the season.
OUTHOUSE TO PENTHOUSE
The most famous example of a slow-starting champion was Adelaide United in 2015/16.
The Reds had a meagre two points after six games and were dead last.
In fact, they didn’t pick up their first win until round nine.
From there though, they were unstoppable, embarking on a 14-game unbeaten streak to go from last to first in astonishing fashion.
BEHIND THE EIGHT-BALL
It took Western Sydney time to get going as a Hyundai A-League club.
They didn’t score at all until round four of 2012/13 and six games into their debut campaign the newly formed side had just seven points and four goals.
But they quickly found their feet, rocketing up the table to claim the Premier’s Plate, winning 16 of their next 21 matches.
BUT SOLID STARTS OFTEN PAY DIVIDENDS
Eight of the twelve former Premiers have started their seasons well, reaching at least a double-figure tally of points after six games.
After Sydney FC last year and Victory in 2006/07, the next best were Adelaide United in the Hyundai A-League’s inaugural season.
The Reds were unbeaten through their first six matches, collecting 14 points on their way to a 7-point winning margin after 21 games.
Victory were also unbeaten through six games in 2014/15 but their 12 points was bettered by the 2007/08 Mariners who won four and drew one of their first six that season.
Source : Football Federation Australia
Massimo Maccarone – Brisbane Roar
Forget the fact this guy is 37, Maccarone is in excellent condition and is a genuine goal-scorer.
Any player who can still cut it in Serie A as early as last season has got the goods.
In a Roar team that loves to attack and be proactive, the man known as ‘Big Mac’ could have John Aloisi’s side tasting Hyundai A-League glory.
Mark Bridge – Western Sydney Wanderers
When it comes to players who have helped forged the Wanderers’ immediate success as a club, no one has arguably contributed more than bridge.
From scoring the club’s first-ever goal to winning the ACL and making three Hyundai A-League grand finals, Bridge is a firm fan favourite at ‘Wanderland’.
Back in Red and Black after a season in Thailand, the 31-year-old could make the Wanderers contenders again on the 2017/18 Season.
Iacopo La Rocca – Melbourne City
If there was one factor to why Melbourne City struggled to go all the way last season, it was the fact they conceded too many goals too easily.
And in the rugged Italian centre-back, City should be able to rectify that issue in 2017/18.
With Bruno, Timmy an co. doing their thing up front, if La Rocca and fellow import Michael Jakobsen can strike up a strong partnership, City’s defence has a much more formidable look about it.
Ersan Gulum – Adelaide United
The Turkish international is part of Marco Kurz’s rebuild of the Reds and will provide massive quality and experience.
Australian-born Gulum – on a season-long loan from Chinese side Hebei China Fortune, has enjoyed a long career at one of Turkey’s biggest clubs in Beşiktas.
A winner and someone who will lead by example, Gulum could be a big hit for the Reds.
Daniel De Silva – Central Coast Mariners
We’ve already had a small taste of what De Silva can produce in the Hyundai A-League during his time at Perth Glory.
Now back in Australia and at the Mariners, the classy playmaker is a more mature and well-rounded player after his stint in the Netherlands with Roda JC.
Which is wonderful news for coach Paul Okon, as the new-look Mariners look to get back to playing finals football this season.
Source : Football Federation Australia
Wednesday, 19 July 2017 –
Sydney FC cruise against Wanderers
The Sky Blues cruised to a 9-0 drubbing against Earlwood Wanderers FC in the Johnny Warren Community Challenge at Leichhardt Oval.
Marquee Bobô notched a hat-trick, captain Alex Brosque and centre half Jordy Buijs both picked up a brace, while Paulo Retre and Matt Simon each hit the back of the net with long range strikes.
Hoole strikes again for Mariners
New recruit Andrew Hoole scored his fourth goal of the pre-season as the Mariners edged out PS4 NPL NSW outfit Hakoah Sydney City East 1-0 at Pluim Park.
Paul Okon’s side was a mix of his Hyundai A-League stars with some exciting academy prospects.
Glory stunned by Inglewood
Kenny Lowe’s side opened their pre-season campaign with a shock 3-1 loss to PS4 NPL WA leaders Inglewood United.
Glory’s goal came in the very last minute of the match, tucked away by Jacob Italiano.
Jets soar over Magic
Newcastle Jets made it two-from-two in the pre-season with an emphatic 5-1 win over local outfit and Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32 side Broadmeadow Magic.
Winger Andrew Nabbout scored a superb hat-trick while new rercruits Roy O’Donovan and Dimitri Petratos also found the net.
Source : Football Federation Australia
Saturday, 15 July 2017 –
Mark Milligan
The veteran Caltex Socceroo is still a free agent after leaving UAE club Bani Yas. Equally strong in midfield or at the back, the ageless Milligan is still a player of the highest quality.
A proven winner with excellent leadership skill, Milligan – who is still just 31 – could still have a huge impact in the Hyundai A-League. Could he end up back at Melbourne Victory.
Robbie Kruse
Wouldn’t it be great to see Robbie back in the Hyundai A-League! Still without a club since leaving China’s outfit Liaoning Whowin, Kruse would be the perfect fit for any club.
With consistent game time so important heading towards next year’s FIFA World Cup, now could be the time for the 28-year-old to come home. His speed and eye for goal would be beneficial for any club!
Marcelo Carrusca
The classy Argentine – and now naturalised Aussie – looks on his way out of Adelaide, opening the door for another club to swoop.
At 34 (when the next Hyundai A-League season starts) ‘Chelo’ could still do a fabulous job. On his day one of the most exciting players to watch and would be a great mentor for young players at a particular club.
Scott McDonald
Quality strikers are not easy to find and there’s no doubt McDonald fits the bill after a long career in Europe.
Is still searching for a new side after leaving Motherwell at the end of last season, scoring 24 goals in 83 appearances for the Scottish Premier League club. Surely a season or two in the Hyundai A-League would be a great way to finish the final years of his career.
Dario Vidosic
The well-travelled playmaker is currently back in Australia for the birth of his first child after he was released by Korean club Seongnam FC.
Has been a hit in the competition during previous stints at Adelaide United, Brisbane Roar and most recently Western Sydney Wanderers. If you want a player who knows how to get it done in the Hyundai A-League, then Vidosic could be the man.
Source : Football Federation Australia
Here’s our top five transfers over the past month and why these players could be crucial signings for their new clubs.
Kosta Barbarouses (Victory)
The 27-year-old returned to New Zealand last season with the Phoenix after three successful campaigns with Victory.
But the All Whites flyer failed to settle in Wellington and has returned to Victory, where he won a title under Kevin Muscat in 2015.
With Fahid Ben Khalfallah moving to Brisbane, Barbarouses’ pace and attacking flair will be pivotal for Victory.
And with the All Whites hoping to qualify for Russia 2018, he’ll be hungry to return to his best for the Big V.
Eugene Galekovic (City)
After a decade with the Reds in Adelaide – including a Championship in 2016 – the gloveman returns to his hometown for a “new challenge” with City.
With more than 250 Hyundai A-League games to his name, his composure and winning mentality could prove crucial in a City squad where success is a must.
Still in peak condition as well at the ripe old age of 36.
Nikolai Topor-Stanley (Jets)
Strong defender? Tick. Experience? Tick. Proven winner? Tick. The Jets are desperate to end their eight year finals drought and in Topor-Stanley they have someone who can help them do just that.
The 32-year-old is back in the Hunter and his presence immediately gives Ernie Merrick’s troops a more formidable look.
His leadership and big-game experience is a massive bonus as the Jets look to re-shape their club culture after a lean few seasons.
Oriol Riera (Wanderers)
When it comes to pedigree, Tony Popovic looks onto a winner with the signing of the 31-year-old striker.
Riera – a product of the famed Barcelona youth academy La Masia – is a former teammate of the likes of Lionel Messi and Cesc Fabregas and has scored goals in La Liga, including against Real Madrid last season.
If he settles in Australia quickly, Riera could score plenty of goals in the Red and Black.
Corey Gameiro (Roar)
It’s been a frustrating few years for Gameiro, having endured three knee reconstructions in four seasons.
But the 24-year-old – released by City at the end of last season – has been thrown a lifeline by Brisbane and is hell-bent on reviving his career.
With blistering speed and an eye for goal, Gameiro could be a big hit under John Aloisi in what will be a new-look Roar attack.
Source : Football Federation Australia
With some fresh faces and high expectations in both squads, the battle to be top-dog in Melbourne will be as fierce as ever between Victory and City.
And following the release of the draw for the new season on Wednesday, fans of both clubs only have to wait until Round 2 to resume hostilities.
MELBOURNE DERBY FIXTURES 2017/18 SEASON
Round 2 – Etihad Stadium, Saturday October 14, 2017
Round 12 – AAMI Park, Saturday December 23, 2017
Round 22 – AAMI Park, Friday March 2, 2018
EPIC BATTLES LAST SEASON
The battle for supremacy in Melbourne has intensified every year and we were treated to three memorable encounters during the 2016/17 Season.
In Tim Cahill’s first-ever Hyundai A-League clash, City trounced Victory 4-1 at Etihad Stadium in Round 2, with the Caltex Socceroos star’s incredible long-range volley stealing the show.
City followed up that impressive win by beating Victory in the Westfield FFA Cup semis to suggest the balance of power in Melbourne may have been shifting.
But Kevin Muscat’s men responded in the last two derbies of the season, coming from behind in both Round 11 and Round 18 to win those matches 2-1.
Who will claim bragging rights in the 2017/18 Season?
CAN CITY BECOME KINGS OF MELBOURNE?
Having lifted the club’s first piece of silverware in the Westfield FFA Cup last season, City’s focus will very much be on Hyundai A-League success in 2017/18.
But it’s a fresh start for the Cityzens, with Englishman Warren Joyce brought in as the new coach to take the club forward.
While stars Cahill and Bruno Fornaroli will again be the focal point of City’s attack, Joyce has the opportunity to assemble the squad he wants with plenty of spots open on the roster.
Experienced keeper Eugene Galekovic is the only addition to the squad so far. Joyce is renowned for his ability to develop young players and with the likes of Daniel Arzani, Ruon Tongyik, Dylan Pierias and Denis Genreau getting a taste of the A-League last season, we might see plenty more of these talented youngsters.
Victory were a whisker away from winning the grand final last season and will again be one of the favourites for the title.
While they have lost some quality players in Fahid Ben Khalfallah, Alan Baro, Daniel Georgievski and Nick Ansell – and possibly Caltex Socceroo James Troisi – Muscat has recruited well.
Rhys Williams and Thomas Deng have been brought in to bolster their defence while 2015 grand final hero Kosta Barbarouses returns to the club.
It all makes for what should be another gripping season of clashes between these Melbourne rivals.
Source : Football Federation Australia
Thursday, 1 June 2017 –
Network Ten will broadcast the Harvey Norman Saturday Night football Hyundai A-League games and all finals as well as Caltex Socceroos matches after the completion of the current round of World Cup Qualifiers this year.
The new deal, which will come into effect for the 2017/18 Hyundai A-League season, will see FOX SPORTS’ world class broadcast of the Saturday 7.30pm blockbuster simulcast LIVE on Network Ten’s ONE.
The country’s best commentary team featuring Mark Bosnich, Robbie Slater, Simon Hill, Adam Peacock, Andy Harper and Tara Rushton will guide fans through the Saturday night match LIVE on FOX SPORTS and ONE.
The announcement follows last year’s ground breaking six year agreement which sees LIVE coverage of every Hyundai A-League game, along with Caltex Socceroos, Westfield Matildas, Westfield W-League and Westfield FFA Cup matches remain on FOX SPORTS.
“This is a win for football fans and an opportunity for us to showcase our game on a commercial network with a recent history of successfully covering major sport,” said Football Federation Australia chief executive David Gallop.
“We will take the biggest matches of the Hyundai A League – such as the Saturday night derbies – into every household in Australia live for the first time,” Mr Gallop said. “It is part of the overall broadcast deal with FOX SPORTS and means that we will be working with them to drive interest and subscriptions to their ‘all games live’ coverage of the Hyundai A-League.
“It is terrific to have a new and enthusiastic partner in Network Ten to promote the game.”
Network Ten Chief Executive Officer, Paul Anderson , said: “We are very proud to partner with Football Federation Australia and FOX SPORTS to bring the Hyundai A-League to our viewers on ONE and tenplay every Saturday night.
“From October this year, 27 home and away Harvey Norman Saturday Night football matches and five Finals – plus Caltex Socceroos matches from next year – will have a new home on free-to-air television. We will provide a consistent timeslot on ONE for 30 weeks of the year, promoting the Hyundai A-League and its best game each week to all of Australia.
“We are looking forward to working with FOX SPORTS and Football Federation Australia to broadcast the Hyundai A-League to our viewers live on ONE and live streamed on tenplay,” he said.
FOX SPORTS CEO, Patrick Delany said: “This is a great result for football fans in Australia. The arrangement between FOX SPORTS and Network Ten will ensure more fans than ever before get to watch the best Australian footballers in action every week.
A prime-time Saturday night A-League match, featuring the best line-up of football experts guiding fans through the action, will help grow the game and build football for long-term success,” Mr Delany said.
Source : Football Federation Australia