Two cracking elimination finals meant this could have been the most celebratory column of the season, except for one key detail that threw Sunday’s broadcast into sharp relief.
Western United’s 1-0 win over Wellington Phoenix may have been a predictable result – it was their seventh win by that same scoreline all season – but the match itself was anything but routine.
Were it not for Jamie Young pulling off arguably the save of the season to deny James McGarry with a spectacular diving save in the 71st minute, the outcome might have looked rather different.
But John Aloisi’s side have one of the meanest defences in the league for a reason and although Reno Piscopo went close when he rattled the crossbar from distance, the Kiwi battlers could find no way past the indomitable Young at AAMI Park.
If Saturday night’s encounter was a gripping affair, Adelaide United’s 3-1 win over the Central Coast Mariners at a chilly Coopers Stadium was everything that makes the A-League Men competition great.
We pine all the time for a European football experience, yet we already have one in Adelaide.
(Photo by James Elsby/Getty Images)
The Reds ran out under leaden skies and in front of a big crowd at Coopers Stadium and proceeded to do something they’ve done all season – comfortably account for a team that everyone on the east coast raves about.
They got a bit lucky with Craig Goodwin’s wind-assisted opener, but the return up front of the imposing Kusini Yengi and the emergence of a genuinely talented youngster like Bernardo means the Reds will surely pose a serious threat to defending champions Melbourne City in their two-legged semi-final this week.
Goodwin was at his impish best in a heated contest on a cold Adelaide afternoon, while it was no surprise to see the all-action Yengi get on the scoresheet in just his second game back from a serious leg injury.
Except we didn’t. Or at least those tuning into the coverage on Network 10’s secondary channel Bold didn’t see it.
Because in what can only be described as a television producer’s worst nightmare, the coverage on Bold was in the middle of a commercial just as Goodwin floated over another inch-perfect cross.
So, instead of watching Yengi volley the Reds into a two-goal lead, many fans watching at home on TV were instead watching a commercial.
Ads during gameplay. We’ve talked about them all season.
And the failure to broadcast such a pivotal moment – along with the apology on Twitter that produced an avalanche of negative feedback – detracted from what was an otherwise gripping encounter.
Here’s why I’m not too worried. During the week I had a drink with Nick Bower, who after a long career in a range of commercial roles is these days Paramount ANZ’s Sports Sales Director.
And while I can’t divulge the contents of everything he and I discussed, I can safely say the gist of that conversation filled me with confidence for next season.
We talked about a lot of things – including, truth be told, the issue of ads during play – and I walked away genuinely believing that many of these issues will be resolved next season.
Nick was brutally honest about some of the technological challenges Paramount have faced since launching in Australia.
And I was honest about the fact that a vast portion of the A-League Men fanbase don’t understand what the ‘commercial’ in commercial broadcasting represents.
Those wanting to avoid ads during gameplay can always watch it ad-free on Paramount+.
And next season we’ll be watching it with some genuine marquees, if the news the APL has drawn up a list of 35 legitimate targets is anything to go by.
Not every single season has to be the greatest of all time™. This one’s clearly had some problems, but they’re nothing that can’t be fixed.
The A-League Men is currently in rebuild mode.
And if the elimination finals are anything to go by, this week’s two-legged semi-finals will once again make unmissable appointment viewing.
Punter
Roar Rookie
Keep the good fight going AR.
Roberto Bettega
Roar Rookie
Garry Firstly, it wasn't out of the blue, his name had already been mentioned in dispatches in the previous 18 months or so as part of the "Tim Cahill" rule (and yes, he was deemed to not be a big enough name to qualify). That's the point, isn't it? He's not a big name, but he currently is our very biggest name, aged 39. That's precisely the point!
Redcap
Roar Guru
You can get a good feed at the Lion and enjoy a game (whisper it quietly, I've succumbed). I'm also loving Duckworth, Pengelly, Risdon and Fiechtner this season.
Waz
Roar Rookie
I’m also a closet Lions fan. History see :happy:
Garry
Roar Rookie
I know but generally they get lower grade experience first & have to get coaching badges..”After retiring as a player, Guardiola briefly coached Barcelona B, with whom he won a Tercera División title.” “The FA Level 5 (UEFA Pro) is the mandatory qualification for all first team managers who want to work in the Premier League. The course is delivered in a number of modules over an 18-month period.” ps..re Yorke..”He completed his UEFA B coaching licence in 2010 and has since earned the A licence and Pro licence, but has never been able to find an opportunity in management. ”
Charlie de Salis
Roar Rookie
This headline must be the ultimate example of rose coloured glasses. Good on you, Mike, but it is beyond me how you could see the Western United/Nix game as anything other than an utter embarrassment for the A League.
Jack Christopher Dawson
Guest
people forget the Beckham signing was the turning point for MLS. They were in a similar situation to the league men's at the moment
AR
Guest
Oh dear. If ALeague fans truly believe that the successes of Ange or Sam Kerr will result in a boost in ALeague crowds or TV ratings, then things are worse than I thought.
Garry
Roar Rookie
Connors team had more wins therefore more MOMs.. Caceres did well to get enough points to start with! ..you know the winning team in most games gets more of the pts...human nature
Punter
Roar Rookie
I was in Darwin Chris for a holiday (NT even) & was surprised what a Aussie city/Territory it was, the game was on in the pubs, clubs, Cafes. I saw locals playing the game everywhere, all the playing fields had those funny posts without a crossbar. Kids walking the streets, shops with a footy & wearing AFL merchandise. Now the AFL fans says Sydney has Swans & big following in Sydney, I don't see the same.
Punter
Roar Rookie
What better publicity for the A-League to see 2 of its former stars starring on the biggest stages. If you cannot see the marketing in this for crowds, TV & next Year's broadcast packages, I'm not sure how clearer could I make it. Our little A-League producing stars on the world Stage.
Rodger King
Roar Rookie
he is right Chris, and that is the same reason why another team in Adelaide won't work. The corporate support just won't be there.
Grem
Roar Rookie
An interesting way to distinguish a difference. It may also mean Caceras had more games where he played strongly but less as actual man of the match. As long as we hold onto him for next year as it's been mentioned he may be heading to Europe with Sydney receiving a healthy transfer.
chris
Guest
I know Tassie is small, but to suggest that there are no more corporate opportunities because of the JackJumpers, that's a bit rich.
Garry
Roar Rookie
btw "Sydney FC’s Anthony Caceres has finished joint top of the Alex Tobin Medal standings after a fantastic personal season in which the attacking midfielder notched five goals and five assists. The Sky Blues star ended the Isuzu-Ute A-League 2021-22 season on 21 points alongside Melbourne City’s Connor Metcalfe, who was awarded the medal on a count back having accrued three Player of the Match performances, compared to Caceres’ two."
Mike Tuckerman
Expert
The JackJumpers now own the corporate support that could have been the A-Leagues'. Should the AFL ever launch a Tassie club, that's pretty much it for the state's financial ability to support professional sport down there.
jbinnie
Guest
Towser -This is not a new argument .After Roar's "parent club' Brisbane Lions ended their forced stay playing NSL games at Perry Park they quickly moved back to Progress Road and in the following years brought players like Bob Latchford,(Everton), Alan Sunderland (Arsenal) and even George Best after he had retired from top class football. Latchford was a dream to "handle" with the younger players at Lions hanging on his every word. Get the right man and it can only be successful. Cheers jb.
chris
Guest
Just about every single coach in the top leagues went from being a player to head coach with 0 coaching abilities. That's what happens! And we are talking top clubs in top leagues.
chris
Guest
How have they missed the boat?
Grem
Roar Rookie
It is a punt, but punts can be successful (just what Ange Postecoglou was for Celtic – by European standards). At some stage a coach is given a chance and then what happens is up to him/her (mostly). From what I’ve read, he’ll be a thorough, hard working, professional and well qualified coach. He has done some work with Manchester United, but I’m not sure in what capacity.