The A-League prides itself on a certain level of purity; of bringing football to the fore as a result of on-field excitement.
There has been no need for the gimmicks of the Big Bash League. Marquee players and a growing fan-base are left to do the talking.
But that’s not to say constant change is unnecessary, particularly if David Gallop’s ambition of making football the number one sport in this country is to come about.
In the wake of the NRL Auckland Nines, a clear opportunity for the A-League to continue its rise is the return of a pre-season tournament.
The Pre-Season Challenge Cup was introduced at the inception of the A-League, with Central Coast taking out the first honours against Perth. Given the buzz around the league, this event was obviously a success and provided a great guide for teams heading into the inaugural season.
From there, things petered out. The Cup was canned for the 2009 season, for a number of reasons.
In the same year Gold Coast and North Queensland Fury entered the competition and six additional games were added to the calendar, it seemed only wise to minimise the stresses of the pre-season.
The lack of emphasis placed on the Cup by players and coaches also played a factor, as was the FFA’s decision to allow clubs more control over their pre-season training.
Whether the decision was vindicated is still a matter of opinion. Prior to this season, each club played an average of four games against A-League competition.
There was very little competitive feel to a majority of these matches and stakes were typically low, reflected in crowd numbers.
All other matches were played against state league teams – a system which should remain in place.
But the reintroduction of the pre-season cup would shake things up.
At present, there is little hype prior to the A-League season, big name player signings aside. All trial matches are designed to give coaches a chance to test their squad and test they often do.
A similar format with two pools of five teams, played over a month – with the odd midweek match included – would offer a great promotion for the game.
A chance for silverware, competitive matches and added finance for clubs through crowds – all reasons for the A-League to emulate NRL’s Nines and AFL’s NAB Cup.
If nothing else, it keeps the A-League relevant for another month each year.
As with the previous pre-season tournaments, matches could be shifted to rural parts of Australia to broaden the reach heading into the season and the final in a major city presents an opportunity for success.
If the Nines taught us anything, it’s that attention seeking works. Rugby League gained incredible exposure at a competitive time of year. Tinkering with the format of the game like that is a bit more difficult for football.
A five-a-side competition is alluring, but offers little for A-League clubs.
A full competition – or even a shorter form – could now be effectively managed, particularly with the imminent formation of the FFA Cup. Having plenty more to play for would prime A-League clubs for the season ahead and could present the advantage football needs.
Norfolk
Roar Rookie
I thought it was dropped so clubs could have autonomy of who they play e.g. Jets going to Malaysia, Perth to South Africa, Sydney to Italy, Liverpool coming to Melbourne. Nah, your idea sounds much more exotic.
My mate James
Guest
With goal posts that light up when struck by the ball, dance performances and players being mic'd up. On second thoughts we'll go straight to mains please....
My mate James
Guest
As a Victory supporter, playing Liverpool in a pre-season friendly was more exciting than some silly tournament people will forget easily.
keyless sky blues fan
Guest
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_Sydney_Festival_of_Football There was this which might be what you're thinking? Wish they'd do that style tournament again, it was ace loved watching it on tele unfortunately didn't make it to any games as I had alot going on at the time (HSC, sailing, partying etc) Then this is what he refers to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A-League_Pre-Season_Challenge_Cup Also, every year Sydney and Mariners play local matches against the likes of Manly United, Spirit FC, Sydney Olympic, Marconi etc which usually get 2-3,000 and is a great boost for those Premier League clubs, cannot wait for the FFA Cup to take this to a new level in 6 months!
keyless sky blues fan
Guest
It's not a bad idea, but teams already play one another 3 times not including finals - if you had pre-season as well you could end up with the situation of 09-10 where SFC played Victory 6 times that season and it somewhat took the shine off... I wouldn't mind a pre-season cup with 14 best state league teams and the 9 Aus teams though, but FFA Cup should have us covered.
AZ_RBB
Guest
I will support the scrapping of the final series once we have P&L (even the most optimistic fan would say that's 15 years away) and consider ACL as a competition to strive for rather than the burden it seems like nowadays. At the moment, anyone responsible for the FFA's bottom line would support the final series. Unfortunately, traditions don't pay the bills.
Bondy
Guest
Iangou I've followed football for over thirty years and I think finals series's are stupid "potentially rewarding mediocrity" and hopefully we can break this strange tradition that some Australians believe is the way to go. Australian Soccer's over mate get over it.
langou
Roar Guru
"ALL the rules and conventions that have made football the game we all love." And here lies the difference Boomer. I have been brought up on Australian soccer, and In Australian soccer for a long time it has been traditional to have a final series. That is the "convention that have made football the game I love". Couldn't give a stuff about overseas leagues, might watch the odd game but have never followed them closely. The only leagues I have ever followed is the NSL, A-League and grassroots soccer.
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
@Michael I never wrote anything about the Charity Shield being connected to the League Cup.
Cpaaa
Guest
I cant seem to find any report of a pre-season tournament on any site, can anyone provide a link? But if true and we go down that road then i think pre-season has to be a little more creative than simply competing as a mini version of the season. Pre-season is all about conditioning and experimenting players and formations. Here are some thoughts. - A-League club invites Local teams, 4-6 clubs, to play in an organised weekend tournament or spread out over 4 weeks. Clubs engaging with their community and an opportunity to market the HAL to football players and families. Saves on travel and accommodation costs. - Could also have our HAL clubs participate in a structured beach side tournament, or a futsal competition. Pre-season should be more about A-League awareness than a meaningless tournament scattered around the country.
Jack Russell
Roar Guru
Didn't they just award a 20 year licence extension to all current A-League clubs? So the dream of a promotion/relegation system is 2035 at the earliest, as existing clubs cannot be relegated.
Michael
Guest
Sorry fussball you are wrong League Cup has nothing to do with the Charity Shield.
Greg Camilleri
Guest
What soccer needs is the introduction of a second ball on the field. A pre season comp featuring 60min games and two balls on the field... omg... it would be hectic.
fadida
Guest
"flogging" was the issue. I have no doubt if they played 10 times, SMH would draw or sneak past MV once - and be "flogged" the rest
bill boomer
Guest
I am Perth born and bred and grew up on a diet of afl. There was virtually no football. Anyway i've come to the view that i have for good reason. Firstly football is international but its rules and conventions are almost universal. When we take part we have to abide by them. When it comes to qualifying for the ACL the AFC disregard the grand final winners and take teams in order of their finnish in the premiership. I know you know this but it's worth pointing out that our confederation do not regard the GF as champions. The football world outside aus are not in favour. The practical reasons are more compelling, that is that it reduces the season to a qualifier and promotes mediocrity. The lack of finals and rewarding the best performed team was one of the things that attracted me to the game. I guess it's like preferential voting. Obviously flawed but try telling the average Australian that.
Stevo
Guest
Errrr, NO thanks. We have the touring big sides that Gallop has promised and FFA Cup somewhere and geez that's enough. No point beating your HAL arch enemies before season proper and then going into the real deal burnt out :)
Australian Rules
Guest
"could not demonstrate a united front"..??? We supplied a bid. Our bid book provided details of all our infrastructure and stadiums (including the 5 stadiums that the AFL had agreed to vacate, despite having binding contracts for). Then, we showed them our video.
Towser
Guest
As one brought up on English football I get it . What I get is that this is Australia not England & no amount of hankering for the way it is overseas is going to change the way Australians view sport, including football. As I said we have the best of both worlds, just needs some re -education on the behalf of sporting journalists to realise the worth of first past the post, why bang your head against a brick wall.
Qantas supports Australian Football
Guest
The thing is Rodney, we "Australia" could not demonstrate a united front. That's why Qatar came in at the 11 hour and seized upon the opportunity to put in a late WC bid from the advice of Bin Hamman... And the deep pockets for sure got them over the line ...
bill boomer
Guest
Good analogy?! Say that you agree but honestly a good analogy that was not. Lost revenue? not if it is devolved into a cup, which it will be. The pro finals stand taken by some is is frankly not football. Whatever the alledged "reasoning" behind the system it belongs to other sports and australians telling themselves that it is right just don't get it. Just because afl/nrl have always done it is no reason for football to follow. There are 206 fa's and only two use the devaluing and result distorting finals system. So when it comes to football we stand with .... America! please. should we not also have a shootout whenever there is a draw? Time to grow up a-league and play by ALL the rules and conventions that have made football the game we all love.