David EdwardsA-League Whittled Down To Four, But Who Has the Ability To Win?
January 22nd 2007 12:18
Well Sporting Mind is back after a small unplanned break, and whilst the Weekend Wrap was not able to come alive this week, we start by examining at the first finals series for 2007, the A-League Finals.
The eight teams have been cut down to four, and after a season that was decided with two games in the final round, it cannot be said that this season was as close as they come.
Melbourne was able to dominate until winning the minor premiership, then seemed to take a step back. Sydney were good, then bad, then good, then lacking substance, then good again. Newcastle climbed from the bottom to as close to the top as possible, and whilst Perth and Central Coast collapsed in their second A-League season, New Zealand came close in causing an wooden spoon upset in the tail end of the season, whilst Queensland came as close as they come in experiencing the finals.
But the regular season is behind us now, and it comes down to the final four. The four sides left, the Melbourne Victory, Adelaide United, Sydney FC and the Newcastle Jets, are left to battle it out for the ultimate glory in winning the second premiership. Four sides that are were so different in the regular season it is surprising to see them in the finals.
Of all the sides, Newcastle is definitely the most surprising entry into the finals. In Round 7 of this season, they were at the bottom of the ladder (even behind New Zealand) and looking at having an absolutely terrifying year. But a change of coach, and their season just went from good to better.
Beating everyone in its path on their way to the finals, the culminated with a shocking 4-0 win over minor premiers Melbourne in the final round, cementing their place in the top four, and essentially gave Queensland and Sydney a win or die match.
Whilst Sydney drew the match, and was able to sneak into fourth place on goal difference, they still might consider this a season to forget. After winning the championship last season, this year it was a harder fight to the final four. Coaching difficulties, losing star forwards, injuries galore, and a 3 point penalty for salary cap breaches made sure that their season was remembered for the sporting headlines, not the score sheets.
But regardless of all this, they were able to ensure a way into the finals to challenge their title. However, even though they have the ability to make it to the Grand Final, you have to think that this season has taken too much out of them.
As Sydney were struggling all throughout the season, Adelaide were more known as the ‘silent killers’. As Newcastle was storming their way back into contention, Melbourne were dominating the talk of the comp, and Sydney were constantly being reviewed, Adelaide just seemed to work on the task at hand, to better themselves after winning the minor premiership, yet being knocked out before the Grand Final last year. Adelaide were a solid side, and consistent side, but a side that was not on everyone’s lips. Whilst they have the talent, ability, and the players to make a solid run, their only problem is their next game, against the juggernauts of the A-League, the Melbourne Victory.
But the question has to be asked, has the Victory run out for Melbourne? After taking the minor premiership with a handful of games remaining, they seemed to relax on the way to the end of the season. Finishing off with losing their last four, it could be said that they might have peaked too early. Have they been resting for the next match, or have they simply focused too much in winning the minor premiership that they have nothing left in the tanks for the finals series?
Whilst all four sides have at stages of the season have been the cream of the crop, it all now depends on the next two games. With the two-leg semi finals now on, both games have different rewards, and different consequences.
Melbourne now face up against the ‘silent killers’ Adelaide to sort out the state hosting the Grand Final. Winner will have a week’s rest, and the glory of a home final, whilst the loser will have to battle to face their opponent once again.
The other match between Sydney and Newcastle is a completely different story. It is now simply win, as losing means the first team to exit the finals race. Regardless of what each game is worth for each side, all that matters is that they now all focus on the final reward, the A-League Premiership for 2006/07.
Until next time, sports minds.
The eight teams have been cut down to four, and after a season that was decided with two games in the final round, it cannot be said that this season was as close as they come.
Melbourne was able to dominate until winning the minor premiership, then seemed to take a step back. Sydney were good, then bad, then good, then lacking substance, then good again. Newcastle climbed from the bottom to as close to the top as possible, and whilst Perth and Central Coast collapsed in their second A-League season, New Zealand came close in causing an wooden spoon upset in the tail end of the season, whilst Queensland came as close as they come in experiencing the finals.
But the regular season is behind us now, and it comes down to the final four. The four sides left, the Melbourne Victory, Adelaide United, Sydney FC and the Newcastle Jets, are left to battle it out for the ultimate glory in winning the second premiership. Four sides that are were so different in the regular season it is surprising to see them in the finals.
Of all the sides, Newcastle is definitely the most surprising entry into the finals. In Round 7 of this season, they were at the bottom of the ladder (even behind New Zealand) and looking at having an absolutely terrifying year. But a change of coach, and their season just went from good to better.
Beating everyone in its path on their way to the finals, the culminated with a shocking 4-0 win over minor premiers Melbourne in the final round, cementing their place in the top four, and essentially gave Queensland and Sydney a win or die match.
Whilst Sydney drew the match, and was able to sneak into fourth place on goal difference, they still might consider this a season to forget. After winning the championship last season, this year it was a harder fight to the final four. Coaching difficulties, losing star forwards, injuries galore, and a 3 point penalty for salary cap breaches made sure that their season was remembered for the sporting headlines, not the score sheets.
But regardless of all this, they were able to ensure a way into the finals to challenge their title. However, even though they have the ability to make it to the Grand Final, you have to think that this season has taken too much out of them.
As Sydney were struggling all throughout the season, Adelaide were more known as the ‘silent killers’. As Newcastle was storming their way back into contention, Melbourne were dominating the talk of the comp, and Sydney were constantly being reviewed, Adelaide just seemed to work on the task at hand, to better themselves after winning the minor premiership, yet being knocked out before the Grand Final last year. Adelaide were a solid side, and consistent side, but a side that was not on everyone’s lips. Whilst they have the talent, ability, and the players to make a solid run, their only problem is their next game, against the juggernauts of the A-League, the Melbourne Victory.
But the question has to be asked, has the Victory run out for Melbourne? After taking the minor premiership with a handful of games remaining, they seemed to relax on the way to the end of the season. Finishing off with losing their last four, it could be said that they might have peaked too early. Have they been resting for the next match, or have they simply focused too much in winning the minor premiership that they have nothing left in the tanks for the finals series?
Whilst all four sides have at stages of the season have been the cream of the crop, it all now depends on the next two games. With the two-leg semi finals now on, both games have different rewards, and different consequences.
Melbourne now face up against the ‘silent killers’ Adelaide to sort out the state hosting the Grand Final. Winner will have a week’s rest, and the glory of a home final, whilst the loser will have to battle to face their opponent once again.
The other match between Sydney and Newcastle is a completely different story. It is now simply win, as losing means the first team to exit the finals race. Regardless of what each game is worth for each side, all that matters is that they now all focus on the final reward, the A-League Premiership for 2006/07.
Until next time, sports minds.
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