tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366791252024-03-08T03:56:47.032+10:00A seat at the A-LeagueThoughts about the A-League and its adventures in the quest for sustainability.johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12598217628490483035noreply@blogger.comBlogger990125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36679125.post-68055051927757391562013-05-12T16:13:00.002+10:002013-05-12T16:13:42.067+10:00David Moyes has some win/loss ground to make up - importance of the coach, the $ and the club<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 373px;"><colgroup><col style="width: 131pt;" width="174"></col><col span="2" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"></col><col style="width: 53pt;" width="71"></col></colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="40" style="height: 30pt;"><td class="xl64" height="40" style="height: 30pt; width: 131pt;" width="174"><br />
The mid-performance managers have some of the most interesting stats, a high % of draws has pulled them up the win+draw ladder: see fan favourites Allardyce and Redknapp. However, Laudrup is the draw achiever.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 437px;">
<colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 6363; mso-width-source: userset; width: 131pt;" width="174"></col>
<col span="2" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 2596; mso-width-source: userset; width: 53pt;" width="71"></col>
<col style="width: 48pt;" width="64"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="41" style="height: 30.75pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="41" style="height: 30.75pt; width: 131pt;" width="174">Current
Managers</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; width: 48pt;" width="64">Win Rate %</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; width: 48pt;" width="64">Loss rate %</td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; width: 53pt;" width="71">Win+Draw</td>
<td class="xl71" style="border-left: none; width: 48pt;" width="64">Draws</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl67" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; margin-right: 0px;">Michael Laudrup</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; margin-right: 0px;">31%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">33%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">67%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl72" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">36%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl67" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; margin-right: 0px;">Mauricio Pochettino</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; margin-right: 0px;">29%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">36%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">64%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl72" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">36%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl67" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; margin-right: 0px;">Chris Hughton</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; margin-right: 0px;">24%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">42%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">58%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl72" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">34%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl67" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; margin-right: 0px;">Brendan Rodgers</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; margin-right: 0px;">35%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">32%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">68%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl72" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">32%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl67" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; margin-right: 0px;">Nigel Adkins</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; margin-right: 0px;">21%
</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">46%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">54%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl72" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">32%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl67" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; margin-right: 0px;">Tony Pulis</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; margin-right: 0px;">30%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">40%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">60%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl72" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">30%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl67" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; margin-right: 0px;">David Moyes</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; margin-right: 0px;">40%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">31%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">69%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl72" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">29%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl67" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; margin-right: 0px;">Sam Allardyce</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; margin-right: 0px;">35%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">37%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">63%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl72" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">28%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl67" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; margin-right: 0px;">Paul Lambert</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; margin-right: 0px;">30%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">42%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">58%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl72" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">28%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl67" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; margin-right: 0px;">Roberto Martinez</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; margin-right: 0px;">25%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">47%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">53%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl72" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">28%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl67" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; margin-right: 0px;">Martin Jol</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; margin-right: 0px;">38%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">35%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">65%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl72" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">27%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl67" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; margin-right: 0px;">Harry Redknapp</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; margin-right: 0px;">38%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">36%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">64%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl72" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">26%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl67" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; margin-right: 0px;">Arsene Wenger</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; margin-right: 0px;">58%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">17%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">83%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl72" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">25%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl67" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; margin-right: 0px;">Andre Villas-Boas</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; margin-right: 0px;">52%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">24%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">76%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl72" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">24%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl67" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; margin-right: 0px;">Alan Pardew</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; margin-right: 0px;">35%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">41%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">59%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl72" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">24%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl67" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; margin-right: 0px;">Rafael Benitez</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; margin-right: 0px;">55%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">21%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">79%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl72" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">24%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl67" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; margin-right: 0px;">Alex Ferguson</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; margin-right: 0px;">65%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">14%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">86%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl72" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">21%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl67" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; margin-right: 0px;">Roberto Mancini</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; margin-right: 0px;">62%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">18%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">82%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl72" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">20%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl67" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; margin-right: 0px;">Paolo Di Canio</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; margin-right: 0px;">40%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">40%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl68" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">60%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl72" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">20%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">
<td class="xl69" height="21" style="border-top: none; height: 15.75pt; margin-right: 0px;">Steve Clarke</td>
<td align="right" class="xl70" style="border-left: none; border-top: none; margin-right: 0px;">38%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl70" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">46%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl70" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">54%</td>
<td align="right" class="xl73" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">16%</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12598217628490483035noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36679125.post-17983071555425837942013-04-01T12:54:00.001+10:002013-04-01T12:56:47.481+10:00A-League Season Review<u><b>Adelaide</b></u><br />
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The first half of the season carried the Reds through to the finals. However, the key was the exit, for the second time, of the brilliant John Kosmina. Kosmina represents the inheritance of 'Adelaide past' and without him there is a question mark.<br />
<br />
There are also some questions over owners, commitment and past owners that fans need resolved. <br />
<br />
In the past all the way back to the NSL, attracting quality players has not been an issue. The squad for next season will tell us a lot. Of course Roar fans want Dario back but maybe he will return to Europe after an OK season here. Rocky Visconti should have returned to the Adelaide fold, but he like Roar's Fitzgerald sought glory over game time to be a string player at an already quality team. Don't get me wrong, Fitzgerald at CCM and Rocky and Bullwinkle at WSW will cement these teams' depth.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Brisbane</b></u><br />
<br />
Mike Mulvey, like Ange before him, cheesed fans off with his appointment. However, you would have to say it was a good move. The second half of the season, let's say when 'Eric the Bored' left, was good and enetertaining. Giving Thomas B the captaincy was inspired and brought him back to life.<br />
<br />
The other key moments were pushing Ivan Franjic up the field so he could play-make and bring much needed shooting from distance and the promotion of one of the Roar's best ever local finds - James Donachie. James has more than made up for the seasons of disappointment from Wollongonger Jurman. Donschie, with another local Jade North, was the critical addition to the Roar defence. <br />
<br />
The Roar have never been able to capitalise on their advantages as a club. As the only team in Queensland they now have the biggest potential fan base of any club. And at their best, two seasons ago, they were many non-Queensland fans second team.<br />
<br />
This spoilt position remands untapped.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Central Coast Mariners</b></u><br />
<br />
Graham Arnold - from coaching Robbie Slater's Australian return at North Sydney's Northern Spirit, to the Socceroos to CCM - has proved a living treasure. At each of these opportunities, financials and owners have held him back. He is brilliant and can spot talent. One day he will get recognition. Young players, as with Ange, will go there so they can be sold to bigger markets, often mid season. Just don't whinge.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Melbourne Heart</b></u><br />
<br />
The problems at the Heart started with the guidance they got at start up. Their marketing consultants miss-read the A-League opportunity. A-League Clubs are not (bar WSW) commercial opportunities. I hope they can sought out their sustainability. Heart have paid the price of rejecting Ange even when he begged to be a mere assistant coach. And now every club plays the style of soccer Heart dreamed of. Where to next? Few will go there as a promotion, so they need to develop their own from the massive Victorian playing pool. And to-date they have not been able to make use of the Dave Williams' genius and opportunity. <br />
<br />
<u><b>Melbourne Victory</b></u><br />
<br />
Ange showed Sydney how to make best use of a huge number of players to choose from. Other coaches deal with Ange's genius by hurting his players - kicking their ankles and tripping them. Next year, he will have so many to choose from that this will not be a problem.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Newcastle</b></u><br />
<br />
Newcastle were pushed downwards by the rise of WSW, Victory and the late run of Sydney. Next season, ownership may have to be addressed again.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Perth</b></u><br />
<br />
Bring in a club stallwald who believes in playing out from the back, not just does it because he thinks he should, and look what happens. And having Jacob Burns out didn't hurt.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Sydney</b></u><br />
<br />
Great to see Frank Farina back coaching in the A-League. Frank will have the league's biggest budget to weld next season, interesting to see what he comes up with. Like Brisbane and WSW, Sydney FC need a 30,000 seater to make the game look more attractive.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Western Sydney Wonderers</b></u><br />
<br />
The birthplace of Australian soccer. Our cultural home. Setup and owned by FFA to protect against the ravishes of the landlocked AFL and moribund NRL. Just in the nick of time. A few seasons later and the Giants could have held sway.<br />
<br />
Very astute to drop the idea of a team representing the west but playing at the SFS white elephant that has crippled Sydney FC.<br />
<br />
Once the gimme deals on foreign players and other treats are gone, the FFA should be able to find a buyer to make WSW the A-League's first truly commercial club.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Wellington</b></u><br />
<br />
No soccer team needs owners who think they know more about the game than their coach. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12598217628490483035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36679125.post-74752389734239605632012-04-06T20:14:00.000+10:002012-04-06T20:14:10.907+10:005pm Sunday: 2nd Leg CCM v BrisbaneRebel. Don't sit in the <a href="http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=MARINERF12#.T37A7e17W25" target="_blank">away bay</a>.<br />
<br />
CCM are struggling to find a buyer. They have been selling players to make the payroll. And if they don't find a billionaire soon, Graham Arnold will sign for Sydney FC. Hmm. Not a great reason to get a coach for fans.<br />
<br />
And if only Sydney and Melbourne can afford coaches, do we have a competition?johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12598217628490483035noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36679125.post-90555163742906833252012-03-25T09:09:00.000+10:002012-03-25T09:14:21.569+10:00A tale of 3 qualities<b><u>Group 1 - it isn't the players</u></b><br />
Sydney, Victory, and Adelaide have not kept up with this year's step up in the A-League arms race. Sorry Robbie, Craig Foster got to it right. It isn't the Victory players - they have by far the best squad on paper. Sydney and Melbourne's coaches and tactics have not been good enough.<br />
<br />
Adelaide and John Kosmina have shown it is not the platers. In Asia, they have shown what you can do in a very short time with the squad you have and that should be enough for Victory that was once the most sustainable club in the A-League. It would be very interesting to see Adelaide v Tokyo.<br />
<br />
But Victory and Sydney should not be stealing Ange or Graham, they need to find their own answer. Preferably Australian, but I suspect that Harry Kewell was on an effective track with an Argentinian. That flare would suit Melbourne.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Group 2 - now it is the players</u></b><br />
At the other end of the table, Brisbane has by far the best attack in the league, 46 goals, and CCM the best defence, only 23 conceded. As pointed out by a commentator this week, Brisbane need Zwaanwijk, while CCM need Berisha. And Brisbane's game v Tokyo demonstrated clearly the salary cap caused golf in athleticism between the teams, Japan's players selected from across a sporting population were faster and stronger in playing the same style of game. To reach the peak, the A-League will need to be the sport of choice for Australia's best potential athletes. That is another revolution and a media vested interest away. Not that soccer doesn't have its own massive own goals - FIFA, lack of technology, media own goals, former player own goals...<br />
<br />
This year Perth and Wellington have demonstrated the value of the salary cap. The tyranny of distance, an advantage when Perth outspent NSL teams for better squads and coaches, has been broken. The evening out factor of the cap, has brought the pressure of half the games involving massive travel to bear. But this year, improved playing styles and 'home fortresses' worked magic. It will be interesting to see Perth's owner follows through will a massive cut in the wages bill next year. If he does, I expect Perth to return to the also run category.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Group 3 - it is the club structure and direction</u></b><br />
In the middle are Heart and Newcastle. Playing the style of CCM and Brisbane but club conflict taking their eyes off the ball. It will be interesting to see what happens in Newcastle next season. They have something, but... And Heart, clearly their coach wanted out at the start of the year, a new club whose marketing strategy was based on fantasy and didn't draw on the experiences of the A-League. Their next coach and, probably, a new partner could determine if they go on with it next year. Can they get both?<br />
<br />
Gold Coast are in this group. But they are playing their last match today. They have trained up some great players for other teams next year.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="clubladder" style="font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 12px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 20px; width: 620px;"><tbody>
<tr class="headerrow" style="font-family: VegurBold;"><th class="hdrteam" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; font-family: VegurBold; padding-bottom: 3px; text-align: left; vertical-align: bottom;">Club</th><th class="hdrplayed" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; font-family: VegurBold; font-size: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; width: 30px;">P</th><th class="hdrwin" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; font-family: VegurBold; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom;">W</th><th class="hdrdraw" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; font-family: VegurBold; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom;">D</th><th class="hdrlosses" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; font-family: VegurBold; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom;">L</th><th class="hdrfor" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; font-family: VegurBold; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom;">F</th><th class="hdragainst" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; font-family: VegurBold; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom;">A</th><th class="hdrdiff" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; font-family: VegurBold; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom;">GD</th><th class="hdrpoints" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; font-family: VegurBold; font-size: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; width: 30px;">PTS</th></tr>
<tr class="row"><td class="teamrank" style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">1</td><td class="Team" id="ctl10_rptLadder_ctl00_tblColTeam" style="padding-bottom: 3px;"><a href="http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/centralcoastmariners" id="ctl10_rptLadder_ctl00_hlClubs" style="color: #0039a6; text-decoration: none;">Central Coast Mariners FC</a></td><td class="played" style="font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">25</td><td class="wins" style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">13</td><td class="draws" style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">6</td><td class="losses" style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">6</td><td class="for" style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">37</td><td class="against" style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">23</td><td class="diff" style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">14</td><td class="points" style="font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">45</td></tr>
<tr class="altrow" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f7f7f7; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat;"><td class="teamrank" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">2</td><td class="Team" id="ctl10_rptLadder_ctl01_tblColTeam" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px;"><a href="http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/brisbaneroar" id="ctl10_rptLadder_ctl01_hlClubs" style="color: #0039a6; text-decoration: none;">Brisbane Roar FC</a></td><td class="played" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">25</td><td class="wins" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">12</td><td class="draws" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">7</td><td class="losses" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">6</td><td class="for" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">46</td><td class="against" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">26</td><td class="diff" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">20</td><td class="points" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">43</td></tr>
<tr class="row"><td class="teamrank" style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">3</td><td class="Team" id="ctl10_rptLadder_ctl02_tblColTeam" style="padding-bottom: 3px;"><a href="http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/perthglory" id="ctl10_rptLadder_ctl02_hlClubs" style="color: #0039a6; text-decoration: none;">Perth Glory FC</a></td><td class="played" style="font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">26</td><td class="wins" style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">13</td><td class="draws" style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">4</td><td class="losses" style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">9</td><td class="for" style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">40</td><td class="against" style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">32</td><td class="diff" style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">8</td><td class="points" style="font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">43</td></tr>
<tr class="altrow" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f7f7f7; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat;"><td class="teamrank" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">4</td><td class="Team" id="ctl10_rptLadder_ctl03_tblColTeam" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px;"><a href="http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/wellingtonphoenix" id="ctl10_rptLadder_ctl03_hlClubs" style="color: #0039a6; text-decoration: none;">Wellington Phoenix FC</a></td><td class="played" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">25</td><td class="wins" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">12</td><td class="draws" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">4</td><td class="losses" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">9</td><td class="for" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">33</td><td class="against" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">27</td><td class="diff" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">6</td><td class="points" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">40</td></tr>
<tr class="row"><td class="teamrank" style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">5</td><td class="Team" id="ctl10_rptLadder_ctl04_tblColTeam" style="padding-bottom: 3px;"><a href="http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/melbourneheart" id="ctl10_rptLadder_ctl04_hlClubs" style="color: #0039a6; text-decoration: none;">Melbourne Heart FC</a></td><td class="played" style="font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">26</td><td class="wins" style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">9</td><td class="draws" style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">9</td><td class="losses" style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">8</td><td class="for" style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">33</td><td class="against" style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">32</td><td class="diff" style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">1</td><td class="points" style="font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">36</td></tr>
<tr class="altrow" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f7f7f7; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat;"><td class="teamrank" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">6</td><td class="Team" id="ctl10_rptLadder_ctl05_tblColTeam" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px;"><a href="http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/newcastlejets" id="ctl10_rptLadder_ctl05_hlClubs" style="color: #0039a6; text-decoration: none;">Newcastle Jets FC</a></td><td class="played" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">25</td><td class="wins" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">10</td><td class="draws" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">5</td><td class="losses" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">10</td><td class="for" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">35</td><td class="against" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">36</td><td class="diff" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">-1</td><td class="points" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">35</td></tr>
<tr class="row"><td class="teamrank" style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">7</td><td class="Team" id="ctl10_rptLadder_ctl06_tblColTeam" style="padding-bottom: 3px;"><a href="http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/sydneyfc" id="ctl10_rptLadder_ctl06_hlClubs" style="color: #0039a6; text-decoration: none;">Sydney FC</a></td><td class="played" style="font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">25</td><td class="wins" style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">9</td><td class="draws" style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">7</td><td class="losses" style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">9</td><td class="for" style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">32</td><td class="against" style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">38</td><td class="diff" style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">-6</td><td class="points" style="font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">34</td></tr>
<tr class="altrow" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f7f7f7; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat;"><td class="teamrank" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">8</td><td class="Team" id="ctl10_rptLadder_ctl07_tblColTeam" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px;"><a href="http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/melbournevictory" id="ctl10_rptLadder_ctl07_hlClubs" style="color: #0039a6; text-decoration: none;">Melbourne Victory FC</a></td><td class="played" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">26</td><td class="wins" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">5</td><td class="draws" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">11</td><td class="losses" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">10</td><td class="for" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">32</td><td class="against" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">43</td><td class="diff" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">-11</td><td class="points" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">26</td></tr>
<tr class="row"><td class="teamrank" style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">9</td><td class="Team" id="ctl10_rptLadder_ctl08_tblColTeam" style="padding-bottom: 3px;"><a href="http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/adelaideunited" id="ctl10_rptLadder_ctl08_hlClubs" style="color: #0039a6; text-decoration: none;">Adelaide United FC</a></td><td class="played" style="font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">26</td><td class="wins" style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">5</td><td class="draws" style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">10</td><td class="losses" style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">11</td><td class="for" style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">26</td><td class="against" style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">43</td><td class="diff" style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">-17</td><td class="points" style="font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">25</td></tr>
<tr class="altrow" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f7f7f7; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat;"><td class="teamrank" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">10</td><td class="Team" id="ctl10_rptLadder_ctl09_tblColTeam" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px;"><a href="http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/goldcoastunited" id="ctl10_rptLadder_ctl09_hlClubs" style="color: #0039a6; text-decoration: none;">Gold Coast United FC</a></td><td class="played" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">25</td><td class="wins" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">3</td><td class="draws" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">9</td><td class="losses" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">13</td><td class="for" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">26</td><td class="against" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">40</td><td class="diff" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">-14</td><td class="points" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 45px;">18</td></tr>
</tbody></table>johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12598217628490483035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36679125.post-46529761290187485232012-03-24T21:21:00.001+10:002012-03-24T21:22:25.230+10:00Final derby for Gold Coast v Roar - 5:30pm Sunday 25 MarchA match up that could have been so much more if Gold Coast hadn't boycotted the first derby and Gold Coast hadn't been so good - but not good enough in its first year. Gold Coast's 5-1 win 2 years ago probably finished the interest in the game. the sad reframe of 'at least we haven't lost to the Pheonix, at least we haven't lost 6-0' was redundant within days.<br />
<br />
Regrettably, the bitterness of the Gold Coast campaign from its former coach downwards, has all been pyrrhic.johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12598217628490483035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36679125.post-53876461728046336162012-03-18T22:13:00.001+10:002012-03-18T22:13:30.319+10:00Gold Coast 3 smash Perth 0Come on Roar. The big train trip next Sunday.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 375px;">
<!--StartFragment-->
<colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 4437; mso-width-source: userset; width: 104pt;" width="104"></col>
<col span="2" style="width: 65pt;" width="65"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 3242; mso-width-source: userset; width: 76pt;" width="76"></col>
<col style="width: 65pt;" width="65"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: .5pt solid black; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 700; height: 15.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none; width: 104pt;" width="104">Max Points
at:</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: .5pt solid black; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none; width: 65pt;" width="65">CCM</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: .5pt solid black; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none; width: 65pt;" width="65">Brisbane</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: .5pt solid black; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none; width: 76pt;" width="76">Wellington</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: .5pt solid black; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none; width: 65pt;" width="65">Perth</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl64" height="15" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; height: 15.0pt; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">18-Mar-12</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">48</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">46</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">40</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">40</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl64" height="15" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; height: 15.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">25-Mar-12</td>
<td align="right" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">51</td>
<td align="right" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">49</td>
<td align="right" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">43</td>
<td align="right" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">43</td>
</tr>
<!--EndFragment-->
</tbody></table>johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12598217628490483035noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36679125.post-64617456312880792102012-03-17T18:44:00.000+10:002012-03-17T18:44:12.268+10:00Newcastle 1 v Brisbane 2, CCM 1 v Adelaide 0Brisbane could pay a heavy price for poor finishing against Adelaide. CCM now favoured to win.<br />
<br />
Brisbane - gee - doing it the hard way.<br />
<br />
Should have beaten a hapless Newcastle defence 6 or 7 -1 including Henrique missing a penalty. Mitch showed him how to do it a bit later. Brisbane fielded a weakened defence - why hasn't Hingert started before now?<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, Brisbane had to survive a few Jurman howlers - including not jumping for the Newcastle's set piece goal. That was where Faran stole the show by calling on his coach to drag Berisha (as if that was going to happen).<br />
<br />
Faran's disappointing season continued, losing his nerve in a 1 on 1. At least Henrique had his roll from one post to the other (did it cross the line?). Berisha showed us how to do right foot behind the left foot kick - and miss wildly. Mitch also missed 2 one-on-one's but his were harder.<br />
<br />
Mitch man of match by a nose from Theo who did a brilliant double save.<br />
<br />
Given Brisbane's massive goal difference, Perth now cannot win. CCM must still win to make sure next week as Brisbane play last on the Sunday v Gold Coast.<br />
<br />
Wow here we are Gold Coast's last ever game. Train ride anyone?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 375px;">
<!--StartFragment-->
<colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 4437; mso-width-source: userset; width: 104pt;" width="104"></col>
<col span="2" style="width: 65pt;" width="65"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 3242; mso-width-source: userset; width: 76pt;" width="76"></col>
<col style="width: 65pt;" width="65"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: .5pt solid black; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 700; height: 15.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none; width: 104pt;" width="104">Max Points
at:</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: .5pt solid black; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none; width: 65pt;" width="65">CCM</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: .5pt solid black; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none; width: 65pt;" width="65">Brisbane</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: .5pt solid black; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none; width: 76pt;" width="76">Wellington</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: .5pt solid black; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none; width: 65pt;" width="65">Perth</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl64" height="15" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; height: 15.0pt; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">11-Mar-12</td>
<td style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;"></td>
<td style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;"></td>
<td class="xl65" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 700; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;"></td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">40</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl64" height="15" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; height: 15.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">18-Mar-12</td>
<td align="right" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">48</td>
<td align="right" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">46</td>
<td align="right" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">40</td>
<td align="right" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">43</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl64" height="15" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; height: 15.0pt; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">25-Mar-12</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">51</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">49</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">43</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">46</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: none; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; height: 15.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;"></td>
<td style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: none; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;"></td>
<td style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: none; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;"></td>
<td style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: none; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;"></td>
<td style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: none; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;"></td>
</tr>
<!--EndFragment-->
</tbody></table>johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12598217628490483035noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36679125.post-81046552922708794422012-03-16T23:13:00.003+10:002012-03-16T23:15:11.676+10:00Victory 3 show how to completely smash Wellington 0Wellington were not in this game and will better shooting from Archie Thompson this could have been 6-0. As it was Archie who set up all three goals - all magnificent.<br />
<br />
Victory showed us why they are the most entertaining team to watch. But. Also why they, on average, perform so badly. Too many balls pushed too long with little chance of reward - just giving the ball away.<br />
<br />
Great games all round including debut from 17 year old Davies - another Kewell?<br />
<br />
Wellington is the first of the top 4 to be out of 1st place contention. But could play a wrecking game against CCM next week. Fingers crossed for Roar fans.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 375px;">
<colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 4437; mso-width-source: userset; width: 104pt;" width="104"></col>
<col span="2" style="width: 65pt;" width="65"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 3242; mso-width-source: userset; width: 76pt;" width="76"></col>
<col style="width: 65pt;" width="65"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: .5pt solid black; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 700; height: 15.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none; width: 104pt;" width="104">Max Points
at:</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: .5pt solid black; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none; width: 65pt;" width="65">CCM</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: .5pt solid black; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none; width: 65pt;" width="65">Brisbane</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: .5pt solid black; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none; width: 76pt;" width="76">Wellington</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: .5pt solid black; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none; width: 65pt;" width="65">Perth</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl64" height="15" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; height: 15.0pt; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">11-Mar-12</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">45</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">43</td>
<td class="xl65" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 700; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;"></td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">40</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl64" height="15" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; height: 15.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">18-Mar-12</td>
<td align="right" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">48</td>
<td align="right" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">46</td>
<td align="right" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">40</td>
<td align="right" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">43</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl64" height="15" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; height: 15.0pt; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">25-Mar-12</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">51</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">49</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">43</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">46</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: none; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; height: 15.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;"></td>
<td style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: none; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;"></td>
<td style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: none; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;"></td>
<td style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: none; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;"></td>
<td style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: none; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;"></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12598217628490483035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36679125.post-72514089084917373462012-03-11T21:10:00.001+10:002012-03-11T21:10:21.207+10:00Brisbane 1 v Adelaide 1 / Perth 1 v CCM 0CCM and Brisbane will want to win next week to lock out Wellington and Perth.<br />
<br />
Brisbane ripped off as A-League's top misses an obvious penalty.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 375px;">
<!--StartFragment-->
<colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 4437; mso-width-source: userset; width: 104pt;" width="104"></col>
<col span="2" style="width: 65pt;" width="65"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 3242; mso-width-source: userset; width: 76pt;" width="76"></col>
<col style="width: 65pt;" width="65"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: .5pt solid black; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 700; height: 15.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none; width: 104pt;" width="104">Max Points
at:</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: .5pt solid black; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none; width: 65pt;" width="65">CCM</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: .5pt solid black; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none; width: 65pt;" width="65">Brisbane</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: .5pt solid black; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none; width: 76pt;" width="76">Wellington</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: .5pt solid black; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none; width: 65pt;" width="65">Perth</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl64" height="15" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; height: 15.0pt; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">11-Mar-12</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">45</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">43</td>
<td align="right" class="xl65" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 700; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">40</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">40</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl64" height="15" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; height: 15.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">18-Mar-12</td>
<td align="right" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">48</td>
<td align="right" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">46</td>
<td align="right" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">43</td>
<td align="right" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">43</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl64" height="15" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; height: 15.0pt; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">25-Mar-12</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">51</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">49</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">46</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">46</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: none; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; height: 15.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;"></td>
<td style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: none; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;"></td>
<td style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: none; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;"></td>
<td style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: none; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;"></td>
<td style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: none; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;"></td>
</tr>
<!--EndFragment-->
</tbody></table>johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12598217628490483035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36679125.post-89964958450138650322012-03-11T08:42:00.002+10:002012-03-11T08:42:45.098+10:00Get ready for Gold Coast's last ever home game - 25 March v BrisbaneI must say I thought this game was at Suncorp. But it is being promoted at Skilled Park. And tickets will be <a href="http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/Show.aspx?sh=GCU2511" target="_blank">available here</a>.<br />
<br />
Interesting to see how that goes. Brisbane will probably need the win to ensure a top 2 finish.<br />
<br />
<br />johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12598217628490483035noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36679125.post-23310241792861945092012-03-04T07:49:00.000+10:002012-03-04T07:49:06.007+10:00The Sustainability of the A-LeagueI understand comments like 'Clive Palmer is out of line but his points are right on... ' But this viewpoint misses the point.<br />
<br />
It was always going to be very difficult for soccer to survive in Australia as anything more than the largest participatory sport.<br />
<br />
When I saw the start-up marketing strategy for the Melbourne Heart, I could have rolled on the floor laughing. And indeed by the end of their first season they were saying they were looking for new owners. There is no trend that has soccer growing as a commercial phenomenon.<br />
<br />
Australia is an over crowded sports market in a world in economic downturn.<br />
<br />
Add to that, sporting bodies, particularly clubs, rarely break-even in any sport in any country without massive cross subsidisation. This subsidisation is usefully from tax payers. In more recent years, free-to-air and pay TV broadcasting have offered hope. And the most recent potential is the force of betting. Cricket shows through the Indian Premier League and match fixing how damaging betting is for sport, but behind closed doors, bettings' real destruction is wrecked on families and children, undoing sport's great cultural achievements.<br />
<br />
Then there is the force of the Australian sporting industrial complex. Which has at its heart the media and its actions to support its ownership in clubs, maintaining interest in their chosen sport and clubs and fighting off competitors. Then there is SBS Broadcasting. SBS appears to be made up of independent journalistic view-points acting in consort in an attempt to both move soccer forward and bring it back to some happier day when SBS was at the centre. The only way this will occur is if soccer returns to a low road of poorly paid players, poor playing conditions and audience disinterest. This would return Australian soccer to an EPL centric soccer world - where money wins.<br />
<br />
If people think that by attacking the FFA and the A-League now that they will save the game or build it to its natural place in Australian sport, they are sadly mistaken. This is as good as it gets.<br />
<br />
This is the point where the competing forces have been brought into balance to produce a league where enough players can be paid enough each week to keep the game going, where enough billionaires are drawn into the game to pay for the stadiums so that working people can watch a world class soccer game for $20 a week. So that they can go watch their local team play FC Toyko.<br />
<br />
Clive Palmer says he has lost $18 million over three years. Are we supposed to be surprised by this? Investors with that much money should have the intuition or advice that informs them about information on the public record and what is likely to happen next. There was clear evidence that the Roar, as some owners have pointed out a much bigger market, was losing at that rate before the Gold Coast and Fury were established. Did these new owners believe that they were bringing some magic that no other individual club owner in almost any sport could bring, a money making formula within a sport where only agents, some sponsors and the players are making net benefits?<br />
<br />
And as to the positive direction for the sport?<br />
<br />
Firstly its role needs to be clear. For juniors and amateurs its role is about intellectual development and fitness - making good citizens and controlling society's health problems. It is not about finding the next Harry Kewell or creating new sources of income.<br />
<br />
For the A-League? It is about sustaining a game until the sporting industrial complex and its supporting landscape is changed. Does Australia want to put all its national pride into having the best AFL players in the world? Who will notice? If we do, will we be able to sustain our claim as a great sporting nation? Or will we look like America and its quaint sports that it plays as 'world series'?<br />
<br />
But then soccers progress in the USA has been used as a part model for the FFA. The AFL used Major League Soccer's big brother gridiron to work out its way forward. In the US, government support is harder to sustain. So gridiron developed a model that was more sophisticated and sustaining that the raw money in the model of the EPL. Each owner buys the right to an equal share of the overall performance of the league. It doesn't matter whether you play at the Meadowlands with the Giants in New Jersey or at Iron Bay with the Packers, it is in all the owners interest to work out and support a promotion strategy across the league and across multiple seasons. And with this outcome, as Australia's AFL found, comes massive TV rights deals.<br />
<br />
This is why, Ben Buckley is so important for the A-League. Soccer's own goals have shown that the sport in Australia has not produced great administrators. Perhaps he could still be one.<br />
<br />
<br />johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12598217628490483035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36679125.post-11091213796798596252012-03-03T21:32:00.000+10:002012-03-03T21:33:24.831+10:00CCM steal draw from Sydney to stay 3 ahead of Roar90+ minute equaliser keeps CCM a win ahead of Brisbane.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 375px;">
<colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 4437; mso-width-source: userset; width: 104pt;" width="104"></col>
<col span="2" style="width: 65pt;" width="65"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 3242; mso-width-source: userset; width: 76pt;" width="76"></col>
<col style="width: 65pt;" width="65"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: .5pt solid black; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 700; height: 15.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none; width: 104pt;" width="104">Max Points
at:</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: .5pt solid black; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none; width: 65pt;" width="65">CCM</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: .5pt solid black; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none; width: 65pt;" width="65">Brisbane</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: .5pt solid black; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none; width: 76pt;" width="76">Wellington</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: .5pt solid black; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none; width: 65pt;" width="65">Perth</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl64" height="15" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; height: 15.0pt; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">28-Feb-12</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">44</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">41</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">36</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">34</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl64" height="15" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; height: 15.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">4-Mar-12</td>
<td align="right" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">45</td>
<td align="right" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">42</td>
<td align="right" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">39</td>
<td align="right" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">37</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl64" height="15" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; height: 15.0pt; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">11-Mar-12</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">48</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">45</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">42</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">40</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl64" height="15" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; height: 15.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">18-Mar-12</td>
<td align="right" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">51</td>
<td align="right" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">48</td>
<td align="right" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">45</td>
<td align="right" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">43</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl64" height="15" style="background: #D9D9D9; border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: none; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; height: 15.0pt; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">25-Mar-12</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: none; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">54</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: none; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">51</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: none; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">48</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: none; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">46</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12598217628490483035noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36679125.post-19882561066105660402012-03-03T08:00:00.000+10:002012-03-03T08:00:18.116+10:00Lacklustre Roar allow Wellington and Perth back inCCM will be thinking 'Two wins and a draw', Perth (now) and Wellington may think so too for 2nd.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 375px;">
<!--StartFragment-->
<colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 4437; mso-width-source: userset; width: 104pt;" width="104"></col>
<col span="2" style="width: 65pt;" width="65"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 3242; mso-width-source: userset; width: 76pt;" width="76"></col>
<col style="width: 65pt;" width="65"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: .5pt solid black; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 700; height: 15.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none; width: 104pt;" width="104">Max Points
at:</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: .5pt solid black; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none; width: 65pt;" width="65">CCM</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: .5pt solid black; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none; width: 65pt;" width="65">Brisbane</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: .5pt solid black; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none; width: 76pt;" width="76">Wellington</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: .5pt solid black; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none; width: 65pt;" width="65">Perth</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl64" height="15" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; height: 15.0pt; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">28-Feb-12</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">44</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">41</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">36</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">34</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl64" height="15" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; height: 15.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">4-Mar-12</td>
<td align="right" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">47</td>
<td align="right" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">42</td>
<td align="right" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">39</td>
<td align="right" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">37</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl64" height="15" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; height: 15.0pt; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">11-Mar-12</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">50</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">45</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">42</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">40</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl64" height="15" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; height: 15.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">18-Mar-12</td>
<td align="right" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">53</td>
<td align="right" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">48</td>
<td align="right" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">45</td>
<td align="right" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">43</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl64" height="15" style="background: #D9D9D9; border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: none; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; height: 15.0pt; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">25-Mar-12</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: none; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">56</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: none; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">51</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: none; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">48</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: none; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">46</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;"></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<!--EndFragment-->
</tbody></table>johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12598217628490483035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36679125.post-83563094806187924832012-02-26T17:59:00.002+10:002012-02-26T17:59:46.124+10:00Melbourne Heart 1 v CCM 0 - max points table updateRoar now within 3:<br />
<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 375px;">
<!--StartFragment-->
<colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 4437; mso-width-source: userset; width: 104pt;" width="104"></col>
<col span="2" style="width: 65pt;" width="65"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 3242; mso-width-source: userset; width: 76pt;" width="76"></col>
<col style="width: 65pt;" width="65"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: .5pt solid black; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 700; height: 15.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none; width: 104pt;" width="104">Max Points
at:</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: .5pt solid black; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none; width: 65pt;" width="65">CCM</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: .5pt solid black; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none; width: 65pt;" width="65">Brisbane</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: .5pt solid black; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none; width: 76pt;" width="76">Wellington</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: .5pt solid black; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none; width: 65pt;" width="65">Perth</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl64" height="15" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; height: 15.0pt; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">28-Feb-12</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">44</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">41</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">36</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">34</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl64" height="15" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; height: 15.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">2-Mar-12</td>
<td align="right" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">47</td>
<td align="right" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">44</td>
<td align="right" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">39</td>
<td align="right" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">37</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl64" height="15" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; height: 15.0pt; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">5-Mar-12</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">50</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">47</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">42</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">40</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl64" height="15" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; height: 15.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">8-Mar-12</td>
<td align="right" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">53</td>
<td align="right" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">50</td>
<td align="right" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">45</td>
<td align="right" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">43</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl64" height="15" style="background: #D9D9D9; border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: none; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; height: 15.0pt; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">11-Mar-12</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: none; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">56</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: none; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">53</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: none; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">48</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: none; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">46</td>
</tr>
<!--EndFragment-->
</tbody></table>johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12598217628490483035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36679125.post-23413449980919666502012-02-26T15:00:00.001+10:002012-02-26T15:00:49.406+10:00Maximum points table<div>
To be updated after every game:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 375px;">
<!--StartFragment-->
<colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 4437; mso-width-source: userset; width: 104pt;" width="104"></col>
<col span="2" style="width: 65pt;" width="65"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 3242; mso-width-source: userset; width: 76pt;" width="76"></col>
<col style="width: 65pt;" width="65"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: .5pt solid black; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 700; height: 15.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none; width: 104pt;" width="104">Max Points
at:</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: .5pt solid black; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none; width: 65pt;" width="65">CCM</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: .5pt solid black; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none; width: 65pt;" width="65">Brisbane</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: .5pt solid black; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none; width: 76pt;" width="76">Wellington</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: .5pt solid black; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none; width: 65pt;" width="65">Perth</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl64" height="15" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; height: 15.0pt; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">28-Feb-12</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">47</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">41</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">36</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">34</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl64" height="15" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; height: 15.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">2-Mar-12</td>
<td align="right" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">50</td>
<td align="right" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">44</td>
<td align="right" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">39</td>
<td align="right" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">37</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl64" height="15" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; height: 15.0pt; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">5-Mar-12</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">53</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">47</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">42</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">40</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl64" height="15" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; height: 15.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">8-Mar-12</td>
<td align="right" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">56</td>
<td align="right" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">50</td>
<td align="right" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">45</td>
<td align="right" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">43</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td align="right" class="xl64" height="15" style="background: #D9D9D9; border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: none; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; height: 15.0pt; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">11-Mar-12</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: none; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">59</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: none; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">53</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: none; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">48</td>
<td align="right" style="background: #D9D9D9; border-bottom: .5pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: none; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: 400; mso-pattern: #D9D9D9 none; text-decoration: none; text-line-through: none; text-underline-style: none;">46</td>
</tr>
<!--EndFragment-->
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12598217628490483035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36679125.post-78112848672144295062012-02-26T10:49:00.000+10:002012-02-26T10:49:55.395+10:00Prediction: Brisbane will qualify for ACL 2 years in a row... probably enough to keep AngeThe top 2 teams plus the winner of the Grand Final go to the ACL. Unless one of these teams is Wellington (New Zealand is not part of AFC). So, if Wellington finish top 2, the 3rd team goes through. This makes it most likely that CCM and Brisbane will represent Australia again next year. Plus one.<br />
<br />
Sorry Jets fans, with 4 weeks left I am calling that the top 2, bound for the ACL next year, will come from the top four of Central Coast Mariners (CCM), Brisbane Roar, Wellington Phoenix and Perth Glory.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 215px;">
<!--StartFragment-->
<colgroup><col span="2" style="width: 65pt;" width="65"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 3626; mso-width-source: userset; width: 85pt;" width="85"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="height: 15.0pt; width: 65pt;" width="65"></td>
<td style="width: 65pt;" width="65">Current Points</td>
<td style="width: 85pt;" width="85">Potential Points</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">CCM</td>
<td align="right">44</td>
<td align="right">59</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">Brisbane</td>
<td align="right">41</td>
<td align="right">53</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">Wellington</td>
<td align="right">36</td>
<td align="right">48</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">Perth</td>
<td align="right">34</td>
<td align="right">46</td>
</tr>
<!--EndFragment-->
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The remaining games are listed at bottom of this blog.<br />
<br />
The key games, '6 pointers', are CCM v Perth on 11 March and CCM v Wellington on 25 March. The results of these games could determine the upside for Perth, Wellington and Brisbane. If CCM wins these games, Brisbane will most likely finish 2nd. If CCM lose both, Brisbane are in with a real chance, or it opens a chance that Wellington could pinch 2nd in the last game at home.<br />
<br />
CCM have a game in hand which they play this afternoon against Melbourne Heart. CCM's form has dropped and Heart will be lamenting their late season drop. If Fred is fit Heart may even be favoured. However, CCM have recruited very well.<br />
<br />
If the Roar win all four of their games, and CCM only win 3 of 5, it is hard to see Roar's goal difference being caught +20 v +16 for CCM. Roar would win the league. Logically that equation goes all the way down to 1 CCM win and 2 Roar wins and a draw (to ward off Wellington).<br />
<br />
If Roar only win 1, Wellington win at least 3 and and CCM lose their remaining games, Wellington win the league. This possible, but a small probability. And if Wellington win all 4, Brisbane would have to do better than 2 wins.<br />
<br />
Perth need to win all their games to win, plus CCM would have to lose all games, Roar a maximum of 4 draws or a win and a draw, and Wellington could win 3.<br />
<br />
Draws muddy the water. If CCM draw all 5 of their games. Only Roar can beat them and by winning at least 3 times.<br />
<br />
I have highlighted Wellington's home (H) and away (A) games, as distance and weather differences will be key for them to deal with.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 197px;">
<!--StartFragment-->
<colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 3797; mso-width-source: userset; width: 89pt;" width="89"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 4608; mso-width-source: userset; width: 108pt;" width="108"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="height: 15.0pt; width: 89pt;" width="89">Brisbane</td>
<td style="width: 108pt;" width="108">Heart</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;"></td>
<td>Adelaide</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;"></td>
<td>Newcastle</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;"></td>
<td>Gold Coast</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;"></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">CCM</td>
<td>Heart</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;"></td>
<td>Sydney</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;"></td>
<td>Perth</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;"></td>
<td>Adelaide</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;"></td>
<td>Wellington</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;"></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">Wellington</td>
<td>Gold Coast H</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;"></td>
<td>Heart A</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;"></td>
<td>Victory A</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;"></td>
<td>CCM H</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;"></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">Perth</td>
<td>Adelaide</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;"></td>
<td>CCM</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;"></td>
<td>Gold Coast</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;"></td>
<td>Victory</td>
</tr>
<!--EndFragment-->
</tbody></table>
<br /><br />
My prediction:<br />
<br />
- Brisbane will win 2 and draw 1 (7 points). Including a league record 8 or 9 - nil final game against Gold Coast (their last match). Berisha to break the A-League goal scoring record. Mitch Nichols to come 2nd in golden boot.<br />
<br />
- CCM will win 2 and draw 1 (7 points).<br />
<br />
- Wellington will win 3 (9 points).<br />
<br />
- Perth will win 2 (6 points).<br />
<br />
This changes if Gold Coast are kicked out of the competition as it will favour CCM (dropped 6 points to them in 3 draws).<br />
<br />
This will mean the top 4 will remain in the current order.<br />
<br />
And if Brisbane do better, I'll be very happy.<br />
<br />johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12598217628490483035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36679125.post-27736102769111819782012-01-01T08:36:00.001+10:002012-01-01T08:36:18.246+10:00Brisbane 3 v Melbourne 1 - attack of the killer BroichesRocky Visconte was the man of this match.
Not because he was the best player, but because he played so much better than he has before. Ange starting him over Issy added new Broich like movement to the Roar on attack. For the first time in 5 games, Brisbane had a midfield that was always searching forward, looking to beat the first defender and so drawing the second across and creating space elsewhere. Visconte, like Broich at his most influential, expertly cut inside. Without Adrian Leijer, Victory often fell for this and opened up space for Nichols.
After weeks of frustration, Besart Berisha played an incredible back-to-goal game. His work rate in Brisbane's humidity is also amazing. And if he doesn't get the ball the first time, he will be chasing for and getting it the second or third time. Besart's footwork was Broich-like, creating space and opportunity inside and outside the Victory box. His reward was creating goals for Visconte and Franjic.
A 3-4-3 formation, at last the response to physical, high pressing game, allowed both Franjic and Steffanutto to create and become threats on goal.
And off the TV camera:
- Carlos Hernandez looked slow and overweight. He was easily over-run by the Roar defence for his one opportunity. When substituted in around the 65 Minute, he walked off from around the Roar penalty box, kicking over a Victory bench chair and kicking a drink bottle onto the pitch. Surely the bad tempered Allsopp or speedy Cernac will be favoured soon?
- Initially, Fox thought Mitch Nichols (who brilliantly played through injury) was making signs at the Victory bench. But from ground level it was clear that he was jestering was to someone in the crowd. However, Kevin Muscat, as usual, thought it was about him and held onto Mitch's head after the game, despite Mitch's explanation. When will Muscat be gone from the game?
Anyway, great response from the Gold Coast 'training game.'johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12598217628490483035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36679125.post-76654755804376868472011-12-17T22:13:00.001+10:002011-12-17T22:16:27.878+10:00Failed game promotion backfires on RoarA failed 'double header' promotion of the youth team game before the main event backfired badly for Brisbane. Not only was the crowd only 10,006 and only a few hundred at best turned up early, but Theo's goal mouth was drenched before the kick off. This water led to Theo's miss kick which gifted Central Coast the game and the Roar 4th straight loss.<br />
<br />
Suncorp was already carrying water before the sprinklers were turned on and large quantities of sand had been laid at the end which was to be Theo's home for the first half. At best the pre-match watering was ill considered, at worst foolhardy. It will be interesting to hear what went into the decision making. Further, after 7 years playing at Suncorp the Roar should know that the pitch cannot take 2 games in 4 hours. And as expected the pitch gave way under foot at critical stages.<br />
<br />
As the photo shows, way too much water soaked Theo's goal and goal kicking area.Also note the lack of a crowd for the youth game.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6nUALqsf1BbDHR_6-KI4m-sMje9UvjbOYMMVbFKzwHQPGkPzHs1qLukL1o5E8IMx2n8jOfDCCFu9HLGeYY5MkBkCipq8wf807IDwgJx6QVYWnT96zBKugI_zGgH6OAg1tBjAC/s1600/IMG00015-20111217-1802-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6nUALqsf1BbDHR_6-KI4m-sMje9UvjbOYMMVbFKzwHQPGkPzHs1qLukL1o5E8IMx2n8jOfDCCFu9HLGeYY5MkBkCipq8wf807IDwgJx6QVYWnT96zBKugI_zGgH6OAg1tBjAC/s320/IMG00015-20111217-1802-1.jpg" /></a></div>johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12598217628490483035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36679125.post-39733506529735979572011-12-11T08:10:00.001+10:002011-12-11T08:21:00.362+10:00What next?Most A-League teams have now demonstrated that they can play the Roar system. If Brisbane wants to grow its fan base it now has to:<br />
<br />
1. Take its system to another level.<br />
<br />
2. Buy better players that will play the current system better and more consistently.<br />
<br />
3. Ensure the squad has a majority of local players (there are about 2 or 3 in there now and sometimes they start with none).<br />
<br />
We all hear about 'grassroots' from A-League clubs, well having people involved who are part of the local community is what it means. Letting Matt McKay go, not keeping other locals and former Roar players Dario, Williams (must be injured for Heart?), and not buying John McKain or Josh Rose, has fails to build over 7 years any sense of connection to the Brisbane or Queensland community. Compare that to the Boncos and you will see why Brisbane fans are fair weather friends.johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12598217628490483035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36679125.post-67635624554320762022011-12-10T17:18:00.001+10:002011-12-10T17:50:10.553+10:00Brisbane 1 v Melbourne Heart 2To build a football brand in Brisbane, the Roar had to win last night. While the crowd had already halved from 20,000 to 10,000, Roy Morgan found this week that Brisbane is the most watched (TV) soccer team in the A-League. A shock for Melbourne Victory perhaps.<br />
<br />
That was one disappointment from last night. Another was how the Roar played, possession without opportunities = boredom. And the third was the fake injuries and time wasting from Heart. I don't understand why the ref decided to talk to players rather than just card them.<br />
<br />
It is now obvious that without Broich and Henrique, Brisbane are off the pace. No surprise Matt Smith is out for Wednesday's game against Wellington, his very poor game could be explained by injury.<br />
<br />
The Roar's owners have told members they want to buy a marquee. Ange has told the press he isn't getting one. Watch this space for the first signs of 'artistic differences'. Clearly the Roar squad lacks depth and isn't at the same skill level.<br />
<br />
Melbourne Heart played the ensemble game better than Roar in the first and were more physical, knocking timid Roar players off the ball.<br />
<br />
If the Roar play this way against CCM, expect the score to be 0-4 plus. At least Broich will be back...<br />
<br />johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12598217628490483035noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36679125.post-44221133227523806062011-12-04T19:49:00.001+10:002011-12-04T19:55:07.215+10:00Sydney FC 2 v Brisbane 0Brisbane were not in this game. The end of their run was emphatic. From the goal in the first 32 seconds, to their defence regularly looking in disarray, to the off night upfront.<br />
<br />
Poor games from Jurman, Smith and Franjic. Very poor passing from Paartalu.<br />
<br />
I'd like to see a back-line of Steffanutto, Smith, Adnan, and Hingert.johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12598217628490483035noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36679125.post-18497093821493216692011-12-03T09:01:00.001+10:002011-12-03T10:00:05.793+10:00Muscat machinationsKevin Muscat wants to be coach of Melbourne Victory.<br />
<br />
Just what he is prepared to do to ensure he gets there is unclear. It is also unclear who his powerful backers are. But they are there and as ABC Offsiders sports commentators noted last week, they or Muscat directly are influencing the Melbourne Victory Board.<br />
<br />
There is an almost unspoken feeling that Muscat is a crowd draw crowd for Victory, that he adds to the press coverage which is good as long as they spell A-League and sponsors' names right. I disagree. His career includes going to court for violence on the field, foul play that shortened young players careers on the A-League field, cruel mind games and suspensions for gambling 'by his wife.' Every team in the A-League including Melbourne Victory would be better off without him.<br />
<br />
It appears that Muscat is desperate for Mehmet Durakovic to stay as Melbourne coach. That is, until he is ready to take over. So you can almost see him holding up Durakovic by the scruff of his collar - leaning back and straining, blood vessels appearing on Muscat's neck and forehead. The struggle of his life. Hiding his brutality from the public glare but working on the Board, seeding ideas about Kewell and his worth.<br />
<br />
Kewell had had the answer in Argentinian international <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abel_Balbo" target="_blank">Abel Balbo</a>, and the Board had signed up to that. It would have finished Muscat.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> But Muscat does not want Durakovic to be too successful. That would finish him too. Durakovic is part of the future of Australian soccer. He is only 46 and played and was coached by Ange.</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><strong>On the other hand Kevin Muscat is a very old 38. He could pass for much older. As Tiatto said, getting rid of the old farts is a very good thing. If Victory can do that, they can renew and be great again.</strong></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<br />
Here are some references:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;">
'... a key position for Balbo envisaged the former Serie A striker taking on a number of duties with Victory, and bringing his experience to assist rookie coaches, Durakovic and Kevin Muscat. It was suggested that Balbo could take control of all Victory youth programs and academy development. The Argentinian's overseas network could have helped him identify potential overseas signings, while he could have also assisted in talent identification of local players. In addition, his contacts could have helped Victory ''establish global networks with clubs and players overseas''.' <a href="ttp://www.theage.com.au/sport/soccer/victory-board-split-over-coach-and-director-roles-20111124-1nx3o.html" target="_blank">The Age</a>.</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">'Muscat, along with Queensland Roar captain Craig Moore, was fined on Friday while Victory midfielder Grant Brebner was suspended for two matches by Football Federation Australia after it was discovered all three players had bet on matches involving A-League teams this year.' <a href="http://www.theroar.com.au/2008/12/20/muscat-deeply-hurt-over-betting-scandal/" target="_blank">The Roar</a>.</span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">In 2004, a lawsuit on Muscat brought by former <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlton_Athletic_F.C." style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Charlton Athletic F.C.">Charlton Athletic</a> player <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matty_Holmes" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Matty Holmes">Matty Holmes</a> resulted in a settlement of £250,000 plus costs in favour of Holmes, bringing the estimated settlement to around £750,000. Holmes had to have four operations on his leg following a tackle by Muscat in 1998, and there were initial fears that his leg might have to be amputated. The claim was settled at the High Court without any admission of liability.<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Muscat#cite_note-26" target="_blank"> Wikipedia</a>. </span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, verdana, tahoma, geneva, sans-serif, serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: normal;">'Through his lawyers, Muscat, 30, wished Holmes well for the future, but brushed past him when he entered Court 76 and the pair did not even exchange glances at the end of the 20-minute proceedings.' <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/02/24/1077594810270.html?from=storyrhs" target="_blank">The Age</a>.</span></span></blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><strong><br /></strong></span>johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12598217628490483035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36679125.post-92083941424601742962011-11-27T07:34:00.001+10:002011-11-27T08:27:20.288+10:00Brisbane 4 v Perth 0 Wowzers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJGUUTfe9tz9yHxqoy8-sxD4EnjBnC3haZ5G5SxqMD0o5PF0msQ1_QJP3kpexEVfQYa8W4P7xIeYK-7BPQ4P6ZtNvupUoO3mNcoUdru9e7Zw0kJVVeLd4OYn40MWpqtJeI91E2/s1600/IMG00013-20111126-1956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJGUUTfe9tz9yHxqoy8-sxD4EnjBnC3haZ5G5SxqMD0o5PF0msQ1_QJP3kpexEVfQYa8W4P7xIeYK-7BPQ4P6ZtNvupUoO3mNcoUdru9e7Zw0kJVVeLd4OYn40MWpqtJeI91E2/s320/IMG00013-20111126-1956.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The game was over by half time. And all Ferguson had to do then was protect his career. Before the game he had said the pressure was all on Brisbane. That did not ring true. The week before he had admitted his job was on the line, and 8-0 would have done that.<br />
<br />
The combination of half time changes in Andrezinho and Steve McGarry plus Brisbane switching down a gear in the humidity saved coach Ferguson's career. Pity Andrezinho he has come here to dive in the box, Matt Smith got a yellow card for telling him so. Steve McGarry took control of Perth and sometimes the game. The best for Perth was their fan base who were well behaved (and over zealously were told to be so by security) and vocal throughout.<br />
<br />
The first photo was taken in the 2nd half after I had gone up top with the Roar running away from my favoured end. It shows how static Perth are with a flat back 4 and diamond in front, broken only by Andrezinho in the far top. Contrast this to Brisbane who are spread and mobile. Left back Steffanotto is almost as advanced as the Berisha and so wide that he is actually off the pitch. Franjic is as high and wide on the other side. When a team is some goals up, this type of move limits the other team's risk taking. Brisbane's back 3 is spread and yet it is clear that the Perth diamond can be covered if needed.<br />
<br />
I scored Bahraini Mo Adnan man of the match for his first half performance. Perth relied on the long ball game to hit on the counter and his tackling was well executed and coverage fantastic. Mo obviously likes the humidity, while Broich was brilliant in the first half and set up most of the goals, in the second half he wanted to be everywhere but his body couldn't get him there. Adnan made Smeltz look like he was just jogging round the park rather than a rival for Besart Berisha's shot at golden boot. Adnan covers everything in the air as well was demonstrated skills with his feet. The nerves of last week's first half were gone. Even in this week's second half he showed his leadership skills, talking to each players before the re-start and acting as a second playmaker to Broich much of the time.<br />
<br />
Ange has given the instructions on dealing with 'parking of the bus.' That is: cross field switching, and rapid movement in the final third with lots of running off the ball as decoys and targets. And go forward, attack.<br />
<br />
I would like to see Jack Hingert get more than 18 minutes. Ivan Franjic was not bombing forward as freely by the second half and I think Jack is highly motivated. Luke Brattan has more to do to cement his spot once Mitch, Matt Jurman and Kofi return from the Olyroos.<br />
<br />
And the talking point, apart from the record and the fireworks, was that the ref missed a penalty in the first few minutes. We were behind it and it looked goal bound and deliberate.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVtY1Iq9Myc8vSTZP0bMkQpUYC681MgpGi7yDQogZx1atB7lzabi5tidBOIKEd9qKE_UwAx_-ymfSZa1Oi4HRbWEvO6TXVfABCwqF799RVVJIjb8QKSnXD0EfpVlSSGoiMSxGo/s1600/IMG00014-20111126-2049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVtY1Iq9Myc8vSTZP0bMkQpUYC681MgpGi7yDQogZx1atB7lzabi5tidBOIKEd9qKE_UwAx_-ymfSZa1Oi4HRbWEvO6TXVfABCwqF799RVVJIjb8QKSnXD0EfpVlSSGoiMSxGo/s320/IMG00014-20111126-2049.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Crowd of nearly 20,000 kept low by lots of rain building up through the day and starting just before the game.<br />
<br />
Oh and can some get Optus to fix their 'live scores' and stats. This 'match centre' thing doesn't work that well.<br />
<br />
Each week you can vote for Brisbane's top 3 players <a href="http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/brisbaneroar/" target="_blank">here</a> (at the bottom of the page).johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12598217628490483035noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36679125.post-55735690222418804492011-11-22T19:08:00.001+10:002011-11-22T19:23:55.852+10:00Brisbane v Perth Saturday 26 - 6:45pm NovemberIf you don't have a ticket, arrive at least 30 minutes before kick off - say 6pm - could take that long to get in.<br />
<br />
It is starting to feel like a very big crowd. People are talking about it who never do. 20,000? more?<br />
<br />
Why not.johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12598217628490483035noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36679125.post-3233010785411612732011-11-20T06:23:00.001+10:002011-11-20T07:15:10.955+10:00Newcastle 1 v Brisbane 2... sets up the big one Brisbane v Perth Saturday 26 - 6:45pm NovemberEarly in the first half Brisbane had crazy misses. Besart found himself clear twice. The first time he fell over. The second he took too long. Then Issey failed to take his chance.<br />
<br />
Then Newcastle settled into their 3-4-3 formation with <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 14px;">Ruben Zadkovich outpacing </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 14px;">Erik Paaratlu, Broich having his quietest half of football ever with a few well timed elbows in the head from </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 14px;">Kasey Wehrman, and Newcastle playmaker </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 14px;">Ryan Griffiths occasionally looking dangerous.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 14px;">Humidity was high - 85% - but this should have favoured the Roar. </span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 14px;">Massimo Murdocca was the only player to run all day through the heat and he was clearly Man of the Match, dominating the midfield and setting up the goals with great lead up passes. Not quite Mitch, but he stepped up. </span></blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 14px;">Mo Adnan had his first full game for the Roar - should have got some game time last week - and was very, very shaky in the first half. Plus </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 14px;">Ivan Franjic was playing injured and didn't break forward with speed. But the problem turned out to be Matt Smith playing while sick and he came off at half time. But not before Griffiths had scored for the Jets - with Mo out of position.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 14px;">The first 10 minutes of the 2nd half were bad for the Roar. And Newcastle will be disappointed they did not seal it. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 14px;">But then Brisbane, Ange had been yelling for them to play forward, surged. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 14px;">The turning point was the 52nd minute when Newcastle keeper Ben Kennedy had his nose broken in a scramble with one of his defenders. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 14px;">Massimo pushed forward and the ball reached Issey on the right. Our man </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 14px;">Besart Berisha ran across the 6 yard box left to right and drew a defender and the keeper, while the ball raced across from right to left from Issey and Henrique won the race with a Newcastle defender to push in. From there Brisbane lifted. Instead of Newcastle playing high and dominating possession, Brisbane played their own game. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 14px;">For the last 30 minutes of the game, Brisbane always looked like scoring. Murdocca played a key role racing away with the ball from the wrong side of half way and pushing through to Broich, Henrique, Issey and Besart and later Luke Brattan and James Meyer.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 14px;">Besart had a tough game and ended up arguing with the ref a few times. He will have to watch that. It isn't going to go his way all the time.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 14px;">As soon as Brisbane got back to their game, Newcastle could not keep up and their game plan fell away.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 14px;"><b>Jack Hingert had his first time for Brisbane coming on at half time as right back and looked very strong and pushed forward like we would expect from Franjic.</b> This allowed Mo Adnan to move to centre back where he looked very comfortable and dominated the air and much more relaxed and made some critical tackles. The move freed up </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 14px;">Shane Stefanutto and then </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 14px;">Erik Paaratlu and the midfield started to move off the ball. In the 2nd half, this brought Broich back into the game from the left. But he was hampered by the heat and passed, rather than shot, at key moments. But Ange has directed that they get a small number of high percentage shots rather than a high number of very low percentage shots. And Newcastle didn't get there because they shot too early, or shot when there was no goal to be had, or just missed 50-50 shots and headers. On the other hand, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 14px;">James Meyer can shoot from distance and may be the answer when teams 'park the bus'. Meyer first timer from a cross from a short corner 3 minutes after coming on for Henrique in the 83rd minute, sealed the game. Newcastle were not coming back. Even with 7 minutes of extra time.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 14px;">As a side note, the colours of the two teams, Newcastle home and Brisbane away were very close and the ref seemed to get them mixed up making wrong calls on fouls and hand balls.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: VegurRegular; font-size: 14px;">Note to FFA, 6:45pm next Saturday - these times are all over the place making it hard to remember or plan.</span>johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12598217628490483035noreply@blogger.com5