One section of Parramatta Stadium was eerily vacant on Saturday afternoon with the vibrant RBB absent in protest.
Yet the real action for the day came on the field, proving that the show will proceed with or without the fans’ vocal support.
A-League supporters are a huge part of what makes Australian football the spectacle it is and their initial boycotts were warranted, but they will never be the premier entertainers.
That much was evident during the Western Sydney Wanderers’ 2-1 victory over Brisbane Roar, which featured some beautiful Spanish artistry on both sides of the pitch.
Western Sydney and Brisbane – two teams written off by many during pre-season – have emerged as genuine trophy contenders in one of the most competitive A-League seasons witnessed in recent years.
Tony Popovic has completely reinvented the Wanderers, proving he is no one-trick pony when it comes to the football pitch. He has built a squad roughly from scratch, the second time he has done so, and Wanderers 2.0 is looking like an upgrade.
Popovic has been defined during his three years in the A-League as a long-ball merchant, focused on defensive resilience with a penchant for quick counter-attacks.
Yet a style that was imposed due to circumstance and personnel has been discarded, Popovic taking advantage of winding-down contracts to prove where his tactical allegiances lie.
The off-season was intriguing for Wanderers fans, with one of the biggest squad overhauls the A-League has seen. Chief executive John Tsatsimas went on a tour of Barcelona and Popovic handpicked the arrivals of Spaniards Andreu, Dimas Delgado and Alberto.
The goal was clear, with the Wanderers implementing a new high-pressing system focused on winning possession and controlling tempo.
It was a huge diversion from previous campaigns and was always going to take time to enforce. A fourth Spaniard, therefore, has been the most vital addition for Popovic in his quest for success.
Assistant coach Andres Carrasco, who reportedly attracted interest from Paris Saint-Germain in winter, was lured to Western Sydney in what can only be regarded as a coup. His time with Barcelona’s famed La Masia has undoubtedly assisted the Wanderers’ transition to a possession-based game.
The midfield drives this team, with Andreu acting as a metronome through which the Wanderers’ style is dependent on. His ability in tight spaces was also evident as he launched Western Sydney’s attack for the opening goal from his own penalty area.
Complementing Andreu is the more creative guile of Dimas Delgado and a rejuvenated Mitch Nichols, who alongside Aaron Mooy is one of the A-League’s most impressive local midfielders this season.
A possession-based game, however, also depends on defence, and Alberto’s gradual introduction alongside Nikolai Topor-Stanley is the final piece, providing the Wanderers with a calm, ball-playing presence at the back.
Topor-Stanley’s long-ball no-nonsense game – unfairly derided in some quarters – partnered with Alberto’s more measured approach has promise. It evokes memories of Topor-Stanley’s role alongside the more graceful Ljubo Milicevic at the Newcastle Jets.
Meanwhile, Popa’s decision to release Ante Covic and put his faith in Andrew Redmayne has not been as foolhardy as first appeared. That could also come down to another off-field acquisition, with Redmayne clearly revelling under the tutelage of goalkeeping coach Zeljko Kalac.
How the Wanderers progress this season, however, may still depend heavily on their final import, Federico Piovaccari. The criticism aimed at the Italian has been unwarranted, as a striker is always the first to suffer when a team is transitioning between two styles of play.
As the Wanderers’ passing game develops, the quality service delivered to Piovaccari will increase, and I’ve seen enough to get the impression that he will improve as the system improves. His combination with the red-hot Romeo Castelen holds much promise.
Six wins on the trot says it all, and Popovic is continuing to rival Ange Postecoglou as Australia’s brightest manager. With his connections, another successful season in the A-League could see him depart for Europe in the near future.
Meanwhile, John Aloisi has reinvented himself instead of his team, burgeoning a reputation that was tarnished during an early foray into management with Melbourne Heart. Not only has he managed to reinvigorate the Roar’s high-pressing, high-intensity attacking game, he has instilled defensive steel too.
Aloisi inherited a stable squad, which was already familiar with a possession-based style, yet two of his off-season signings have been instrumental in the Roar rediscovering their flair.
Brisbane’s control of possession has been defined by Spaniard Corona’s arrival in Queensland. His passing, ability to switch play and vision made him the standout import from his first A-League appearance. How the Roar have managed to fit him under the salary cap is impressive.
Together with Matt McKay and Dimi Petratos, one of the most improved players from last season, Corona forms the basis of the Roar engine room. Up front, Thomas Broich is back in form and linking beautifully with both Jamie Maclaren, pin-pointed as a Golden Boot contender in The Roar‘s season preview, and Brandon Borrello.
Maclaren was not afforded the game time he deserved at Perth, and consistent minutes have seen him explode. His equaliser against the Wanderers was a thing of beauty, set free brilliantly by a falling Broich before clipping a tidy finish over Redmayne under pressure.
A Socceroos call-up must be close.
Yet the biggest surprise has been Aloisi’s ability to install an effective, solid and organised defensive system while maintaining the Roar’s attacking verve. They have the equal third-best defence in the comp.
Daniel Bowles is the A-League’s most improved player, and one of this season’s top performers. The gangly central defender has been solid alongside veteran Jade North, and combines a calm influence on the ball with a measured, cool approach when faced with rampaging attackers.
His last-gasp tackle to nip the ball from between Mark Bridge’s legs on Saturday was one example of his classy approach to defending.
A-League fans are also waiting to see more from the Roar’s second Spanish connection, Javi Hervas. The 26-year-old has yet to receive significant minutes to showcase his ability, but has been impressive in limited cameos.
Given complete control at Brisbane, Aloisi has shown that the Melbourne Heart gig either came too early or under the wrong environment. While he was provided the basis of a winning formula at Brisbane, albeit one from two seasons ago, he has made the necessary changes and additions to turn the Roar into a quality side.
The spectacle on Saturday between the Roar and Wanderers was the result of two sides intent on playing football, allowed to do so thanks to both the personnel on and off the field. Brisbane were arguably the better side over 90 minutes, though Western Sydney nicked it with a moment of brilliance.
In the 79th minute, with his back to goal, Nichols produced a fantastic turn on Jack Hingert and hit an unstoppable shot past Jamie Young. It was a worthy winner in a close-fought contest.
Excellent recruitment, intelligent tactical tweaks and inevitably good man-management has both sides purring towards finals football, and in such a competitive league either can realistically hold ambitions for both a premiership and championship assault.
Discarded by some critics before a ball had been kicked, watching both Popovic and Aloisi implement entertaining, cultured football is a promising sign for Australian football.
The empty seats in the stands will dominate most headlines surrounding this game, yet A-League fans could be looking back on this fixture come May 1 when scouring the head-to-head statistics between the 2015-16 grand final opponents. It would be a worthy season finale.
Lionheart
Guest
Except for the hand ball to the back yellow card. That was pathetic by the ref, and the non hand ball, well, less said the better I guess.
Waz
Guest
Aloisi and Ange can't both be wrong! Matty has a big engine and covers the most ground of any Roar player and tends to link defence and attack as well as picking up the pieces when a turnover is conceded. He's just underrated and under appreciated by many.
Rick
Guest
Matt McKay is OK but I can't understand how JA can pick him over Davante Clut. Clut has more natural ability than McKay in his big toe
Catnap
Guest
I agree but he and the other midfielders must step up and score more goals if they can they would be much stronger!!!
Waz
Guest
I do think ACL tends to be a great leveller - but it depends on several variables including firm going in, injury list, distances to be travelled, whether you lose your first couple of games and give up concentrate on the HAL or stay in the mix to the end of the group. Hopefully it's easier this year for participants as they extra cash is good for our clubs. The plate is desirable but you only have to be in the six if you're good enough
AZ_RBB
Guest
MVFC have a massive target on their heads much like you guys did for a number of seasons. Everyone is going to measure themselves against MVFC. At the moment despite their loss, it's hard to argue they're not the best and most capable team in the comp. I know you feel that ACL will make things a lot of harder for them but they seem to have the depth to juggle both. They'll be serious contenders come April. SFC need to be respected as well. They might not be the prettiest teams but there's nothing prettier than 3 points and SFC know how to get them. City's hopes and dreams rest almost entirely on the shoulders of Aaron Mooy. If he leaves in January, City won't make the 6. If he stays top 3 is a possibility.
Justin Thighm
Roar Guru
Great game, one of the best this season so far. Sydney FC had the chance to buy Mitch Nicholls. McLaren is a class striker and a bolter for the Socceroos. I was at the Sydney derby and I said to my mate, who is a WSW fan, that I was very impressed with the way they played against Sydney, even though they lost. Frankly, I thought they should have beaten Sydney FC. I also said to him that if they keep playing like that, there wouldn't be many teams that would beat them. Here we go, they've won six straight since then, top of the league. We're getting tickets to the Victory game, should be another great game and Parra Stadium is a better ground for watching football.
Waz
Guest
Both sides looked like title contenders, Roar played particularly well but couldn't win it, Wanderers played well also and did that thing champions in waiting tend to do - win games when you might otherwise not. It's going to be a fascinating match on Saturday and I'll have to find a pub in Cairns to watch. Another win for Wanderers will really set you up the second half of the season and really take some wind out of Victory (and their fans too ?). I hope Roar can grab 3 points in the previous match to put some pressure on both sides, it's an interesting top 7 at the moment and the next few games to Christmas will sort out the genuine title runners I recon.
Bob
Guest
When Roar play well you'll normally find McKay has had a good game. We played well and I think McKay did too.
Bob
Guest
If it was "clearly pushed" none of the TV commentators picked up on it or commented on it Paul despite numerous replays, perhaps you're a little biased? There was also another one in the first half when Petratos put through that mesmerising pass to Maclaren who went down in a heap with GK and defender. I think the referee called them both correctly and certainly applied the same benefit of doubt to both cases. I think it's important we don't detract from what was a good quality entertaining game by overly focussing on what the ref did or didn't do.
Paul
Guest
Mooy travelled with less effect and usually leads the Melb City charge. Also, he played only one WC Qual on November. i don't thing a week off is right unless he carrying an injury. not sure why Piovaccari has not played the llast 2 games. I'm waiting for raging bull effect from him soon as well as some power headers but we need some good crosses from the fullbacks especially Neville
Kaks
Roar Guru
In fairness to McKay, he has had to travel to far and away for Socceroos duty all season. He really looks like he could use a week off.
Paul
Guest
I was cheering the Wanderers from the eastern stand. Engrossing game. have to disagree on the Bowles tackle on Bridge, Bowles clearly pushed him in the back which should have been a straight red and penalty. Brisbane did have the run of play at times, but with 2 markers on vidosic and castelen at all times, the Wanderers needed individual brilliance to break the deadlock. the goal from mitch was simply sublime and may put o the European path. In fairness to the Roar, MacLaren should be selected for the Socceroo matches. Disagree on McKay, starting to look tired 1/3 of the way through the season
Kaks
Roar Guru
Mr Gallop, if you're not going to buckle for the sake of the league then at least buckle for the sake of AZ!
AZ_RBB
Guest
WSW v MVFC on Saturday night deserves it! It'll be my last game before heading overseas for a month. Keen for a big occasion.
AZ_RBB
Guest
It really was a gripping contest. I think you've been very kind on Piovacarri. He has made a lot of very elementary mistakes this season and failed to finish a number of guilt edge chances. I am happy to persevere with him as he showed a lot of improvement in his most recent game. Plus he's better than anyone else we have. Santalab works hard but is pretty average otherwise. Golgol seems decent but who knows? He's forever injured. Brisbane were brilliant in the second half. It felt like we hardly touched the ball in the second half aside from that piece from brilliance from Nichols. Bring on MVFC!
Kaks
Roar Guru
Great game. How about that turn from Andreu? And that curler from Mitch?! Wish I was there to revel in it however I believe boycotting this week was for a better cause and I'm glad the players/clubs agree. Hopefully the meeting between the FFA and supporter groups this week provides a resolution that we can move forward from.
Dean
Guest
Cracking match, I thought the Wanderers' defence in the first half kept them in the game, Brisbane seemed to lack the last link in the front third despite controlling the game in the first half. Atmosphere in the second half sounded great on TV. I think the atmosphere benefited from a lack of pointless chanting/singing so you could definitely hear that as the game ramped up, so did the atmosphere.