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2019 is a big year for Australian football

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Roar Rookie
1st January, 2019
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Welcome to 2019 Australian football family. Hopefully, the talk around the game is a little more positive this year.

Yes, the A-League is struggling to grab people’s attention during the summer of cricket even though live crowds are fine. However, TV audiences are dropping and everyone has their own theories as to why this is occurring.

Did Foxtel lose a substantial amount of football friendly subscribers, when they lost the EPL rights? Probably.

Are more people streaming A-League games on services such as Kayo Sports and the My Football Live App? Yes, but the public will never know how significant these figures are.

Or has the A-League just stagnated and viewers are simply switching off? It could be the case.

The FFA has tried to address this query by approving the introduction of an 11th A-League team in 2019.

The new team from Western Melbourne will bring new players (with the promise of big marquees), new rivalries and new fans to the league.

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I’m excited by the future of this team when they eventually have their own purpose-built football stadium in the Western suburbs of Melbourne.

The present may have some teething problems with games held down in Geelong. This sounds like a case of short-term pain for long-term gain. The team’s colours and badge are expected to be announced this month, so watch this space.

The Western Sydney Wanderers will finally play in the new Western Sydney Stadium in 2019, which will hopefully bring back the intimidating atmosphere their fans created for opposition teams.

We must not underestimate the impact stadiums have on not only the attendees but also the TV viewer. An almost full Western Sydney Stadium is a lot more attractive than a Spotless Stadium or an almost empty ANZ Stadium.

The announcement of the new model for the A-League is expected in March of this year, which will likely see the A-League become independent from the FFA. This model was recommended before the creation of the A-League and transition into the model will give clubs like Melbourne City the chance to flex their muscle.

Mark Milligan talks to the Socceroos in a team huddle

(Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

On the international front, we will all be behind the Socceroos who will be defending their Asian Cup crown in the UAE. It won’t be easy, (when is anything in Australian football ever easy!) especially considering injuries to players such as Aaron Mooy, Mat Leckie and Daniel Arzani. But don’t Australians love a battle?

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Japan, Iran and South Korea go into the tournament as favourites. We are not in that bracket. Good. Use that to fire us up, we love being the underdog.

And what about our Matildas? Just the small task of a World Cup in France. Italy, Brazil and Jamaica are their group opponents. How far can they go? Go on girls, do something special. Make 2019 a great year for Australian football.

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