- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
Sydney FC - The Cove
“It was good, wasn’t it?” Last weekend, A-League fans looked at it each other, lit a cigarette and basked contentedly in a hazy post-coital like glow as they reflected on the opening round of the season. They had every reason to. They all scored last weekend.
While the scoreboard read 0-0 at the end of a pulsating match between Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC, the A-League scored impressively off the park.
Record opening round match attendance, record viewing figures for a regular season game and some very sexy football being played on the pitch.
Last week also witnessed a watershed moment for the justifiably maligned Australian TV industry with the screening of drama series “The Slap”. At last, an Australian TV drama with a talented, multicultural cast, telling modern Australian stories, replete with complex, compelling moral narratives and, well, the odd post-coital cigarette.
Sounds just like the A-League.
And when the sold out sign went up for last night’s match between Adelaide United and Melbourne Victory I comforted myself with the knowledge that “Packed to the Rafters” can also mean something other than a bland commercial TV product that is the equivalent of eating sawdust.
Unfortunately, for Sydney FC, as they host the Brisbane Roar tonight in their first home game of the season, the term “packed to the rafters” might only refer to Sydney’s penalty area as they deal with wave up wave of Brisbane’s flowing attacking movements.
Yes, we have all heard the arguments about how Sydney’s lofty ambitions don’t reflect the reality of the Sydney football market or the size of their stadium. But, you have to give the club credit for making the effort to get their numbers up this season and the return of Brett Emerton to his hometown will surely help.
They have even made a video to help promote Sydney FC Memberships for the 2011/12 season.
Sydney FC CEO, Dirk Melton, made headlines this week by announcing a “no simulation” policy. But, after watching the opening shot of Jug Ears McFlynn on the video, one can only but think they have also introduced a “no stimulation” policy.
It clearly looks like Dirk needs a bit of help. So, in the spirit of A-League magnanimity let me try and help.
Attention, Sydney FC fence sitters. Thinking of becoming a Citizen, then watch this.
Oh, yes! Hot Zombies of Sydney FC!!
And let’s give thanks to little Getafe CF, a club located to the south of Madrid in the shadow of football giants, for helping in Sydney FC’s push for more Citizens.
Their passionate fans are so physically and mentally exhausted by the end of a season that the plaintive cries of a suicidal koala does not even move them. Here’s the proof.
We all know nothing can match the suffering of a football fan and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Because when the good times come, you better find that lighter.
The Mug’s Guide To Picking Winners This Weekend
A little bird told me last weekend that Victory manager’s head will be on the chopping block if he doesn’t have a result after next Saturday’s Melbourne derby. After their performance last night Mehmet’s got plenty to worry about.
Central Coast Mariners v Gold Coast United, Saturday, 5.30pm (EDT) Bluetongue Stadium
Where is Ibini –Isei? Put him on the pitch and the Mariners will win 2-1
Sydney FC v Brisbane Roar, Saturday, 8pm (EDT), Sydney Football Stadium
Brett Emerton to extend his streak by missing another penalty as the Roar prevail 2-1.
Wellington Phoenix v Newcastle Jets, Sunday, 2.30pm (EDT), Westpac Stadium
The Nix have a player named Sanchez, but he ain’t Hugo. The draw 1-1.
Melbourne Heart v Perth Glory, Sunday, 5pm (EDT), AAMI Park
Heart look like Arsenal going forward, but last week also looked like Arsenal at the back. Heart to win 4-3.
Athas Zafiris is on Twitter @ArtSapphire
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.