2009/10 Hyundai A-League Thread

[Adelaide Titan]

Preview:

It's already season 5 of the Hyundai A-League and we welcome 2 new teams to the competition, Gold Coast United and North Queensland Fury who are ready to show they are worthy title contenders in just their first season. Can Melbourne defend their title? They are the benchmark team of the league by far. Can Adelaide finally win a grand final that has been long overdue? They are the team that put Australian football on the world stage last year making the ACL final and earning 5th place in the Club World Cup. Can Gold Coast go undefeated like owner Clive Palmer Said? Well we will find out over the next 8 months the answers to these questions.

Perth finally look like a team that are genuine title contenders after being the only Aussie team to not make the finals. The newly named Brisbane Roar will want to show they are the pride of Queensland which will set up a couple mouthwatering encounters with their new fellow QLD teams. Central Coast are looking for their first competitive win in a long time and the Newcastle Jets will want to avoid finishing bottom again. Sydney FC had a disappointing season 4 and will want to remind everyone why they are known as ‘Bling FC’ with their 5th coach in as many seasons and new signings. While across the Tasman, Wellington will continue to threaten the last couple of top 6 places.

In a first, competitive matches will be played in Canberra hosting the Mariners twice and Sydney FC will play at Parramatta Stadium for an A-League first, the former home ground of Parramatta Power in the old NSL and current ground of the NRL’s Eels.

The biggest signing which cant be argued has been made by Nth Qld, signing Robbie Fowler, a Liverpool legend in the EPL. Another foreign, well known signing is Andy Todd to Perth from Derby County in England. Some Aussie big names have returned home who still play for the Socceroos such as Jason Culina, Joel Porter, Jess Vanstrattan (GCU), Mile Sterjovski, Chris Coyne and Jacob Burns (Perth). In season 5 a top 6 play off series will occur at the end of the home and away season which will now consist of 27 rounds with each team player eachother 3 times including some midweek games. The finals format is as follows:

Week 1:
1 vs 2 (1st LEg)
3 vs 6
4 vs 5

Week 2: (SF)
1 vs 2 (2nd Leg)
W 3v6 vs W 4v5

Week 3: (PF)
L 1v2 vs W SF

Week 4: (Grand Final)
W 1v2 vs W PF


The Premier and Champion will qualify for the 2011 AFC Champions League.

[Adelaide Titan]

Ins and Outs:

Adelaide United (Hindmarsh Stadium)
Re-signed: Daniel Mullen (2 years)
In: Shin In Sup (Kunkuk University, South Korea, two years), Iain Fyfe (Sydney FC, one year), Adam Hughes (Drogheda United, Ireland, two years), Michael Marrone (Adelaide United NYL, one year), Joe Costa (Adelaide United NYL, 2 years), Francesco Monterosso (Adelaide United NYL, 2 years), Lloyd Owusu (Cheltenham Town, England, 2 years)
Out: Paul Agostino (retired), Daniel Beltrame (retired), Angelo Costanzo (Newcastle Jets), Diego (released), Isyan Erdogan (released), Sasa Ognenovski (Seongnam Ilhwa, Korea Republic), Jonas Salley (released), Jason Spagnuolo (North Queensland Fury), Michael Valkanis (retired), Robert Younis (released)

Brisbane Roar (Suncorp Stadium)
Re-signed: Craig Moore (one year), Matt McKay (two years), Massimo Murdocca (two years), Mitch Nichols (two years), Andrew Packer (two years), Reinaldo (three years), Danny Tiatto (one year), Michael Zullo (two years)
In: Henrique (Formiga, Brazil, one year), Matt Mundy (Brisbane Roar NYL, two years), Adam Sarota (Brisbane Roar NYL, three years)
Out: Chris Grossman (North Queensland Fury), Matt McKay (Changchun Yatai, China, on loan), Tahj Minniecon (Gold Coast United), Hyuk-Su Seo (released)

Central Coast Mariners (Bluetongue Stadium)
Re-signed: None
In: Chris Doig (Northampton Town, two years), Shane Huke (Dagenham & Redbridge, England, six months, Asian Champions League only), Adam Kwasnik (Wellington Phoenix, two years), Nick Rizzo (Perth Glory, six month, Asian Champion League only)
Out: Mile Jedinak (Genclerbirligi, Turkey), Matthew Osman (Gold Coast United). Sasho Petrovski (Newcastle Jets), Nick Rizzo, Andre Gumprecht, Paul O'Grady, Greg Owens (all released)

Gold Coast United (Skilled Park)
In: Andrew Barisic (Melbourne Knights, one year), James Brown (Australian Institute of Sport, three years), Zenon Caravella (FC Omniworld, Netherlands, two years), Jason Culina (PSV Eindhoven, Netherlands, three Years), Steve Fitzsimmons (Beenleigh, Australia, one year), Richard Greer (Australian Institute of Sport, one year), Adam Griffiths (Newcastle Jets, three years), Scott Higgins (Eastern Suburbs, Australia, one year), Jefferson (Atletico Rorairama, Brazil, one year), Milson (Madureira, Brazil, one year), Tahj Minniecon (Under-23 marquee player, Brisbane Roar, three years), Matt Osman (Central Coast Mariners, two years), Steve Pantelidis (Melbourne Victory, two years), Joel Porter (Hartlepool United, England, three years), Daniel Piorkowski (Newcastle Jets, two years), Kristian Rees (Adelaide City, two years), Robson (Cabofriense, Brazil, one year), Shane Smeltz (Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand, three years), Michael Thwaite (SK Brann, Norway, three years), Bas van den Brink (FC Omniworld, Netherlands, two years), Jess Vanstrattan (Verona, Italy, two years)

Melbourne Victory (Etihad Stadium)
Re-signed: Evan Berger (two years), Grant Brebner (one year), Billy Celeski (two years), Matthew Kemp (two years), Mitchell Langerak (three years), Archie Thompson (two years), Rodrigo Vargas (two years), Nick Ward (two years)
In: Glen Moss (Wellington Phoenix, two years), Mathew Theodore (Melbourne Victory NYL, one Year)
Out: Steve Pantelidis (Gold Coast United), Sebastian Ryall (Sydney FC), Michael Thwaite (Gold Coast United).

Newcastle Jets (Energy Australia Stadium)
Re-signed: Jobe Wheelhouse (two years)
In: Angelo Costanzo (Adelaide United, one year), Donny de Groot (De Graafschap, Netherlands, one year), Peter Haynes (Broadmeadow Magic, six months, Asian Champions League only), Mitchell Johnson (APIA Leichhardt Tigers, six months, Asian Champions League only), Ljubo Milicevic (Melbourne Victory, one year), Sasho Petrovski (Central Coast Mariners, two years), Nikolai Topor-Stanley (Perth Glory, two years), Nikolas Tsattalios (Sydney FC, six months, Asian Champions League only), Sean Rooney (Sydney FC NYL, six months), Fabio Vignaroli (SS Lazio, Italy, six months, Asian Champions League only), Joel Wood (Broadmeadow Magic, six months, Asian Champions League only)
Out: Ante Covic (IF Elfsborg, Sweden), Adam Griffiths (Gold Coast United), Joel Griffiths (Beijing Guoan – On loan), Jesper Hakansson (released), Antun Kovacic (Ulsan Hyundai , Korea Republic), Mark Milligan (Shanghai Shenhua, China), Jade North (Incheon United FC, Korea Republic)

North Queensland Fury (Dairy Farmers Stadium)
In: Fred Agius (Adelaide City, one year), Beau Busch (Sydney FC, one year), Jeremy Brockie (Team Wellington, New Zealand, one year), Robbie Fowler (Blackburn Rovers, England, two years), Chris Grossman (Brisbane Roar, one year), Paul Kohler (Newcastle Jets, one year), Daniel McBreen (York City, England, one year), Robbie Middleby (Sydney FC, two years), Justin Pasfield (Wollongong Wolves, two years),James Robinson (Perth Glory, two years), Brendon Santalab (Sydney FC, two years), Jason Spagnuolo (Adelaide United, two years), Chris Tadrosse (Central Coast Mariners, two years), Uf.uk Talay (Avispa ***uoka, Japan, two years), Jacob Timpano (Sydney FC, two years), Marton Vass (APIA Leichhardt, one year), Scott Wilson (Dunfermline Athletic, Scotland, two years), Rostyn Griffiths (Adelaide United), Osama Malik (Adelaide United NYL)

Perth Glory (Members Equity Stadium)
Re-signed: Eugene Dadi (one year), Adriano Pellegrino (two years), Naum Sekulovski (two years), Victor Sikora (one year), Scott Bulloch (one year), Tando Velaphi (two years), Wayne Srhoj (one year)
In: Jacob Burns (FC Unirea Urziceni, Romania, three years), Howard Fondyke (Perth Glory NYL, two years), Brent Griffiths (Perth Glory NYL, two years), Andrija Jukic (Perth Glory NYL, two years), Scott Neville (Perth Glory NYL, three years), Anthony Skorich (Perth Glory NYL, two years), Andy Todd (Derby County, England, one year), Mile Sterjovski (Derby County, England, three years), Branko Jelic (Energie Cottbus, Germany, three years) Chris Coyne
Out: Jason Petkovic (retired), Nikolai Topor-Stanley (Newcastle Jets), David Tarka (released), Dino Djulbic (Rot Weiss Ahlen, Germany), Nick Rizzo (released), James Robinson (North Queensland Fury), Adrian Trinidad (released), Amaral (released), Josip Magdic (released), Nikita Rukavytsya (FC Twente, Netherlands), Hayden Doyle (Perth Glory NYL), Hayden Foxe (released), Mark Lee (released)

Sydney FC (Sydney Football Stadium)
Re-signed: Alex Brosque (two years), Adam Casey (two years), Shannon Cole (three years), Ivan Necevski (one year)
In: Karol Kisel (Sparta Prague, Czech Republic, one year), Sebastian Ryall (Melbourne Victory, two years), Kofi Danning (Sydney FC NYL, two years), Brendan Gan (Sydney FC NYL, two years), Antony Golec (Sydney FC NYL, two years), Rhyan Grant (Sydney FC NYL, two years), Matthew Jurman (Sydney FC NYL, two years), Sung-Hwan Byun (Jeju United, South Korea), Byun Sung-Hwan (Jeju United, South Korea, two years)
Out: Adam Biddle (released), Beau Busch (North Queensland Fury), Mike Enfield (released), Iain Fyfe (Adelaide United), Robbie Middleby (North Queensland Fury), Tony Popovic (retired), Brendon Santalab (North Queensland Fury), Jacob Timpano (North Queensland Fury), Nik Tsattalios (Newcastle Jets)

Wellington Phoenix (Westpac Stadium)
Re-signed: Tim Brown (two years), Manny Muscat (one year), Mark Paston (one year), Tony Lochhead (two years), Michael Ferrante (one year), Daniel Cortes (two years). Ben Sigmund (two years)
In: Chris Greenacre (Tranmere Rovers, two years), Diego Walsh (Adelaide United, two years), Marco Rojas (Waikato FC, two years), Reece Crowther (Queens Park Rangers, one year)
Out: Vaughan Coveny (retired), Karl Dodd (released), Greg Draper (released), Richard Johnson (retired), Glen Moss (Melbourne Victory), Shane Smeltz (Gold Coast United), Jeremy Christie (released), Adam Kwasnik (released)

www.foxsports.com.au


My Ladder Prediction:

Melbourne Victory
Brisbane Roar
Adelaide United
Gold Coast United
Perth Glory
Sydney FC

North Qld Fury
Wellington Phoenix
Central Coast Mariners
Newcastle Jets




COME ON ADELAIDE

[Adelaide Titan]

A-League Struck by Swine Flu

Five Gold Coast United players have been isolated from the rest of the playing group after medical tests on Tahj Minniecon revealed the youngster has contracted the swine flu virus.

Although not confirmed as having the virus, Daniel Piorkowski, Adam Griffiths, Matt Osman and Joel Porter have all displayed similar symptoms and are being treated accordingly by the club’s medical staff.

Elsewhere, Adelaide United's newly recruited striker Lloyd Owusu is off to an unfortunate start with the A-League club after he was also diagnosed with swine flu.

Owusu, 32, touched down to join the Reds on June 30 and has since fallen ill, being placed in isolation by United medical staff on Sunday.

He is now more than likely to be missing when the Reds commence their regular season fixtures with a match against Perth Glory on August 7.

Gold Coast physiotherapist, David Battersby, said the club had taken all the necessary precautions to prevent further spread of the virus.

"Tahj is confirmed as having swine flu and the other players concerned are being treated as if they also have the virus," Battersby said.

"It takes four days for test results for swine flu to come back, so in the interim we take the highest common denominator and assume that all the players with flu-like symptoms have the same thing.

"Joel Porter displayed the symptoms last night so he can be treated with Tamiflu, but all of them are now quarantined for a period of seven days from the day they contracted the virus… no-one else is showing any signs of the virus, but if they do, they too will be quarantined."

United’s pre-season match against the Central Coast Mariners at Skilled Park this Saturday will go ahead as planned and is under no threat of cancellation.

www.foxsports.com.au

Also it was confirmed today that Adelaide's Robert Cornthwaite has contracted the virus.

[Adelaide Titan]

Friendly Results over the last few days:

Melbourne 2:1 Adelaide
Sydney 1:1 Newcastle
Gold Coast 1:0 Perth

[GCT_89]

im pretty sure we are still Undefeated......not sure?

but keeping in mind these are all friendlys.......i would have rather suffered a loss before starting the season....

[Paul]

You're right adam,they still have an unbeaten record.It's something like 18 games as well,I'm positive I read that just after they saved that game against the central coast

[Adelaide Titan]

yep yous are doing pretty well so far and will have a good season. A definate threat for the title if GC can get off to a good start. Will anyone be coming down to Adelaide for the round 3 clash between the two United's?

A couple more results:
Central Coast 0:0 Wellington
North QLD 1:0 Brisbane

Apparently Robbie Fowler had a great game which is a good sign.
Sydney FC are expected to sign a Swiss defender.
Kiwi Glenn Moss has been names as Melbourne's no.1 keeper over youngster Mitch Langerak.

For all news headlines check out www.a-league.com.au and also the Fox Sports RSS feed on the A-League home page.

[Adelaide Titan]

A-League Winner odds as of today are:

Melbourne Victory - $3.75
Brisbane Roar - $4.50
Sydney FC - $6.50
Gold Coast United - $7.50
Adelaide United - $9
Central Coast Mariners - $11
Perth Glory - $13
Wellington Phoenix - $21
North Queensland Fury - $21
Newcastle Jets - $21

From TAB Sportsbet

They are purely basing this on Melbourne being current Champions and pre season form. I personally would have though Adelaide would be 2nd faves after being runners up in the league and AFC Champions League. I dont see how Sydney FC are 3rd after their poor season lasy year. Gold Coast and Newcastle are a couple odds I agree with. And the Mariners are crap..they havnt wont a competitive match since late last seasons minor rounds.

[Adelaide Titan]

The rivalry between the newly-named Brisbane Roar and Hyundai A-League newcomer Gold Coast United is as real as it gets, according to two of the main protagonists.

Instalment No.1 of the competition's newest grudge match will be played out at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night, a fact that has already caused a stir with Gold Coast owner Clive Palmer who wanted the fixture scheduled at Skilled Park.

In Sydney for the official launch of the 2009/10 season on Monday, prize Gold Coast recruit Jason Culina and Roar fan favourite Charlie Miller both conceded there is already no love lost between the two clubs.

"I think it's all genuine," Culina said of the already heated rivalry between the neighbouring clubs.

"For us as a new club I think it's important that we get off to a great start and to be playing our cross-town rivals in Brisbane Roar it's unbelievable," he said.

"The way the draw has been set out, for everybody it's an exciting time and for us to get a win would be fantastic," he said.

"We've got a few players with a bit of a history with the old Queensland Roar so we're looking to get one on them and start that real derby theme going for many years to come."

Miller, who is no stranger to local derbies having made 83 appearances for Scottish giants Rangers, agreed the Round 1 blockbuster will hold extra meaning.

"Miron Bleiberg and Clive Palmer, they've done great to get the club together and we have to congratulate them on that, but once the game starts on Saturday, we want to be the best team," Miller warned.

"We want to win this game like we want to win the other 26 matches so it'll be a great rivalry and hopefully in the next 10, 20 years the league gets bigger and the rivalry's still there."

Meanwhile, Culina expressed his delight to be back playing on home soil and made no secret of his hunger for instant success this season.

"We're all confident we're all ambitious and every game we play we want to win - that's no different from any other team," he said.

"We're a new club, we want to prove something. We can't listen too much to what people say, we've just got to out there and do our own thing and we know what we're capable of."


www.sportal.com.au/football

I'm looking forward to Brisbane vs GC on saturday, should be a great game!

[Adelaide Titan]

Round 1 Preview

The wait is over and football is back with the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 season set to kick-off tomorrow with an exciting first round. 2 new teams, 5 opening matches and more minutes of weekly Hyundai A-League action than ever before.

This is the Official Preview for the Hyundai A-League Round 1. Please note squads are subject to change.

Weekend Matches

Melbourne Victory v Central Coast Mariners
Thursday 6 August, 2009
Etihad Stadium, Melbourne
Local kick-off 8.00pm
Referee: Matthew Breeze
Live & exclusive broadcast on Fox Sports 3 and Sky Sport 3.
Hyundai A-League club broadcast partner is 774 ABC Melbourne, Coast FM (Gosford) 96.3FM.
To purchase tickets visit www.ticketmaster.com.au

Melbourne Victory: 1.Mitch LANGERAK (gk), 2.Kevin MUSCAT (c), 6.Leigh BROXHAM, 7.Matthew KEMP, 8.Grant BREBNER, 9.Danny ALLSOPP, 10.Archie THOMPSON, 11.NEY FABIANO, 12.Rodrigo VARGAS, 14.Billy CELESKI, 15.Tom PONDELJAK, 16.Carlos HERNANDEZ, 19.Evan BERGER, 20.Glenn MOSS (gk), 22.Nick WARD

In: n/a

Out: n/a

Others Unavailable: Nil

Central Coast Mariners: 1.Andrew REDMAYNE (gk), 4. Pedj BOJIC, 5. Brad PORTER, 7. John HUTCHINSON, 8. Dean HEFFERNAN, 11. Dylan MACALLISTER, 14. Michael McGLINCHEY, 16. Nigel BOOGAARD, 17. Chris DOIG, 18. Alex WILKINSON (c), 19. Matt SIMON, 20. Danny VUKOVIC (gk), 21. Ahmad ELRICH, 22. Nicky TRAVIS, 23. Adam KWASNIK.

In: n/a

Out: n/a

Others Unavailable: Nil

Stats, Facts & Milestones
It’s been three years since a reigning Championship side won its first match of the following season. Only Sydney FC (2006 reigning Champions) did it in their opening tie in 2006-07 (1-0 v Mariners).

HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORDS in all official competitions
All matches (played 12): Melbourne Victory wins 6, Central Coast Mariners wins 3 (3 draws).
In Melbourne (played 6): Melbourne Victory wins 3, Central Coast Mariners wins 1 (2 draws).



Adelaide United v Perth Glory
Friday, 7 August 2009
Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide
Local Kick-off 7.30pm
Referee: Craig Zetter

Live and exclusive broadcast on FOX Sports 1
Hyundai A-League club broadcast partner is LIFE FM, 6PR (Perth) 882AM.
To purchase tickets visit www.venuetix.com.au

Adelaide United Squad: 1.Eugene GALEKOVIC (gk), 2.Robert CORNTHWAITE, 3.ALEMAO, 4.Iain FYFE, 6.CASSIO, 7.Lucas PANTELIS, 9.CRISTIANO, 10.Adam HUGHES, 11.Lloyd OWUSU, 12.Paul REID, 13.Travis DODD (c), 14.Scott JAMIESON, 15.Francesco MONTEROSSO, 16.Inseob SHIN, 17.Michael MARRONE, 23.Joe COSTA, 30.Daniel GODLEY (gk). *two to be omitted

In: Daniel GODLEY (gk) (short term contract)

Out: n/a

Others Unavailable: 5.Daniel MULLEN (hamstring – 3 weeks), 8.Kristian SARKIES (calf – 2 weeks), 18.Fabian BARBIERO (groin – 2 weeks), 20.Mark BIRIGHITTI (gk) (international duty)

Perth Glory Squad: 1.Tando VELAPHI (gk), 3.Jamie COYNE, 4.Andy TODD, 6.Chris COYNE, 7.Jacob BURNS (c), 8.Victor SIKORA, 9.Todd HOWARTH, 11.Branko JELIC, 12.Scott NEVILLE, 14.Eugene DADI, 15.Howard FONDYKE, 16.Adriano PELLEGRINO, 18.Brent GRIFFITHS, 19.Naum SEKULOVSKI, 20.Aleks VRTESKI (gk), 21.Mile STERJOVSKI, 23.Andrija JUKIC *two to be omitted

In: n/a

Out: n/a

Others Unavailable: Jimmy DOWNEY (knee – 6 weeks), Jamie HARNWELL (hamstring – 3 weeks), Wayne SRHOJ (hamstring – 1 week), Scott BULLOCH (achilles – 2 weeks), Anthony SKORICH (hip – 8 weeks)

Stats, Facts & Milestones
Perth Glory’s Jacob Burns and Mile Sterjovski, are set to reunite in their first national league match in Australia in over nine years. The two played in the same final match, for Parramatta Power, on 7 May 2000.

HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD in all official competitions
All matches (played 12): Adelaide United wins 7, Perth Glory wins 2 (3 draws).
In Adelaide (played 6): Adelaide United wins 4, Perth Glory wins 1 (1 draw)


North Queensland Fury v Sydney FC
Saturday 8 August, 2009
Dairy Farmers Stadium, Townsville
Local kick-off 5.30pm
Referee: Stebre Delovski

Live & exclusive broadcast on Fox Sports 3 and Sky Sports 3.
To purchase tickets visit www.ticktek.com.au

North Queensland Fury Squad: 1. Paul HENDERSON (gk), 2. Robbie MIDDLEBY, 3. Chris TADROSSE, 7. Jason SPAGNUOLO, 9. Robbie FOWLER, 11. David WILLIAMS, 12. Jack HINGERT, 13. Beau BUSCH, 14. Christopher GROSSMAN, 15. Fred AGIUS, 16. Paul KOHLER, 17. Osama MALIK, 18. James ROBINSON, 19. Daniel MCBREEN, 20. Justin PASFIELD (gk).

In: n/a

Out: n/a

Others Unavailable: Jeremy BROCKIE – quadriceps (6-8 weeks), Jacob TIMPANO – hamstring (8weeks), U*** TALAY – calf (2-3 weeks), Scott WILSON – foot (6-8 weeks)

Sydney FC Squad: 1. Clint BOLTON (gk), 3. Stephan KELLER, 4. Simon COLOSIMO, 6. Karol KISEL, 7. Brendan GAN, 8. Stuart MUSIALIK, 9. John ALOISI, 10. Steve CORICA (c), 11. Kofi DANNING, 12. Shannon COLE, 14. Alex BROSQUE, 15. Terry MCFLYNN, 17. Matthew JURMAN, 19. Mark BRIDGE, 20. Ivan NECEVSKI (gk), 22. Sung Hwan BYUN. *one to be omitted

In: n/a

Out: n/a

Others Unavailable: 2. Sebastian RYALL (suspended – 4 weeks).


Stats, Facts & Milestones
Never before in over 6,000 matches played at national league level in Australia has a match been played north of Brisbane.

HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORDS in all official competitions
n/a


Brisbane Roar v Gold Coast United
Saturday 8 August, 2009
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Local kick-off 7.30pm
Referee: Peter Green

Live & exclusive broadcast on Fox Sports News.
To purchase tickets visit www.ticktek.com.au

Brisbane Roar Squad: 1. Liam REDDY (gk), 2. Andrew PACKER, 3. Luke DEVERE, 4. Craig MOORE (c), 5. Josh MCCLOUGHAN, 6. David DODD, 7. Michael ZULLO, 9. Sergio VAN DIJK, 10. Charlie MILLER, 11. REINALDO, 12. Matt MUNDY, 13. HENRIQUE, 14. Adam SAROTA, 15. Matt MCKAY, 16. Bob MALCOLM, 17. Mitch NICHOLS, 18. Danny TIATTO, 19. Isaka CERNAK, 20. Griffin MCMASTER (rgk), 21. Tommy OAR, 23. Tim SMITS, 24. Robbie KRUSE. *seven to be omitted

In: n/a

Out: n/a

Others Unavailable: 8. Massimo Murdocca (fractured leg – 3-4 months)

Gold Coast United Squad: 20.Scott HIGGINS (gk), 2.Steve PANTELIDIS, 3.Michael THWAITE, 4.Daniel PIORKOWSKI, 5.ROBSON, 6.Adam GRIFFITHS, 9.Shane SMELTZ, 10.Jason CULINA (c), 11.MILSON, 13.Bas VAN DEN BRINK, 14.Joel PORTER, 15.Tahj MINNIECON, 16.Kristian REES, 17.Matt OSMAN, 22.Adama TRAORE, 23.Steve FITZSIMMONS, 30.Jerrad TYSON (gk – yth). *two to be omitted

In: n/a
Out: n/a

Others Unavailable: 8.JEFFERSON (knee injury – 3 months), 18.James BROWN (shin injury – 2 weeks), 1.Jess VANSTRATTAN (ankle injury – 2 weeks), 7.Zenon CARAVELLA (groin injury – 1 week)

Stats, Facts & Milestones
The historic first-ever Queensland derby pits Gold Coast United coach Miron Bleiberg against his former team (Brisbane Roar) for just the second time in Hyundai A-League history. The first time a coach came up against his old club was in September 2008, when John Kosmina led Sydney FC to a 3-1 victory over his old club Adelaide United.

HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORDS in all official competitions
n/a.


Newcastle Jets v Wellington Phoenix
Sunday 9 August, 2009
EnergyAustralia Stadium, Newcastle
Local kick-off 3.00pm
Referee: Chris Beath

Live & exclusive broadcast on Fox Sports 3 and Sky Sports 1.
Hyundai A-League club broadcast partner is 1233 ABC Newcastle, The Radio Network (Wellington) 1035AM.
To purchase tickets visit www.ProTicket.com.au

Newcastle Jets Squad: 1. Ben KENNEDY (gk), 2. Angelo COSTANZO, 3. Adam D’APUZZO, 5. Ljubo MILICEVIC, 7. Jin-Hyung SONG, 8. Matt THOMPSON (c), 9. Sasho PETROVSKI, 11. Tarek ELRICH, 13. Shaun ONTONG, 15. Sean ROONEY, 16. Jason HOFFMAN, 19. Jason NAIDOVSKI, 21. Brodie MOOY, 20. Neil YOUNG (gk), 22. Kaz PATAFTA

In: n/a

Out: n/a

Others Unavailable: 4. Nikolai TOPOR-STANLEY (knee – 1 week), 6. Ben KANTAROVSKI (knee – 2 weeks), 10. Donny DE GROOT (knee – indefinite), 12. Jobe WHEELHOUSE (ankle – indefinite), 18. Marko JESIC (knee – indefinite)

Wellington Phoenix Squad: 1. Mark PASTON (gk), 2. Manny MUSCAT, 3. Tony LOCHHEAD, 4. Jon McKAIN, 5. DIEGO, 6. Tim BROWN, 7. Leo BERTOS, 8. Paul IFILL. 9. Chris GREENACRE, 10. Michael FERRANTE, 11. DANIEL, 13. Troy HEARFIELD, 16. David MULLIGAN. 17. Vince LIA, 18. Ben SIGMUND, 20. Reece CROWTHER (gk), 21. Marco ROJAS, 22. Andrew DURANTE (c), 23. Costa BARBAROUSES. *four to be omitted

In: n/a

Out: n/a

Others Unavailable: 15. Jason Hoffman (knee – season),18. Noel Spencer (ankle – season), 20. Ben Kennedy (ankle – season), 19. Jason Naidovski (knee – season), 24. Marko Jesic (knee – season), 29. Sean Rooney (hand – season).

Stats, Facts & Milestones
Newcastle Jets’ defender Adam D’Apuzzo is set to make his 50th Hyundai A-League appearance.

HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORDS in all official competitions
All matches (played 6): Newcastle Jets wins 2, Wellington Phoenix wins 3 (1 draw).
In Newcastle (played 3): Newcastle Jets wins 1, Wellington Phoenix wins 1 (1 draw)




BIRTHDAY BOYS

It’s a big week for birthdays with six teams lighting the candles for their players

• Queensland teams will be helping cut the cake for five players with Brisbane Roar players Sergio Van Dijk turning 27 on Thursday and goalkeeper Liam Reddy turning 28 this Saturday; Jason Culina of Gold Coast United turns 29 on Wednesday; and North Queensland Fury’s Rob Middleby turns 34 this Sunday while Paul Kohler hits the 30 milestone.
• Melbourne Victory’s Kevin Muscat is still ahead of the game at 36 and Matthew Kemp turns 29 on Saturday.
• Shannon Cole of Sydney FC turns 25 and Newcastle Jets striker Mario Jesic leaves his teens turning 20 on Friday.



www.a-league.com.au


My Tips for Round 1:

Melbourne Victory vs Central Coast Mariners ($1.68 - $4.85)
Adelaide United vs Perth Glory ($2.00 - $3.45)
North QLD Fury vs Sydney FC ($3.10 - $2.15)
Brisbane Roar vs Gold Coast United ($2.30 - $2.85)
Newcastle Jets vs Wellington Phoenix ($1.85 - $4.00)

Underline = Draw
Odds from TAB Sportsbet


I'm Really looking forward to the start of a new A-League season! I'll be at Adelaide's game on friday night and will definately watch the 2 new teams play their inaugural games. Bris vs GC will be a great game.

GO YOU REDS!!!

[Adelaide Titan]

Simon Hill's A-League Preview

With the new A-League season upon us, Fox Sports commentator Simon Hill takes a look at how the 10 teams are shaping up and gives us his tips for the season.

Adelaide United
Strengths: The Reds have a good track record having only missed the finals once. They have the best goalkeeper in the league in Eugene Galekovic, the most promising defender in Scott Jamieson, plus pace, power and trickery in Travis Dodd, Lloyd Owusu and Cassio. Their home form has been very consistent in recent years. They have low expectations - but the finals are a minimum requirement.

Weaknesses: Have they adequately replaced the imposing Sasa Ognenovski at the back? Cristiano has scored only once since December - can Lloyd Owusu provide the missing goals? Off-field issues regarding ownership could impact - remember the implosion last year and Aurelio Vidmar’s famous “pissant-town” comments?

Key man: Eugene Galekovic

Prediction: 6th

Brisbane Roar
Strengths: No team containing Craig Moore, Danny Tiatto and Bob Malcolm will be intimidated, home or away. Have an exciting crop of youngsters to supplement the older, steelier heads. Sergio Van Dijk’s goals should be complimented by Reinaldo now he is fit again. Frank Farina has been getting closer to a Grand Final every year - he’ll feel this is his time.

Weaknesses: The loss of speedster Tahj Minniecon to Gold Coast and midfield dynamo Massimo Murdocca to injury could hurt them. Can Charlie Miller stay fit for the whole season? Can Danny Tiatto stay out of trouble? Keeper Liam Reddy is prone to the odd error. Will six Queensland derbies have a say in the title race?

Key man: Craig Moore

Prediction: 3rd

Central Coast Mariners
Strengths: Chris Doig’s arrival should sort out a leaky defence. Matt Simon’s goal output was excellent last year and should continue, particularly if Ahmad Elrich is 100% fit…his speed can cause any defence problems. In Michael McGlinchey, Doig and Nick Travis, they have finally gone overseas to recruit - their experience could help put the faltering Mariners back on the rails.

Weaknesses: No disrespect to him intended, but Shane Huke doesn’t look a patch on Mile Jedinak. Danny Vukovic needs to re-discover his confidence, and generally the Mariners have a bit of a “samey” look about them. Lawrie McKinna is under pressure - he needs to deliver - but in fairness, he normally does, despite everyone predicting otherwise…including me.

Key man: Chris Doig

Prediction: 10th

Gold Coast United
Strengths: Have put together one of the strongest squads in the league - on paper - and in Jason Culina, they should have the competition’s standout player. They seem to have decent depth too - there’s cover for most positions. Shane Smeltz scored goals for fun in an average team last year - how many will he get in this line-up? Skilled Park should be a fortress - a beautiful stadium with a lush surface to suit the sort of football Miron Bleiberg enjoys.

Weaknesses: Although it’ll be fun for the rest of us, Bleiberg’s propensity to wind up the opposition could have a negative effect for a new club trying to find its feet. Clive Palmer is probably unwilling to accept failure - particularly as he’s said they’ll win the league undefeated. Fixture list hasn’t been kind to them early on - if they get off to a poor start on the road, will the crowds turn up?

Key man: Jason Culina

Prediction: 1st

Melbourne Victory
Strengths: Stability. In terms of recruitment, its been evolution rather than revolution - the way the Liverpool title-winning teams used to do it. In Carlos Hernandez they have - perhaps - THE top playmaker in the competition, and in Allsopp and Thompson, the best combination up front. Also, have the best crowds in the country behind them, and off the park everything is set up for success. It’s amazing to think that in 2005, FFA was most worried about the Melbourne market.

Weaknesses: Kevin Muscat - so influential - is another year older, and with Michael Theoklitos, Seb Ryall and Michael Thwaite gone, there is a question mark over the defence. Occasionally they can play too narrow - Ward and Pondeljak aren’t the most natural of widemen. Champions have never been able to repeat the trick the year after - can they break the mould?

Key man: Kevin Muscat

Prediction: 2nd

Newcastle Jets
Strengths: No-one knows what to expect - which could help them! They could win it - or finish last. There’s plenty of ability at the club - Ljubo Milicevic was outstanding in the Champions League, Sean Rooney has the potential to be Australia’s best up and coming striker…while Kaz Patafta will enjoy playing under Branko Culina. Fabio Vignaroli is also a super talent - if he stays.

Weaknesses: Fast becoming the “FC Hollywood” of the A-League - egos, disputes, mis-management and disorganisation have been bywords at EnergyAustralia Stadium ever since the Grand Final win. Even the fan base seems to have been alienated somewhat. They need to get those wonderful supporters back onside - quick.

Key man: Ljubo Milicevic

Prediction: 7th

North Queensland Fury
Strengths: The heat and humidity of tropical Townsville in the summer will hurt the opposition. Robbie Fowler was once the games most natural finisher - if he still has it, he will score a bagful, given the right service. The acquisition of David Williams is exciting too - and there is solid experience in the shape of U*** Talay, Robbie Middleby, Paul Henderson and Scott Wilson.

Weaknesses: The failure to hang onto Felipe could cost them - where is the natural playmaker in their squad? No disrespect, but the numbers are fleshed out by a lot of players who weren’t regulars at other A-League clubs - does the Fury have enough quality to make the play-offs? Iain Ferguson is well-respected - but this is his first senior coaching job, and he’ll make mistakes, which is only natural.

Key man: Robbie Fowler

Prediction: 9th

Perth Glory
Strengths: An aggressive recruitment policy has given Glory fans real cause for optimism for the first time in the A-League era. The squad looks to have proper star quality - Mile Sterjovski, Chris Coyne and Jacob Burns in particular are excellent buys. The fan base at MES is still large - if Glory gets on a roll, they will get behind their club and it could be a marvellous re-incarnation of the NSL days.

Weaknesses: Still seem to lack a bit of creativity in midfield and a bit of pace at the back where Coyne and Todd/Harnwell will probably combine in the centre. Dave Mitchell is now under serious pressure to deliver - another failure with this squad could cost him his job. As ever, their travel commitments will be worse than any other club - perhaps that’s why they had the worst away record in the entire league last season.

Key man: Chris Coyne

Prediction: 5th

Sydney FC
Strengths: Have flown under the radar in pre-season - which is unlike them! Viteszlav Lavicka has gone about his business quietly - recruiting an eclectic mix of overseas players and working with those who under-performed last season. Karol Kisel could be their star, while youngsters such as Kofi Danning and Rhyan Grant have had another year to develop. Sydney are not being tipped, but they could surprise.

Weaknesses: If things go wrong, will they press the self-destruct button again? Have they done enough work in pre-season to get the public behind them? The SFS is a big empty space when there’s only 10,000 in. Can Steve Corica continue to be the creative driving force at the age of 36? Will John Aloisi deliver?

Key man: Stuart Musialik

Prediction: 4th

Wellington Phoenix
Strengths: Acquisition of Diego strengthens the midfield considerably - and although Chris Greenacre and Paul Ifill won’t be too well known here, they have scored regularly at the lower levels in England. Jon McKain and Andy Durante give them a decent base at the back.

Weaknesses: The loss of top goalscorer Shane Smeltz, and number one keeper Glen Moss - two big departures. New Zealand’s World Cup qualifying preparations could prove disruptive to the club both in terms of players, and coach Ricki Herbert. Crowds dipped alarmingly last season - can they woo the punters back? Confusion over their long-term A-League status could prove troublesome.

Key man: Tim Brown

Prediction: 8th


www.foxsports.com.au

I agree a lot with his final placings but think Melbourne and GC the other way around and give Adelaide a crack at top 4 to get a home final. CCM and the Jets will fight to avoid the wooden spoon i rekon.

[Adelaide Titan]

Melbourne Victory - 0
Central Coast Mariners - 2 (Simon 10', Vargas (OG) 16')
@ Etihad Stadium

[curly_11]

Well done to the mariners! Played a very tiring brand of football to shut melbourne down. Completely threw melbourne off their game. 1st upset of the season!

Cant wait for saturday! Go GC UTD! Going to smash those little girls the roar

[Cowboy Titan]

On Sunrise this morning, they've said that Mark Bosnich might be thrown a lifeline by GC United. Would be great if he could be good for a change. He was once a superb goal keeper.

[Adelaide Titan]

Wouldnt suprise me since your no.1 keeper Vanstratten is injured for a month or so, but you have good back up in Higgins.

As for last night, Melbourne were very poor wth their passing and the Mariners were all over them and dominated. The 2nd half was even though but the Mariners defence held on very well and are looking a lot more impressive this season. Their last win was on New Years Eve! Kevin Muscat played every minute of last season, now he could be out for a couple weeks! Retire I say!!

Cant wait for tonights game at Hindmarsh, i'll be there supporting the Reds in their season opener