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The A-League prides itself on a certain level of purity; of bringing football to the fore as a result of on-field excitement.
There has been no need for the gimmicks of the Big Bash League. Marquee players and a growing fan-base are left to do the talking.
But that’s not to say constant change is unnecessary, particularly if David Gallop’s ambition of making football the number one sport in this country is to come about.
In the wake of the NRL Auckland Nines, a clear opportunity for the A-League to continue its rise is the return of a pre-season tournament.
The Pre-Season Challenge Cup was introduced at the inception of the A-League, with Central Coast taking out the first honours against Perth. Given the buzz around the league, this event was obviously a success and provided a great guide for teams heading into the inaugural season.
From there, things petered out. The Cup was canned for the 2009 season, for a number of reasons.
In the same year Gold Coast and North Queensland Fury entered the competition and six additional games were added to the calendar, it seemed only wise to minimise the stresses of the pre-season.
The lack of emphasis placed on the Cup by players and coaches also played a factor, as was the FFA’s decision to allow clubs more control over their pre-season training.
Whether the decision was vindicated is still a matter of opinion. Prior to this season, each club played an average of four games against A-League competition.
There was very little competitive feel to a majority of these matches and stakes were typically low, reflected in crowd numbers.
All other matches were played against state league teams – a system which should remain in place.
But the reintroduction of the pre-season cup would shake things up.
At present, there is little hype prior to the A-League season, big name player signings aside. All trial matches are designed to give coaches a chance to test their squad and test they often do.
A similar format with two pools of five teams, played over a month – with the odd midweek match included – would offer a great promotion for the game.
A chance for silverware, competitive matches and added finance for clubs through crowds – all reasons for the A-League to emulate NRL’s Nines and AFL’s NAB Cup.
If nothing else, it keeps the A-League relevant for another month each year.
As with the previous pre-season tournaments, matches could be shifted to rural parts of Australia to broaden the reach heading into the season and the final in a major city presents an opportunity for success.
If the Nines taught us anything, it’s that attention seeking works. Rugby League gained incredible exposure at a competitive time of year. Tinkering with the format of the game like that is a bit more difficult for football.
A five-a-side competition is alluring, but offers little for A-League clubs.
A full competition – or even a shorter form – could now be effectively managed, particularly with the imminent formation of the FFA Cup. Having plenty more to play for would prime A-League clubs for the season ahead and could present the advantage football needs.
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