Australia has had a bumper winter of football with the Women’s World Cup – and the domestic summer is set to start tonight, with the Australia Cup Final kicking off at Allianz Stadium between Sydney FC and Brisbane Roar.
The pair have battled their way through NPL and other A-League sides in pre-season and now have a chance to get their season off to the best possible start with some silverware.
From here, it’s nothing but positive vibes, with A-League Women set to start next weekend and the blokes beginning the weekend after that, with an Asia Cup for the Socceroos and a host of Matildas games to follow.
Brisbane are gunning for their first ever Australia Cup – and their first trophy of any kind since the 2014 A-League Grand Final – while Sydney FC haven’t lifted the knockout trophy since 2017.
Kick off is at 7.45pm, and Mike Meehall Wood will be on hand to live blog the whole thing.
NickA
Roar Rookie
Ah I knew WU had signed someone but I couldn't remember who. Also saw that Stamatelopoulos scored a couple in a friendly yesterday for Jets v WP - another young striker who I think has serious potential if he can get on a good run.
Grem
Roar Rookie
Rukavitza has moved to WU. The young players need to be developed, but they also need to make the most of their chances. Wood has had a reasonable run, but as another blogger suggested - perhaps he could play alongside Fabio. That would allow him to defend, polish his skills and poach.
Garry
Roar Rookie
well next year the afc cup becomes ACL 2 so both!! :stoked:
NickA
Roar Rookie
Jovanovic at Adelaide too - let's hope they don't fade into obscurity like so many other strikers. Botic and Waddingham appear to be 1st choices for this season at least, unless WU bring someone to replace Prijovic. Looks to be another season on the bench for Pat Wood although he's not really been prolific enough to demand a starting spot. Goes back to what we've said in the past - we need more opportunities for young Aussie strikers
Grem
Roar Rookie
I hope he has a great season for Brisbane and football in general. As a young player he will have some ups and downs, but he could be a good one for the future. Add in Noah Botic from WU as well.
NickA
Roar Rookie
Wonder whether we should start talking about Waddingham.. Props to him - there's been lots of complaints re no experienced striker for Brisbane, but he's been stepping up so far! How good.
Grem
Roar Rookie
Their first half was amazing. They showed they can go far this season.
Ferno
Roar Rookie
ACL or AFC Cup?
Brendan
Roar Pro
Excellent subs by Corica too. Timed it perfectly. He knows his team well. Brisbane will be asking plenty of “what ifs”. Roar can only get stronger though. They’ll be playing final’s football.
Grem
Roar Rookie
Thanks Mike
Brendan
Roar Pro
This will be a big talking point, for sure.
Grem
Roar Rookie
Player of the match - Lolley. Burgess made a difference as well. Their left side did open up in the second half as Waz predicted. Roar will have a good season.
Mike Meehall Wood
Editor
That was a superb game, too. If the rest of the A-League is this good, we're in for a treat. It begins next week back at Allianz with a Sydney Derby in the women's, followed by a Big Blue in the men's the week after. I'll be at the first as a punter, but might well return here for a live blog of the latter. Thanks for your company in the comments section, I'm off to distill it all into a match report. Night!
Grem
Roar Rookie
Great atmosphere at the game.
Brendan
Roar Pro
Thanks, Mike. Enjoy the night.
Mike Meehall Wood
Editor
Ben Abraham blows the whistle, and that's it! What a comeback from Sydney FC, who were miles out of it at the end. Fabio, their new Brazilian striker, showed what he can do, and Joe Lolley was outstanding on the right wing. Pity Ross Aloisi and Brisbane Roar. They were so, so good in the first half and should have had more to show than a 1-0 lead. They might well have been a man up, too, given the shocking high tackle from Girdwood-Reich. All fish and chip paper now. Congrats to Sydney, commiserations to Brisbane.
Brendan
Roar Pro
And Sydney are off to the ACL, after winning another Australia Cup. We all doubted Corica, teased his “Dad’s Army” men, but in reality, FC relied on pure experience. Brisbane, the first half was yours. Most of Australia was behind you. You’ll still have a stellar season though. This is a youthful team worth watching.
Mike Meehall Wood
Editor
SYDNEY FC WIN THE AUSTRALIA CUP!
Mike Meehall Wood
Editor
90+2' Fabio so close to a hat trick! He breaks through, showing a clean set of heels to the defence, but smashes wide. Was a wide angle but you'd not have put it past him. 3-1
Grem
Roar Rookie
Faaabiiooo - new star of the A League.