The Australian Socceroos’ Mark Viduka kicks the ball in the Australia v Japan opening Group F match at the Soccer World Cup in Kaiserslautern, Germany, Monday, June 12, 2006. This is Australia’s first World Cup finals appearance in 32 years. AAP Image/Dave Hunt
Last Friday, the Melbourne Knights announced Mark Viduka would be the team’s number one ticket holder for the new Victorian Premier League season.
In an article on the Knights’ website, the former NSL club also revealed that former Socceroo Danny Tiatto would be joining the club for two games as a guest player.
Interesting news that mostly went unnoticed. In particular, it’s another fascinating chapter in Mark Viduka’s football life.
The thing that disappoints me most about the way many remember Viduka as a player are the doubts over his motivations when it came to the national team.
People have pulled out everything from his relatively low goal tally for the national team, through to his hesitation in making a definitive decision on the Socceroos over the last few years as evidence of his misplaced loyalties. Such doubts couldn’t be further from the truth.
My favourite story about big ‘Dukes’ comes from the lead up to the 2007 Asian Cup.
In mid-June 2007, Graham Arnold made two calls within a few days to Viduka who had just joined English Premier League side Newcastle United. Arnold asked him to come play for the Socceroos in the Asian Cup.
On both occasions Viduka refused saying he “needed the time off”. In the end, and despite publicly admitting how crucial to the Socceroos Viduka was, Arnold conceded defeat and moved on to trying to fill the Australian captain’s ample void.
Less then a week later though Arnold’s phone rang. It was Viduka. The then 31-year old explained to ‘Arnie’ that he hadn’t been able to sleep since his decision to miss the Asian Cup. Viduka had changed his mind and would be wearing the green and gold a few weeks later where he hit the best goal-scoring form of his international career.
The exertions of missing another off-season to play in the heat and humidity of South East Asia took it’s toll on Viduka’s body though, as he limped through the next two seasons with Newcastle.
Its safe to say that Viduka’s passion for the green and gold sabotaged the twilight of his Premier League career.
Mark Viduka’s decision to become the number one ticket holder at the Knights has once again shown his passion and loyalty for both his country and heritage.
In the Socceroos era of ‘Luca$h’, the former Leeds striker stands almost alone as being about something other then just the money.
For me Viduka and Tiatto’s, return to the Melbourne Knights is further proof of the need to reunite Australia’s fractured football community.
When the A-League launched five years ago, Football Federation Australia’s myopic focus on “the next generation” of clubs was the right one at the time. However, the time to re-connect with Australia’s football heritage passed long ago.
So how should FFA embrace the older generation of clubs while still ensuring the game has a bright financial future? So far I can only think of three much talked about options.
A-League division 2
A-League division 2 – three words that seem to illicit as many pleas of “yes please” as they do accusations of “europhilia” (as if it’s a bad thing to want Australian football to mirror some of the best elements of the world’s most popular leagues).
The idea of bringing together the strongest clubs from the state leagues (and possibly some new franchises that missed out on recent A-League licenses) into a national second division is certainly alluring.
However the continuing state of peril that North Queensland Fury find themselves in, (link) is a reminder of how fragile an existence much of Australian football is living in at the moment.
I don’t believe relegation and promotion is anywhere near as foreign of an idea to Australian sport as many believe, but certainly the A-League is still some way off being able to sustain such troubles.
The state leagues have managed to sustain themselves since the A-League launched and surely a united national league would only strengthen the financial position of the biggest clubs in these competitions.
FFA Cup
A national knockout competition open to almost all levels of the game. Many states already have similar competitions so surely a national version, that remains regional until the A-League teams come in, would be a viable alternative.
I certainly believe such a tournament would also be a good way for FFA to test the waters in football’s traditional backyards.
However, while many would like to see such a competition modelled on England’s FA Cup, in truth that’s a competition that has been faltering since the 1990’s (if not earlier). It’s a trend that is generally mirrored right across Europe. Despite recent renovations, Italy’s Coppa Italia still leaves most Italians feeling under whelmed.
On the flip side, while England’s FA Cup has lost it’s lustre since the Wembley final stopped being the only regularly televised game in England, the lack of an A-League free to air deal could be exploited to a cup tournament’s gain.
Keeping the Status Quo
It would be easy to assume that by leaving things as they are FFA wouldn’t be jeopardising the game’s future by trying any financially risky innovations, but I’m not so sure.
The longer Australia’s football past and present remains segregated; the game’s future will never reach its potential. The longer the older generation continues to get the cold shoulder, the harder it will be for FFA to reconnect with them in the future.
The big point that many keep coming back to is a fear of youths with ill-conceived ideas of national pride causing trouble at and around football events. Instead of combating this problem, I feel we’ve run scared.
There are great people at these clubs that have offered so much to the game in the past and they have more to offer in the future.
FFA shouldn’t let a minority hold back the growth of the game. Instead, along with clubs and local government, I’d like to see FFA actively use the game to tackle these problems. A brave approach of engagement, education and no nonsense tolerance.
Personally, while I have a preference for which approach should be taken and have written about it on this site in the past, I am more concerned by the thought of continuing to not do anything to embrace much of football’s roots then by which path to re-engagement we take.
Davidde Corran
Roar Guru
Ah, what an astute point. I think many are starting to realise this and that is why so many are willing to dilute this connection to become involved in the A-League or an A2 league.
Davidde Corran
Roar Guru
Great points Gweeds, especially on linking the passion of traditional football people with FFA's organisational and professional skills.
Davidde Corran
Roar Guru
You have misunderstood (and/or I didn't make it clear enough) what I meant and was discussing. As I wrote above for another reader: I completely understand that Viduka (like nearly every other footballer or professional in any industry for that matter) was also motivated by money and I have no problem with that. My point was that for Viduka there were more important things then money, and even football, for him. I wasn’t just referencing Neill, but more the point that over the last few years the Socceroos leadership group has been dominated by those motivated by money first and foremost. The other positive things they do tend to follow that priority. Again, I have no problem with this – their life, their careers. My point was about Viduka, I wasn’t passing judgment on the others. In terms of Neill's move to Gala, it came as a big surprise to all his team-mates but it might turn out to be of great benefit to him. I'm not convinced that the drop in standard between the EPL and Turkey is that massive while the style of football he will play is reasonably suited to how the Socceroos play.
Davidde Corran
Roar Guru
Hi AGO74, I completely understand that Viduka (like nearly every other footballer or professional in any industry for that matter) was also motivated by money and I have no problem with that. My point was that for Viduka there were more important things then money, and even football, for him. I wasn't just referencing Neill, but more the point that over the last few years the Socceroos leadership group has been dominated by those motivated by money first and foremost. The other positive things they do tend to follow that priority. Again, I have no problem with this - their life, their careers. My point was about Viduka, I wasn't passing judgment on the others.
David V.
Guest
Ethnic clubs have a limited future. They will either have to change or die, because the communities that supported them are being diluted and bred out.
Davidde Corran
Roar Guru
David, I agree completely with you on the NSL. We've learned what not to do from the NSL's example now we need to learn what TO do from them. I touched on this in my piece originally but edited it out due to how long this was already.
Mick
Guest
FFA cuop, a-league 2nd divison, you got to be dreaming, the ffa can not get the fixturing & start / finish for a-league season right Hey lets finish the season 3 months before the world cup so players have to leave the country, good move ffa. Viduka never seemed like the type of guy that would want a send off & would be very happy being the number 1 ticket holder for MK
Al
Guest
Maybe the Danes are now going for the Cameroon circa 2005 sleeveless shirt!
Australian Football
Roar Guru
Where are the sleeves then? All of the Denmark Football jerseys I know of have sleeves---like the Australian National Football jersey that our beloved captain Lucas Neil wears.. If you click on my profile image in the top corner you will be able to see what I mean ;) btw Carrara is under 2 feet of water----must be an omen. i.e. no WC Football compensation---enjoy the Labour Day Holiday. ~~~~~~ AF
TheMagnificent11
Roar Guru
I think you'll find that only the bigger state league clubs really stand a chance of making the A-League e.g. clubs from Melbourne and Sydney. Those state comps are way ahead of the rest. And, teams like South Melbourne, Melbourne Knights, Sydney United and Marconi are quite well supported. They have very deep roots in their communities. That is the reason they are big clubs, they've got lots of juniors and which leads to a lot of families supporting them. Also, if a smaller club does win promotion, it would be a big deal in their community. People who don't usually watch football would probably go along to support them. In their eyes they are supporting their community, not just football. The one or two franchises per city thing is good in most aspects but it lacks this sort of support.
Michael C
Roar Guru
Nothing fake about it dear sir, it'd be fake if I was allowed to wear it in anger.......drat and all. No, dear sir, take for granted that Eric Krolmark, Christian Møller Larsen, Frederik Schmidt, Jesper Gjørup, Jens Djernes (a very good player by the way), Jakob Skytte Ibsen, Frederik Schulin and the rest of the lads have worn it with every bit as much pride as anyone anywhere who dons their national jumper/shirt in international competition - - all the more so when toughing it out against those darstardly Swedes......... The Currumbin R.S.L. hasn't been flooded into the Ocean has it??? I heard an area the size of Victoria is under water up there,........I couldn't help but notice all these dwellings with water in them that are built flat on the ground...........what ever happened to the traditional 'Queenslander' dwelling?? (reminds me of when nuovo architects in Denmark decided Californian bungalows were great and a few heavy snow dumps later they got reminded why you build houses there with steep pitched roofs!!!!). Long weekend comin' up down here. Labour Day,.....y'know, started in Melbourne in 1856. :P
Griffo
Roar Guru
One of the biggest problems also is the gulf between the professional A-league clubs and the amateur state league clubs: not all of that gulf is financial, but is a big part of participating in a national league on a regular basis. Eight years in the J-League took stock and had to change the financial model to survive and grow. Also was the plan to create many more professional clubs over the long term. While that sounds good, as we see here clubs initially are in a precarious position financially (and fan base) so what hope does the state clubs have? I don't think right now a A2 League would work (financially) nor an FA Cup style comp for similar reasons, but a hybrid might work. Currently Northern NSW is re-instigating the State Cup for all teams of any level. If all state federations did this, then a pool of 12 winners or finalists could form a pool to compete against the 12 A-League teams for an FFA Cup. This could be done preseason, the A-League clubs could travel to the home ground of the state-based club (financially viable, publicity generating, exposure to the professional player). This could be trialled over 2-3 years to get some measure of how this is received.
Gweeds
Roar Rookie
I agree with most of the comments here. However apart from Viduka which is undoubtedly an Australian football hero, the very important issue that Davidde asks is: When the A-League launched five years ago, Football Federation Australia’s myopic focus on “the next generation” of clubs was the right one at the time. However, the time to re-connect with Australia’s football heritage passed long ago. So how should FFA embrace the older generation of clubs while still ensuring the game has a bright financial future? I agree 100% with that statement. The old Soccer Australia and how football was administered was so discredited that it had to be dismantled and re-build again. Unfortunately the 'ethnic tag' was an issue to marked football as a new entity open to all. It might have not been the reality, but in a market perception is all. But in the process we have alienated lots of people. People that know about football, love the game and its culture. So we have able administrators who can attract world class coaches for the national team, get us into Asia and set up a national tournament, but being mainly from other codes may not understand its culture. So we have this obsession with 'family friendly atmosphere' (as if a passionate football crowd cannot be football friendly.....but I digress) and as many have said the technical quality of the NSL was higher than the A League. After all the NSL produced the Vidukas, the Brescianos, the Grellas and the Emertons. That is probably because the NSL teams were run by people who knew football. Pity that at the end they couldn't see that their resistance to change was leading the sport into a black hole, and it took a Federal Government to create a circuit breaker. If we are able to combine the administrative skills of the FFA with the know how and passion of the traditional football people it would be of enormous benefit to football. I don't think a second division is viable. Just on the sheer size of Australia alone the logistics are difficult. The 'FFA Cup' idea is the way to go. The teams of the state leagues can then join the A-League teams in a competition. I think this would be more beneficial for football as a whole than adding more teams to the A-League in questionable locations or markets.
Australian Football
Roar Guru
Punter, that's three of us if you want to include MC.. :D with his fake European jersey. ~~~~~~~ AF
Australian Football
Roar Guru
Who in the Hell is KB? Interesting jersey you have there tho---is it one of those fake European ones ? :P ~~~~~~ AF
Michael C
Roar Guru
now KB, why would Australian Football want to mirror European Soccer?? :P you know you asked for it!!!!! (the way you keep popping up everytime the phrase is typed....)
TheMagnificent11
Roar Guru
Fair enough. However, I think we've got a little off topic. My original point was that state league clubs should get a chance to compete against A-League clubs via a cup competition and promotion play-off system (this was following up on the point in the article). There a lots of people who support these clubs who don't support the A-League. I think we got on expansion because I said you'd need at least 14 teams in the A-League before you look at promotion and relegation. I don't live in Canberra, so I'm not in position to comment the best way to set up their club to approach the A-League.
AndyRoo
Roar Guru
TheMagnificent11 The plan is that the next crop of players from teams like Woden Valley (Luke Pilkington), Belnorth (Patafta), Tuggeranong United (Nikolai Topor-Stanley), Canberra FC (Stephen Lustica, Andrew Baresic) and ACTAS (Dane Milovanovic, Codey Larkin) can all remain locally and when it comes time to field an A league side they allready have some players. It also gives the opperational staff some experience. If your 16/17 and from Canberra a NYL team where you can remain at home will sound better than playing in the NSWPL for most. Feels more like a club than a franchise for mine and it's kind of similar to what GC17 and GWS are doing.
TheMagnificent11
Roar Guru
Yes they don't run the AIS team, but there's no reason why that team couldn't be the feeder team for a Canberra A-League team. Furthermore, what's the point in having two NYL teams in Canberra? Canberra is not a big city. You may argue that kids in Canberra don't have a set pathway because the AIS is full of kids from around the country. However, I think you'll find that any descent footballer in Canberra would move the Sydney or Melbourne to play in the state league (NYL teams tend to get picked from the best young talent in the state leagues).
Rob
Guest
I like the Canberra approach. It makes perfect sense, and I would love that to be the model for a Tasmanian, a Wollongong, and perhaps a Darwin (pie in the sky here) team into the future. It is a nice way to introduce the brand, give the female players and young male players somewhere to aim at, and also to bring the community into the development of the club. It might help make the "community ownership" model a reality, and stabilise the finances of these clubs as they move towards a fully-fledged A-League license. Impressed by the Canberra plan!