To many citizens, it may still feel surreal that Harry Kewell is actually treading the streets of Melbourne. Yes, it is true. God’s gift to Australian football is gracing Melbourne, in what will be an enthralling journey for the A-League’s most successful club, Melbourne Victory.
The highlights of the A-League’s six-year history have hinted at football’s enormous potential in a market saturated by the AFL and NRL.
Despite the success, problems have included lacklustre marketing, inability to engage with the football community, the problematic expansion process, financial instability among several clubs, and dwindling crowd attendances.
Then there’s been the collapse and dissolution of the New Zealand Knights and the North Queensland Fury, the latter in traumatic circumstances.
But Harry Kewell has arrived to fortify the A-League. There have been sceptics about his arrival in Australia, and at Melbourne Victory. But what Harry offers on and off the pitch is quite remarkable.
From a playing perspective, Harry has all the characteristics and qualities to light up the A-League. His experience cannot be underplayed; a veteran of two World Cup campaigns, and of renowned European clubs like Leeds United, Liverpool and Galatasaray, his resumé speaks volumes for the talent that he encompasses.
The 33-year-old has received a raft of cynicism throughout his career, following his much publicised injury-plagued profession. However, Harry is buoyant that his body is in fine tune and ready to showcase his credentials on the A-League stage.
“I still feel good enough that I can challenge at the highest level in football and I want to be able to bring something that people can be excited about. I feel it’s the right time for me to come back and produce some good football so that the A-League can be lit up,” Kewell professed at a packed press conference at Etihad Stadium.
Despite the pessimism from selected media circles and fans, Kewell should undoubtedly have a profound impact on the pitch. His knowledge and aptitude are paramount to the Australian game. To work with such an elite figure will be a vast advantage for the Victory players, but also for the opposition, as they too can learn what it takes to make it to the elite status.
It’s imperative that Kewell can stay fit, and produce the type of football that supporters are yearning to witness.
Off the pitch, Harry is a cult figure within the Australian sporting sphere. Whether a football fan or not, people adore Kewell. He’s widely recognised as the golden boy of Australian football.
His marketing power for Melbourne Victory and the A-League are a dream come into fruition. There are some things money can’t buy, and I think the FFA have realised this with Harry’s signature.
We only need to reminisce upon his arrival at Tullamarine airport, flocked by hundreds of fervent Victory fans and respective media outlets. Scenes of that nature are uncommon in Australia’s sporting culture, although Harry is a totally different proposition.
This was further illustrated with his appearance on the AFL Footy Show. A rival code, yet the panel and audience were fascinated by Kewell’s company. The public relation opportunities are immense for Melbourne Victory, as the potential exposure for the club is sky high.
And finally, a landmark moment in Australian football, where Harry Kewell was formerly presented with his number 22 jersey at AAMI Park, photographed and interviewed resembling a red carpet entrance at the Oscar’s, witnessed by thousands of ardent Victory faithful. Comparable to the airport development, only someone of Harry’s prominence could involve such hype and attention. A memorable day in the history of Melbourne Victory.
Melbourne’s arch-rival Sydney FC notably signed Socceroos stalwart Brett Emerton on a imitate three-year contract.
An EPL veteran at Blackburn Rovers, Emerton possesses an enormous ability that will likely have just as great of an impact as Harry on the pitch. However, Harry’s capacity as a marketing tool is almost unparalleled.
Not only does Harry’s exposure perpetrate sublime publicity for Melbourne Victory, it portrays a positive connotation to the club’s status within Australian football. Melbourne Victory is envisaged as a powerhouse, a force to be reckoned with.
The elasticity between Victory and Heart has further amplified with Kewell’s presence – from a status and supporter perception – to acutely give Victory a much greater edge on and off the pitch. While Victory had a five-year monopoly on the Melbourne marketplace, Heart will now have an arduous assignment to induce fans to the red and white of Melbourne.
Since the inauguration of Melbourne Victory in 2005, Kevin Muscat and Archie Thompson have depicted the club’s image within the public eye. Albeit, from 2011, Victory, accompanied with the A-League will encompass a new brand positioning constituent. When Melbourne Victory and the A-League come to mind, two simple words will be echoing – Harry Kewell.
Courtesy of Goal Weekly – Follow Robert on Twitter @RobertDiFabio
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
Melbourne Victory are into the A-League Men grand final after a semi-final win for the ages, with Chris Ikonomidis' extra-time goal defying Wellington Phoenix.…
Absolute A-League drama!
So the Mariners enter the second leg of their A-League semi-final against the Sky Blues in the box seat and the Phoenix hold home-ground…
Sky Stadium is about to witness one of its greatest days. Melbourne Victory are headed east, with ambitions to topple Wellington’s Phoenix and pinch…
Just four teams remain in the hunt for the 2023/24 A-League Championship and the action will be intense in the opening legs of the…
Cameron Burgess scored the winner to confirm Ipswich’s status as a Premier League club.
