Permiership window might be a term thrown about far more liberally in other codes, but the concept is certainly worthy of consideration ahead of Saturday’s A-League grand final.
Especially, given the events of the past week when it comes to Sydney FC.
Since it won its way into the decider at the expense of brave Wellington last Saturday, the Sky Blues have learned it will be without two of its key players this term for season 2010/11.
Defender Simon Colosimo’s exit is hardly a surprising one. Seemingly destined for the K-League, Colosimo’s career has had more stops than a ride on London tube’s Central Line.
While the signs had been there for some time, the departure of Karol Kisel is rather more surprising. The Slovakian had impressed in some earnest displays and was one of Sydney’s more creative players this season.
The two join Steve Corica, Clint Bolton and potentially John Aloisi as those who won’t be seen in the Sky Blue again.
All five have done more than play their parts in Sydney’s march to the final.
They have been established members of the club’s nucleus, and their absence for the 2010/11 season means Viteszlav Lavicka’s side will be much changed.
That means little to tomorrow’s decider. But it is conceivable that, even with Lavicka’s canny nous in the transfer market, the grand final could represent the best opportunity for Sydney FC to land the title over the next few seasons.
The short history of the league shows us that, Melbourne aside this season, clubs have had a doggedly difficult time backing up their title defences or even solid finals campaigns.
The Sky Blues have already toppled the Victory twice this season, having showed an ability to tear holes in Melbourne’s defence that other sides simply could not do.
In Mark Bridge and Alex Brosque, Lavicka possesses two strikers that have struck up a splendid partnership.
An annoying nickname for all fans of other sides, the duo’s moniker – the ‘Killer Bs’ – nevertheless has more than a large element of truth.
So, let’s run through: Is Sydney capable of beating Melbourne, even at Etihad Stadium? Definitely. Does it have the players in form at the right time? Yes.
Will the Sky Blues, in the short term, have a better chance to win its second A-League title than tomorrow? Who knows?
Only time will reveal if Sydney’s premiership window extends past this season.
Only a win will make any such questions redundant.
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