Australian A-League 2009/10

Thought we should have a thread for this, i've noticed a few aussies floating around, and i think there is a kiwi hiding somewhere

Season kicks off tomorrow night, and ill proudly be attending, hoping that my beloved Victory can win & go back to back this season.

All I know is that there is a Macedonian team and plenty of Macedonian minority there plays football.

Among more notable are: Mile Sterjovski, Billy Celeski and the team I think is Preston Lions FC.

@ Jofo: Yeah there are several Macedonian footballers in the A-League. But don't forget Sasho Petrovski I remember Lazio were linked with him 2-3 seasons ago. It would have been a joke had Lotito actually signed him! He's good for the A-League, but in Italy - no way.

@ Kris: I'm not hiding. I'm here watch out for the Wellington Phoenix!

Lazio linked with Sasho Petrovski????? WTF???

To put that in perspective, Igli Tare is 10 times the player he is.

Yeah I know. It was a few seasons ago - during one of the January mercato months I think.

I'm sure it was a joke, but I did read it on more than 1 site.

I thought I read somewhere that the Aussie federation put an end to football clubs exclusive for certain nationalities, to prevent clashes etc., like the White Eagles? or was that in Canada?

http://www.newcastlejets.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=28543

Hey Kris, how do you like Charlie Miller? I knew him from his days in Belgium at my club. Once he scored the winner on the pitch of one of our biggest rivals, after losing a contact lens. We were batteling not to relegate. Those were the days...

We got hammered by central coast fc... disgraceful!

@ Jofo, Preston is actually in the 2 division, and there is no promotion/relegation in the Australian A-League. 5 Years ago, our football federation banished all the "ethnic" alligned teams into the second tier, & fresh teams, with no ethnic background were formed to make a new league. Its worked perfect.

@ Belgio... Charlie has been brilliant for Brisbane Roar FC. He has scored some magic goals.. Link below (he made #7 top 10 goals for the season):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imLj6wr-1fc

He's carrying alot of weight, but is a great character. Cant wait to see Robbie Fowler this season. Even at his age, he'll knock 10+ goals if he can stay fit.

Its not quite clear cut..

There is the 10-team A-League, with relatively 'new' clubs. National competition with no promotion-relegation.

Then each state has their own system of 2-3 leagues with promotion relegation. All the old 'ethnic' clubs that used to play in the national league are now back in their own state comps. My club Adelaide City are back in the SA comp. I wouldn't say its worked perfectly...but that's a never-ending debate.

Bobbi, can honestly say that I never knew about Petrovski going to Lazio. There really is no Australian based footballers good enough to play Serie A football.

BTW I saw Mile Sterjovski last night when Perth came to Adelaide. Disappointing is all I can say, but he'll come good I reckon.

c. testa wrote:

There really is no Australian based footballers good enough to play Serie A football.

Jason Culina = definate
Archie Thompson = maybe
Craig Moore = maybe
Mile Sterjovski = maybe

Remember when Bresciano & Grella left Aus for Italy? They wernt crash hot at Carlton FC & everyone expected them to flop. Yet they learnt & became solid calcio first teamers.

Kris wrote:

c. testa wrote:

There really is no Australian based footballers good enough to play Serie A football.

Jason Culina = definate
Archie Thompson = maybe
Craig Moore = maybe
Mile Sterjovski = maybe

Remember when Bresciano & Grella left Aus for Italy? They wernt crash hot at Carlton FC & everyone expected them to flop. Yet they learnt & became solid calcio first teamers.

Fair call on Culina! Didn't come to mind cause he hasn't actually played yet.

The other 3 though, no chance. Thompson has already failed in Europe at PSV, Moore is tough as teak but would die in the tactical nature of Italian football and Sterjovski is past his best. I saw him last night, not to judge on the first 90 minutes of his season, but he isn't good enough for the top level anymore.

Bresc and Grella were younger footballers and adapted very well to Italy. The players you listed are much older.

If an Aussie is going to come to Italy and do well, they have to have the best years ahead of them. Look at Carl Valeri, the kid is going to leave Grosseto for a Serie A club within 12 months, if not this summer. Cagliari and Chievo are chasing. Excellent player.

I always felt that Grella would've been great for Lazio. Shame he went to England, complete opposite to his personal style of football and he just isn't cut for that game. Such a tactically complete mediano though.

The mighty Wellington Phoenix went down fighting 3-2 to Newcastle Jets.

I support the only Kiwi franchise in the league (Phoenix) but also like Adelaide United (Testa's team ).

I just found out there's an online A-League Fantasy Football League. Any of the Aussie's keen for a little trans-tasman competition?

Guys Gold Cost looks strong this year!

LazioSS wrote:

Guys Gold Cost looks strong this year!

Can you believe that they sold griffiths to some Saudi club for $650,000! Unbelievable!

Gold coast thrash fowler. And he should have been sent off for sure.

Im enjoying the brissy victory game wow. Nice goals.

Leo Bertos' goal for Wellington was a cracker too. Deflected, but a quality hit none the less. I know Bobbi would've had Mihajlovic flashbacks when he saw this one

@ 1:32

Some good goals in that victory game. Its hard to predict the winner this season all teams look balanced, maybe not fury and wellington.

Kris wrote:

Leo Bertos' goal for Wellington was a cracker too. Deflected, but a quality hit none the less. I know Bobbi would've had Mihajlovic flashbacks when he saw this one

Hahaha I sure did! Awesome goal!

The Victory - Roar match was incredible. All the goals were brilliant - even the penalty kick was classy!

I hate Adelaide United, But i've developed a greater hatred for the Gold Coast due to their arrogant claim they will go undefeated all year and win the title first up.

Gees i hope the reds smash the sh.it out of them.

C'MON YOU REDS!

Did anyone see the Wellington goal ruled out for offside against Adelaide United in the 85th minute? Harsh.

Greenacre was obviously offside but wasn't going for the ball - but the scorer, Ifill, was clearly onside. The linesman raised his flag seconds before the goal (I assume because he thought Greenacre was going for the ball and not Ifill)?

Instead a 1-1 home draw. Ridiculous.....

Start watching from around 3:45.....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Lf4xBhIdL4

Danny Al-slob just signed a deal with some cashed up Qatari club. Bye Bye Mr Elephant feet, I wont miss you. Finally Fabiano gets a start!

Cant believe Central Coast smashed the Gold Coast? Great result!

I know its early, but im calling it now....

Goal Of The Season!