A-League supporters, strap yourselves in, get ready for one hell of a finish and be ready to witness another memorable piece of history created.
What we are left with is four teams who in their own right can lay claim to playing a vital role in creating A-League history.
In the orange corner, wearing the number 36, they are the undisputed back-to-back champions. Looking to defy the odds and create another piece of memorable history, they have found their Roar once again, their name… BRISBANE ROAR!
In the red and black corner, wearing the number 11, they are the 2012-2013 A-League premiership winners. Their boisterous supporters with backs turned in the 80th minute performing The Poznań, Bleed Red, bleed Black, they’re the Red and Black Block.
In Sydney’s west, the A-League’s new boys, under the tutelage of Mr. T. Popovic, have created what many will deem one of the greatest achievements in the A-League’s short history. Although not needing an introduction they are the… WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS!
AP is his name, and football is his game, for no matter where he goes, the winning always flows! Making their way into the rectangular ring, drapped in the colours dark blue with a the shape of a V standing for Victory, they are the most successful team in the A-League’s short history having won two premierships and championships.
Wearing the number 4, they’re looking to change the number on the back of their shirt to 5 and in the process finish what many may deem to be the most successful A-League season ever. Their name… MELBOURNE VICTORY!
And last but certainly not least, painted yellow and dark blue, wearing the dreaded number 3, they are the tomato sauce loving, most consistent team ever, battled hardened club who will stop at nothing to connect with a community and knock the knockers. Their name… CENTRAL COAST MARINERS!
Now, with our four wonderful teams introduced, who would have thought this is where the season would end up?
I don’t think anyone could have predicted what was to unfold with Wanderers. What they have brought to the A-League is a type of football that will once again be spoken about in awe.
They have raised the standard to a whole new level and shown that possession based football is not always the way to go.
Enough has been said about their supporters and whether you love them or hate them, they have brought that little bit of extra something to football in Australia; that extra oomph of passion!
Not to take anything away from the other nine A-League clubs but the standard has been raised by the RBB and now the Victory’s core supporter group is no longer the envy of every other A-League core supporter base. They can sit back and learn something from these two extremely, sometimes over the top and overbearing, crazy and passionate fans.
The arrival of Alessandro Del Piero and his impact has been well publicised, but finals are currently without what many may deem the most successful marquee in A-League history, piping Dwight Yorke at the final hurdle and yet the success of 2012/13 continues to shine through.
Our four teams that remain have their own obstacles to face in the coming days and regardless of whether the premiership or championship are deemed more important, the winner of this championship, in the eyes of the wider Australian football public, may be remembered more for their achievements in the grand final than those of the Wanderers who created an Australian first.
As time comes to pass, debate will rage and opinions will be divided as to which is more important premier’s plate or grand final success? (my article)
Both have a place in my heart and will continue to add great memories that all A-League fans can enjoy, but as for right now get prepared for a finish like no other.
History is once again about to be created, tears will be shed, and dreams lived or shattered.
Football will roll on and achievements like these will be etched in Australia’s football history. Maybe A-League idols like Erik Paartalu, with his amazing header in the final 30 seconds of grueling match to clinch what seemed to be impossible will be created and children will dare to dream?
The only question that remains now is who will be crowned the 2012/13 champions?
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