In A League of its Own: Episode 16

Tom’s weekly outlook on the A-League

Gameweek 13 in the A-League certainly wasn’t one of the goal-filled entertaining weekends that we’ve become accustomed to this season, but instead, it was a round where 4 out of 5 matches finished 1 goal to nil. These weren’t necessarily boring games of football, but just games where both teams had to work really hard to get anything out of it.

The one exception from the 1-0 matches was a top of the table clash between Brisbane and Adelaide. In what shaped up to be a cracker of a game, the first half was pretty evenly spread, until just before half-time, when Reinaldo broke through and managed to force the ball past Eugene Galekovic for a 1-0 half-time lead. 10 minutes after the interval, defender Matt Smith doubled Brisbane’s lead. Soon after, it was the Kosta Barbarouses show for 5 minutes. He netted 2 top drawer goals, and gave his side a 4-0 win and top position on the table. This outstanding performance prompted Mark Bosnich to say that this Brisbane team is “The best A-League team ever”. Strong words, but I think he has a point.

Two very similar games of football were played on Friday and Saturday. All four teams involved, also have had very topsy-turvy seasons. The winners – Central Coast and Gold Coast – are now back on track with their respective seasons. The losers – North Queensland and Melbourne Victory – have now stumbled a couple of times, and may not reach their pre-season expectations.  North Queensland would have been hoping for a first appearance in March, but will now find it tough-going to reach March from 9th. The Victory on the other hand, are now sitting just inside the top six a couple of games ahead of the other clubs, and it isn’t a great position if you have a squad and reputation like they do.

The final two games for gameweek 13 came to us from Newcastle and Perth. These two teams lost their matches though, and both find themselves in again similar situations. Perth have had a nightmare of a season, and find themselves not quite last, but with their momentum going fiercely the wrong way, it won’t be long before they are. Newcastle haven’t had the ideal season either; lumbering around the foot of the table for much of it and losing money everywhere they look. The winners on the other hand, have now turned their form around. My prediction for eventual champions this season Wellington, got walloped by Brisbane at home last week, but this week Tim Brown scored just 57 seconds in to hand the Phoenix a hard fought 1-0 win away to the out of luck Perth. Sydney are also starting to display some of the good form that launched them to the title last season. Bruno Cazarine netted the only goal of the game for the visitors, when he tapped in a controversial goal 15 minutes from time.

This week’s Melbourne games, come from AAMI Park. Sunday evening, get along to see if Mark Bosnich’s prediction is correct, when Brisbane tackle Heart. It could be a tricky encounter for the Roar, as the last time they played in Melbourne they lost 3-0 to Melbourne Victory. The Victory themselves are playing midweek next Thursday night against Central Coast. The two teams might just be fighting it out for the same place come season’s end, so get to the 7.30 pm start after work and watch a crucial game be won or lost.

About Tom Riordan

Tom Riordan is in his second year of a Bachelor of Journalism at Swinburne University. He loves all sports, and plays for Brunswick Cricket Club. He supports the Western Bulldogs and can be found on weekends among half a dozen others in Q38 on the top level of the MCC.

Comments

  1. Is it fair to argue that Heart will finish above Victory this season?

  2. Martin Reeves says

    Currently in the mountains of India and just logged on to check the Victory score v Perth. 2-0 down. The wheels appear to be falling off Tom.

  3. They sure do. Match ends 3-1. Fowler hattrick, total domination over Victory. We need a change of structure I think, playing 3 central defenders and none really out wide is a problem. We’ll get carved up by Central Coast midweek.
    Enjoy India Martin!!!

  4. Previous one from me, sorry!!!

Leave a Comment

*