This current A-League season has been widely regarded as one of the most exciting the competition has experienced to date. So as the finals approach, how is your team doing leading into 2011?
Brisbane Roar:
The season so far: Ange Postecoglu couldn’t have wished to be in a better position in his first full season at the Roar. After the elder statesmen of the club were moved on, the result of the clear-out has paid off big time with the Roar playing some of the best football the A-League has ever seen.
Star man: Thomas Broich will consider himself quite unlucky to miss out here, but I’m going for captain Matt McKay, who is well and truly back to his best and leading his side with terrific drive through the midfield.
Grade/Final Prediction: A+ / 1st / Champions.
Adelaide United:
The season so far: The Reds started the season like a house on fire before they bumped into old foe Melbourne Victory, which triggered a run of three defeats in four. While the Premiers Plate might be just beyond them, they still have the artillery to do plenty of damage in the finals series.
Star man: Marcos Flores has proved to be a fantastic acquisition for Rini Coolen’s men, bringing flair and a solid return of goals. Adelaide will be desperate to hold off any January interest in him.
Grade/Final Prediction: A / 2nd / Preliminary Finalists.
Central Coast Mariners:
The season so far: The quiet achievers of the league have once again gone under the radar. The Central Coast play some nice football and look good for a finals berth. Graham Arnold is definitely leading the Mariners in the right direction, even though they aren’t quite there yet.
Star man: At age 36, Patrick Zwaanswijk has been rock solid at the back, proving there’s no substitute for experience in what is a largely young side. Josh Rose has also looked more than useful at left back.
Grade/Final Prediction: B / 3rd / Finals Week Two.
Gold Coast United:
The season so far: Miron Blieberg will be delighted with United’s position given the injury woes the team has experienced this season. Their solid defence and well-drilled game plan will definitely set them up for finals football, but their depth will be tested at the pointy end of the season.
Star man: A predictable selection given his stature but Jason Culina’s class in the midfield truly stands out. Honourable mentions also go to Dino Djulbic and the consistent Zenon Caravella.
Grade/Final Prediction: B+ / 4th / Finals Week One.
Melbourne Victory:
The season so far: Despite a mediocre start to the season, the Victory has emerged as a title dark horse. The defence remains a worry, but Archie Thompson’s return from injury has lifted the ‘Big V’ and their pedigree in finals should ensure they push all the way for the title.
Star man: Discarded by Brisbane and now firing on all cylinders in Melbourne, Robbie Kruse has already hit 10 this season and has emerged as a Socceroos wildcard for the Asian Cup in January.
Grade/Final Prediction: B / 5th / Grand Finalists.
Newcastle Jets:
The season so far: Off-field issues threatened to send Newcastle into oblivion, but the rescue mission of Nathan Tinkler has rejuvenated the Jets. Having made the most of games in hand and with more remaining, they find themselves in a stable position on the table and could even make the finals on current form.
Star man: Newcastle has the joint best defence in the competition with Gold Coast, and Nikolai Topor-Stanley has been at the heart for the bulk of it. He’s gradually looking like the player he had the potential to be in his younger days – and has finally broken his goal duck.
Grade/Final Prediction: C / 6th / Finals Week One.
Wellington Phoenix:
The season so far: New Zealand football is having its brightest period in a very long-time, having competed at a World Cup and with Wellington reaching the A-League preliminary final last season. They still struggle away from home though, and they’ve dropped points at home, which could prove costly if they fall just short, as I expect.
Star man: Hard to split Kiwi duo Ben Sigmund and Tim Brown on the performance front. Lion-hearted Brown has been at the heart of the Phoenix midfield and has chimed in with a few handy goals, while Sigmund has been one of the most under-rated defenders in the competition.
Grade/Final Prediction: C / 7th.
Melbourne Heart:
The season so far: With a good-looking roster before a ball was kicked, many expected the Heart to push for the finals in their first season. Expectations were perhaps too high though, and having taken a while to register its first win, results since have been indifferent. While not being completely out of contention yet, it would take a string of wins for them to make a maiden finals appearance on debut.
Star man: The bigger name players at the Heart have had inconsistent seasons to mirror their team’s performance in their inaugural season. Nick Kalmar has been a great find from the Victorian Premier League and looks a handy player for the future, having been involved in all but one Heart match.
Grade/Final Prediction : C / 8th.
Sydney FC:
The season so far: Last season’s champions have been swiftly brought back down to earth, taking ten games to record a win this time round. It’s been a dismal season for Sydney FC with two of their four wins coming against lowly Perth. Nicky Carle’s influence on the team has been minimal, while the defence has had all sorts of problems. Soul-searching needs to be done with crowds also on the decline.
Star man: The Sky Blues look a different team when Alex Brosque’s poise is at the heart of the attack. Youngsters Dimitri Petratos and Terry Antonis have also given the fans some optimism leading into next season.
Grade/Final Prediction: F / 9th.
Perth Glory:
The season so far: A real disaster has occurred in the west after a promising first four matches. The off-season signing of Robbie Fowler lifted all hopes at the Glory, but a run of nine games without a win mid-season has resulted in them sitting at the foot of the table at present. Away form has been a concern again for the Glory, but given the early season form it’s an opportunity wasted, and an overhaul is required at the end of this campaign.
Star man: Scott Neville has been a shining light in an otherwise dull season at Perth. The youngster has been solid in poor defence, and has shown fantastic energy going forward on the right-hand side.
Grade/Final Prediction : F / 10th.
North Queensland Fury:
The season so far: Most predicted a struggle for the Fury this season, and the league table shows that the pundits were correct. More headlines have been made off-field though and the recent departure of several players will test the club in their bid to survive in the competition. Franz Straka has been a breath of fresh air to football in Townsville, with his fantastic character and passion for the game.
Star man: David Williams has proved to be a good asset once again this season, but might join the exodus at season’s end. His pace, power and an ability to score wonderful goals makes him one of the league’s most exciting players.
Grade/Final Prediction: D / 11th.
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