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
Ben of Phnom Penh
Guest
given the way Adelaide played against Victory one might suggest little respite next week
Ben of Phnom Penh
Guest
like Canberra, for that matter
Next Sydney home game not until Nov 6 against Gold Coast. After last night's result Dirk Melton better get in touch with those hot zombies to make the fans come back :)
Kasey
Guest
If those malcontents out there really were desperate for a Western Sydney Team, they'd organize themselves into a fans group, Like MLS's Sons of Ben did to successfully lobby MLS for a team in Philadelphia, Instead, they just clog up the internet with garbage posts about how they deserve a team more than anyone else and we're supposed to just believe them at their word. I think its time you guys got off your asset and did something positive to bring about the change you want. http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/feb/20/sport.comment1
Axelv
Guest
Kisel goes down in the 89th minute, clutches his knee, rolls around in pain, gets up as soon as the free kick is given. Are they going to fine him? ;)
Jupiter53
Guest
What's your problem? I bet I live farther west than you do [upper Blue Mountains] yet I and my family have been Sydney members since the first season. How can you support football if you don't get behind the only Sydney team there is at present? Sure, there should be a western Sydney team; but there isn't yet. What's the point of sulking?
Ross
Guest
Like the Getafe videos lol Not the first time Johnno has had a shot at syd fc- "haters gonna hate" is the saying that comes to mind.
Johnno
Guest
I agree 100% with you West. It is a joke sydney F.C. nO CONNECTION TO REST OF SYDNEY BUT EAT, OR INNER CITY. This A-league team needs a team in west sydney fast. Grant Muir knows he will have even more little support at that little cove of his. Our soccer golden generation most came form west sydney not wast sydney, now they have no teams unlike the old NSL days(olympic, marconi, united). I know melbourne victory do it much better than sydney in generating support. the heart are a worry though. Go roar i say west. And craig frostier lives at wavily and plays for wavily old boys, so he is right up the road form SFS, like Les is, so naturally they will go and see Sydney F.C. And punter where did i mention de gooey played for Hakoah , he did not i know that.
Qantas supports Australian Football
Guest
@West West Sydney would be Pan Hellenic at best wouldn't it.? For Gawd sakes man you have Sydney FC get on board.
Qantas supports Australian Football
Guest
@West, no one is stopping you mate---you had your chance---it's your own mob out west that don't have the balls to put up the cash..
Cpaaa
Guest
heres another one... i think suits melbourne V. Originaly Athletico Marid I dont think youll find a simpler ad and straight to the point. Son; papa, why do we support Athletic Papa: ......hmmmm subtitles: its not easy to explain, but its very big http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CWQEcs5R7g&NR=1
Harry
Guest
That makes absolutely no sense, why would football supporters who dont like Sydney FC give money to them to sit in a stand
punter
Guest
100% agree Titus. All these anti SFC fans in Sydney, turn up & sit in the opposite end to the Cove.
Titus
Guest
If all these tens of thousands of Western Sydney fans turned up to the SFS and cheered on the opposition, or just sat quitely mummbling about how bad SFC are, then the quicker someone would invest in a team in Western Sydney.
punter
Guest
I'm confused Johnno, de Goey never played for Hakoah??? I think you may have confused him with the other Dutch keeper.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Guest
No it wasn't. The FFA will throw themselves at a Western Sydney team if someone stumps up the cash. No-one has.
Yes, do what Cpaaa says and have look at the Getafe video links. Its like watching Almodovar :)
West
Guest
Absolutely 100% Johnno, there are so many fools out there that still to realise this. Craig Foster always goes on about having passion for your aleague team and blah blah blah well Craig lives in Waverley which is 5 minutes up the road from the SFS, ofcourse its his team, ive never felt a connection to Sydney, i have more love for Melbourne victory. and they are scared to give western sydney a team because the only support sydney fc will have is that pom Grant Muir and his little cove. cmon Brisbane!
West
Guest
Pffft Gold coast, you must be the only fan. yes give gold coast a team, it has bling bling and is a popular tourist spot, thats about all all at the expense of a western sydney team, or a wollongong team, somewhere where there is a passion for football.
Cpaaa
Guest
Gentlemen do not flag the linx. If only australia were allowed to produce such commercials This is the last time i tell you, fantastic ARTicle, otherwise your head will begin to swell.