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Just four spots remain in the FFA Cup round of 16, with the make-up to be decided on Tuesday evening as four matches are played simultaneously across New South Wales and Victoria.
If the matches thus far are any indication, it’ll be well worth multitasking to soak it all in.
Here are the key story lines ahead of tonight’s action.
Welcome reprieve for Roar
Brisbane Roar’s preparations for the new season have been marred by the breakdown of the club’s sale. The latest reports, according to News Corp, suggest Brisbane chairman Chris Fong is in Paris “in a last-ditch attempt to offload the Bakrie Group-owned club to a new consortium of Australian and overseas investors”.
Things looked promising when the Bakries bought a 70 per cent stake in the Roar in September 2011 and took over completely five months later.
At the time, interim Roar CEO Michael Bowers said the deal had the potential to push the club “to the forefront of professional sport not only in Australia, but also within Asia”.
Such grand designs have only been partially realised. Two Championships in the three years following the introduction of the Bakries mean the Roar sit as the A-League’s joint most successful club. They’ve certainly reached the forefront of Australian sport, but have still struggled for stability.
Despite playing some of the most enterprising football ever seen in the A-League under Ange Postecoglou and even Mike Mulvey, their average attendance plummeted by some 7000 people last season. That the decline in crowds came after Roar blitzed their way to a record championship in front of a packed house at Suncorp last year suggests the Bakries have been out of touch with the local community and what Roar fans want from their club.
The fluctuation in spectatorship come finals time suggests Roar have access to a huge pool of supporters that simply aren’t being engaged during the regular season.
Roar have lacked security and need the ownership situation sorted quickly, but sorted effectively.
The new owners – if the FFA aren’t forced into another bail out – must have a clear vision for the direction they want to take the club and help to realise Roar’s potential.
The FFA Cup clash against Western Sydney will come as a much welcomed distraction for coach John Aloisi, who will take charge of his first competitive match as Roar boss. There has been little change on the field over the last few months and Aloisi will hope that works in his favour.
It’s not exactly something their opponents can lean on. Tony Popovic has made a raft of changes to his squad over the off-season, including the recruitment of three Spaniards (Alberto Aguilar, Dimas Delgado and Andreu) and international marquee Federico Piovaccari.
It’s unlikely all four international players will be available for Wednesday, but the Wanderers will be eager to see the next round of the Cup having been stunned by Adelaide City at the same stage last year.
The $60,000 debt owed to the Queensland Rugby Union by the Roar presents another murky undertone to this fixture, but for 90 minutes at least, the focus will be solely on the pitch.
Oakleigh make Cup bow
The only all-NPL clash remaining sees Oakleigh Cannons host Far North Queensland Heat.
The Melbourne side will make their debut in the tournament, while FNQ will surely be driven by their heavy exit at Sydney United 58 last season.
Heat were outclassed as they slumped to a 4-1 loss, but have been in a rich vein of form in the NPL this season. They’re unbeaten from their last five matches, but will be without former Wellington Phoenix striker Alex Smith, who has been on trial with Newcastle Jets.
Oakleigh have been off-key by comparison, winning just one of their last seven league games to leave them fourth from the bottom in the Victoria NPL.
They’re led by coach Arthur Papas, who has been tipped for big things. The 35-year-old was assistant coach of the Joeys and Newcastle Jets before moving to India in 2012. His return has been a welcome one for the Australian game and he’s got a number of former A-League players at his disposal who will certainly be buoyed by the occasion.
Road to redemption
It’s rematch of last year’s round of 32 as Newcastle host Perth Glory at Broadmeadow’s Magic Park. Perth were impressive 2-0 winners on that occasion as the now-departed Andy Keogh bagged a double.
It’s been an off-season to rebuild for both clubs. Nathan Tinkler was stripped of the Jets ownership and the club was placed into the hands of the FFA. Scott Miller was brought in to replace Phil Stubbins, as were a few new faces in the form of Labinot Haliti, Mateo Poljak and Nigel Boogaard. Things are looking slightly more positive in Newie.
Glory have had even more of a mess to clean up as they look to rectify the damaging salary cap scandal that brought a bright season to a grinding halt. The aftermath has seen Keogh, Jamie Maclaren, Danny Vukovic and Scott Jamieson among those to search for greener pastures. In response, coach Kenny Lowe has drafted in ex-Sydney FC defender Marc Warren, Antony Golec, Hagi Gligor and Ante Covic.
The modest $2000 for advancing to the round of 16 could come in handy for both clubs.
Mariners’ fresh start, Phoenix sticking to the recipe
Very different seasons last campaign for Central Coast and Wellington, who meet in Gosford tonight.
The Mariners were inconsistent as they failed to really get going before or after the Asian Cup break. An eighth placed finish was deserved.
Coach Tony Walmsley has made very few changes to his squad despite the poor performances, which suggests he has faith in the players to once again challenge at the top of the A-League if they can gel.
A number of promising youngsters will get their chance this season, including the exciting talents of Jake McGing and Josh Bingham. Thankfully the exuberant new kit won’t be flaunted just yet.
By contrast, Wellington will be eager to follow the same recipe as last season. Ernie Merrick had his side playing exciting football, though a lull towards the end of the season prevented them making a serious tilt for the title.
The big blow comes in the exit of Nathan Burns, who was inspired form on his way to the Johnny Warren Medal.
He’ll be sorely missed and Merrick admits he needs to sign a prolific striker. We’ll get the first proper glimpse of just how crucial Burns was to the Phoenix.
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