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Melbourne Victory and Wellington Phoenix players in action during their round 6 match, played at the Ethihad stadium in Melbourne, Sunday, Sept 13, 2009. AAP Image/Joe Castro.
When the Wellington Phoenix announced the signing of Socceroo Jade North on Friday it prompted some fierce debate on A-League forums about just who has the strongest squad on paper going into the new campaign.
It’s a roundabout argument which reaches no conclusion. It’s purely subjective after all.
But the debate is great to hear with less than week before the new season kicks off. It seems we’ve got another even comp!
The likes of Wellington, Perth Glory, Melbourne Heart and Gold Coast United boast strong squads, while there’s the usual suspects of Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory.
But it’s all too easy to get carried away with a squad on paper. They’ve actually got to know how to deliver with results.
It’s an interesting point to ponder that four of the five A-League championships so far have been won by the two clubs from the big cities.
Sure, Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory have probably had more resources at their disposal, but as clubs, they have delivered on the field where it counts.
But the current off-season hasn’t gone so swimmingly for either of last season’s Grand Finalists, which may have offered the chasing pack a chance to catch up.
Sydney FC have had to replace much of their spine from last season’s double-winning squad following the departures of Clint Bolton, Simon Colosimo and Steve Corica. Socceroo Nick Carle has arrived to replace Corica, but he’ll need time to settle into his influential role.
Meanwhile, injury means Melbourne have lost iconic striker Archie Thompson – who’s so adept to their style of play – until November, while Victory stalwart Kevin Muscat took his time to decide to continue on but he will at the ripe old age of 37-years-young.
And coincidentally both clubs have been in the market for a striker, yet both have searched fruitlessly.
Indeed, on paper the recruitment efforts of both sides has been a tad underwhelming, but under Vitezslav Lavicka and Ernie Merrick they can stick with what’s worked before.
Looking on paper elsewhere, Wellington appear stronger, especially if their All Whites contingent are feeling confident following the World Cup, while Gold Coast should be better for having a season together and will be boosted by Shane Smeltz’s surprising return from China.
Perth Glory have added international marquee Robbie Fowler, who could be the final piece of Sage’s puzzle, while newboys Melbourne Heart appear to have a nice mix of experience, youth and foreign talent in their squad, but may need some time together to really find their groove.
Following on from Lavicka’s success last term, Adelaide United and North Queensland have opted for foreign bosses to lead them towards the finals but it’s hard to make a genuine case for them.
Brisbane, Newcastle and Central Coast have all been busy making wholesale player changes in the off-season and it’s hard to know what to expect from them.
It’s also hard to know what to expect from the new A-League season as a whole.
Last season’s top two will stick with what’s worked but don’t appear stronger on paper, while their main challengers will also stick with what’s worked but they’ve added quality to that. And then there’s the Gold Coast and the Heart who could be anything if it all clicks.
So who is your pick for the A-League title?
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