While players from other codes allegedly set dwarves on fire, allegedly punch women in the face, oh, and prepare for high-profile finals series games, the A-League still has more than a month till kick-off.
There has been some hand-wringing of late about the length of the A-League off-season.
At just over five months, it is in fact no longer than the off-seasons of the AFL and the NRL, but in comparison to the two-month break attributed to most of the European leagues, it seems like an eternity to some fans.
The off-season is reduced somewhat if an A-League club is involved in the Asian Champions League, and while that might only be the case for one or two clubs, it still keeps A-League football on the pay TV screens.
I’m an advocate and supporter of the “clear air” theory, and have written so before. Starting the A-League in August puts it in competition with a lot of other events, both on and off the field.
For the upcoming season, there is also the back end of the competition to think about. With the Socceroos confirmed in the final 32 for the World Cup in Brazil, a season finishing in May is a perfect lead-in to the biggest tournament of them all.
There is every indication that a number of A-League players will be part of the final squad going to Brazil, so far better for them to be playing into late April than cooling their heels from February.
The whole Essendon drugs saga has been a thoroughly horrendous issue for the AFL this season, but I can’t see how the A-League would have “capitalised” on the trials and tribulations of James Hird and co if it had been underway.
There was still a competition running and between the reportage of the games and the ASADA investigation, there was a lot of press room devoted to Australian Rules. Far better to let it play out and have the A-League season commence on its own terms.
The announcement of the FFA Cup will no doubt shorten the domestic off-season from next year and it’s a great initiative which will hopefully be planned and executed the right way.
It gives the code a uniqueness that can set it apart from the others by introducing the “Cinderella” element of part-timers and amateurs having the chance to come up against A-League professionals in a knockout cup.
Perhaps rugby league’s Amco Cup from the mid seventies is the only time one of the other footy codes did something like this.
As the league expands, the season will increase in length and the decision for A-League administrators then will be whether to stretch into June or start in September.
Ground availability may well become a determining factor at some point, but for now, I like the A-League’s October kick-off.
holly
Guest
oops sorry - I misread it.
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
It's off-season, but football stories continue to come in thick & fast. Less than 24 hours until the AUS National Team takes on the most highly regarded national team in the world. And, now Paul Okon has named an u19 squad for a training camp. What's distinct about this squad is every player is currently contracted to a club in Europe ... I never realised we had so many young lads in Europe. Squad Jake Adelson - Everton, England Thomas Beadling - Sunderland, England James Demetriou - Nottingham Forest, England Callum Elder- Leicester City, England Chris Ikonomidis - SS Lazio, Italy Kevin Ly - Burnley, England Jordan Lyden - Aston Villa, England Peter Makrillos - Stoke City, England Eoghan Murphy - Sheffield Wednesday, England Danijel Nizic (gk) - Burnley, England Conor O'Neill - Middlesbrough, England Stephen O'Neill - Middlesbrough, England Callum Richardon - Burnley, England Hyuga Tanner - Blackburn Rovers, England Nicholas Tarasenko - Portsmouth, England Connor Thurston - Blackpool FC, England Full story: http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/Young-Socceroos-squad-announced-for-London-training-camp/74345
apaway
Roar Guru
Holly Thanks for reading. I actually said that the OFF-season was 5 months long, which tallies with your estimates.
holly
Guest
I don't see where you get 'just over 5 months' as the length of the A League season. 1st game is 11 Oct and the Grand Final is 4 May - a week shy of 7 months. Even if you exclude the finals series the last round is 11-13 April - 6 months.
Kasey
Guest
I'm also a firm believer in the clean air theory. Its hard enough getting the mainstream media to cover football with respect as it is, No need to make their decision to snub football easier by going head to head with the sports they 'want' to cover. The duration of our off season will reduce in the future. The FFA Cup and crucially expansion will allow for a larger contingent of HAL clubs to participate in the ACL. At the moment the AFC sees our league as a 9 team league. we lose on slots for size of league(no more than 1/3rd of teams can participate, governance and lack of a cup competition ) Things obviously will improve in this regard.
Mazzalenko
Guest
I agree with Midfielder and everyone else in that we should finish later especialy with season 2013/2014 being a lead in to the FIFA WC in Brasil. We should not have a repeat of season 1 2005/2006 when leading into WC 2006 where season finished for most clubs in early February and the GF was in early March as I recall Archie Thompson going on loan to PSV for 4 months before the WC started!!
Midfielder
Guest
Apaway Stadiums and grounds are going to be a battle field in the future with all codes in expansion modes and a move away from smaller grounds by the NRL and AFL... BTW strong rumour on the Coast is we are bidding for the stadium rights for Bluetounge so we can control our future...
apaway
Roar Guru
Not to mention having dwarves set on fire, Stratty.
apaway
Roar Guru
Mid, I think momentum going into a finals campaign will ensure the A-League will successfully jostle for coverage in May. My one concern is ground availability and it is a problem the league may not be able to solve adequately for some time. Perhaps a co-operative arrangement with league and union would benefit. Obviously the A-league has no more right to usage of shared grounds like the SFS or the Olympic Stadium, Lang Park or Docklands than any other code. However, a good even playing surface is far more vital for the round ball code.
Wicked Ninja
Guest
The NFL is 16 games plus playoffs (so a maximum of 20). A short season magnifies the importance of each individual game. I totally agree, more isn't necessarily better.
Midfielder
Guest
Apaway asks a good question in start earlier or finish latter as the competition expands ... for me it should finish latter ...
Stratty
Guest
I wouldn't have liked the A-League running at the same time as the Essendon scandal, it would not have got the coverage it deserves
Mike
Guest
Very true! As much as I simply can't wait for the moment when the next A-League club is launched, right now I'm just happy to watch the game grow organically, which is also what the FFA wants. Expansion means fan growth too, and not just the quantity of clubs. I'm pretty happy and confident with how things are going at the moment, especially with the new SBS deal (can't wait to watch every Friday night match in HD!) and the fact that last season had the highest attendance ever. Also consider the fact that a youth-dominated Melbourne Victory side were able to hold off Liverpool 0-2. This would be a typical EPL result between two heavyweight clubs, so I was blown away watching Victory put up such a great defense. That is a definite sign of player growth, and the NPL will only ensure that the youth of Oz are bringing out their best football skills for the future. It's going to be a great couple of decades! :)
Towser
Guest
Guess the season's length will be dictated to as the A-League evolves by how many clubs there are in the League. Even then it depends on how the FFA wants to set it up. Presuming we dont factor in P/R in the traditional sense then, if we are to have a proper uniform Home & Away season even with 14 teams thats 26 rounds,thats less than last season with 27 rounds. 16 teams gives 30 rounds. Otherwise if you err on the side of caution & say that in Australia its only ever possible (in order to say emulate the quality of the J-League) to have a 12 team league to match the top Asian clubs(to compete in the ACL)then you could continue in the same vein as now which would mean a 33 round season. Many variations ,many combinations & it may never be settled for a long time if the MLS is any indication. Main thing is to keep improving the standard of football as we go forward ,no matter the length of season.
Dave
Guest
Also to clarify, I'm not suggesting we should have a shorter season than we already have, just that there is no need to extend it right now.
Kim
Guest
Yes agree, smaller purpose build stadiums are the way to go. Close to the action, and less empty seats!
Dave
Guest
Yep I'm in full agreement with the clear air thing too at this stage. Also on length of season perhaps there's something to be said at this stage for increasing demand by keeping the supply tight? Seems to work well for grid iron which I believe only has a 12-14 game season plus finals (correct me if I'm wrong). Same principal as smaller grounds like parra stadium, aami park etc. Make people feel like they're gonna miss out if they don't hurry and get their ticket.
midfielder
Guest
Agree the clear air as well .... Love th AC concept also .. good read will post more latter