I know there’s at least one Adelaide supporter going… so you can guarantee an attendance of at least 1.
It’s an improvement on the last Canberra A-League game, right?

Melbourne v Adelaide is the week before, so most people are preparing away trips to Melbourne, rather than Canberra, because they won’t necessarily have money for both. Probably not the best organisation from the FFA, in reality.

Regarding the comments about Aleks; in all fairness to him, he’s not actually the spokesperson for the Red Army/Adelaide United Supporters Group.

As for the crowds, it’s a serious problem, when there are the small few bad eggs that give everyone else a poor reputation. I have a love/hate relationship with any Adelaide – Melbourne fixtures, for that reason. The games are great, because of the rivalry, the build-up is fantastic, but while a lot of supporters are good to talk with (having met/known several), there are always those that are out to cause trouble. For both sides, at that.
The small few Melbourne supporters that I spoke with, after that game, were shocked that their own supporters could be the way they were, that night.

In those games, I always expect flares in the stadium, particularly from the Melbourne end, even though they’re not allowed in the stadium, and I’m pretty much over it. It’s all well and good that those select few people like flares, but in the instances they’ve thrown them on the ground, and at players/supporters, it just becomes too much.

I’ve seen discussion about Hatamoto from certain supporters, in the past, but haven’t given it much attention. I personally don’t see it as a way to eliminate colour, but just to find a way to contain the problem supporters. If it means finding out who those people are, then so be it.
The A-League is as much for families as it is for individuals.

Mike, everyone on The Roar is an expert, and can never be wrong.

Surely you’ve noticed this, by now.

Let’s not forget that they convincingly beat a team led by Zico. Particularly when said team were fielding some quality players, such as Asian Player of the Year, Server Djeparov.

Adelaide had an extremely successful run throughout the tournament, and a final shouldn’t erase the games from the earlier stages. Especially when it’s so easy to take an aggregate score as if it were the one game.

These headlines are getting out of Guy Hand.

Will be interesting to see exactly how Kruse fits into Merrick’s plans.

Not at all.

If it were racism, would Eduardo have received the penalty, in the first place? The referees’ decisions were to give both players a penalty. The criticism of Eduardo has come from outside the game, from other people.

On top of that, they weren’t the same referee.

I’ll be honest; I don’t recall it happening (I perhaps wasn’t paying attention to the game, at that particular moment), and haven’t seen footage of it since.

It looks to me as if there are a lot of Arsenal fans just venting their anger at the situation.

As per the Laws of the Game, it is only simulation when there is no contact that would directly affect the player (much like Eduardo’s situation). As we have all discussed, Almunia certainly did make contact with Rooney (and from what I remember of the situation, didn’t attempt to pull his arms away from Rooney), and as there was no contact with the ball, it was indeed a foul.

Rooney was actually quite smart in his play, drawing the foul from Almunia, by stretching forward to make contact, and getting the ball away from his reach.

That last part is the only part of the scenario that is debatable; while the ball had not gone out of play at the time of contact, it was clear that Rooney would not have been able to retain control before it crossed the line, had the foul not occured. That, however, could be debated until our fingers fall off from typing so much, so there’s not much point in bothering.

The decision on Eduardo had nothing to do with the English (as it was Celtic and the Scottish FA who protested to UEFA), and racism had nothing to do with either of these situations.

Arsenal fans, feel free to not be happy about the loss, but there are plenty of other things to discuss than diving (particularly when Arsenal have been called on it twice in two games, with Arsene’s reactions [or lack thereof] making me question his tactics).

That’s actually an interesting situation. Smeltz is by far their most potent striker, and with that loss, the formation could be changed to something along the lines of a 2-4-1-2-1 (in Bleiberg-speak), providing a spear-headed attack, with two additional strikers playing either behind or on the wings, pulsing back and forth between the midfield and attack (to be either 2-4-3-1 or 2-4-1-3). Minniecon would probably play one of those wings, and perhaps Milson along the other. There would obviously be a bit of a personnel shift to accommodate it all.

As for Culina getting injured, that would a huge blow (any team losing their captain would have trouble). This one, I’m not too sure about, because it would also depend on who Miron believes is suitable to take the captaincy in Culina’s stead. I do have a feeling, though, that it would be Smeltz (unless they were both injured), and Robson would possibly move into Culina’s position for the time Jason is out of action. It probably wouldn’t move quite as fluidly without him, though.

If they were both injured, however, the formation would probably see a huge change…

the formations in this season’s A-League are interesting.

As a player (based on experience in all positions, particularly a box-to-box creative midfielder), I prefer what Aurelio Vidmar’s trying to achieve (in a mixture of 4-5-1 and 4-4-2, which looks soon to become a static 4-4-2, and perhaps a 4-4-1-1).

As a coach (who looks to do some weird things, at times), I appreciate and am actually somewhat inspired by Bleiberg’s tactics, which can only be pulled off by the right mix of players, and led by the right captain (Culina looking right the the job, obviously). In reality, the formation is somewhere between six defenders, and six midfielders, or four attackers. Bleiberg’s aim, from what I’ve seen so far, is to have every player on the park adapt to multiple positions, and allow the formation to constantly evolve throughout the game, which is why it’s caused so much havoc.

It can be anything from the claimed 2-4-2-2, to a 4-2-2-2, 0-6-4-0, a classic 4-4-2, or even a 2-4-4. Ideally, with all the movement created by the players, the formation as a whole is actually a 6-6-6, which is what makes it so devastating.

Note: I didn’t think, until after I finished typing that line, that I had typed “666” and “devastating” in the same sentence. You’ll have to forgive the unintended pun.

Of course, as has already been said by others, Bleiberg’s team requires a great amount of fitness (though perhaps not as much as the team chasing the ball)… but with the likes of Culina setting the pace, it’s not that difficult to have everyone at a certain standard.

What a misleading headline.

I’ve never been a fan of having Pim’s tactics called ‘boring,’ and in all honesty, I think a lot of those people don’t realise that the boring factor comes from select players not being able to fulfill the role to its potential.

I was another of those who didn’t get to watch the game live (I will watch it as soon as I finish work, however), but watching the replays, it’s becoming clear that the players are becoming more comfortable with Pim’s style of play, particularly proven by the strength of the counter-attacks.

People must remember that it’s not just a learning exercise for the coach, but each game becomes a massive lesson for every player, on and off the field.

Just to touch on the Adelaide analysis, both losses were by a single goal, where Adelaide had scored (3-2 win to North Queensland, 2-1 win to Melbourne).

The goals conceded were from set pieces, as well; Melbourne’s from corners, and North Queensland’s from free kicks, and with Birighitti in goals, who is relatively inexperienced, by comparison. From those results, it looks like Adelaide’s biggest problem in defence for the upcoming year will be set pieces, and hopefully Galekovic will be able to pick those up, when required.

Having said that, there are a few other weaknesses in defence that do need addressing, although it has received little attention from opposition, during the pre-season.

Adelaide do need an experienced defender, who can keep Cornthwaite/Fyfe in check, and they’re looking to Mark Rudan/Adrian Madaschi for that command. It probably won’t provide the same aggressiveness that Ognenovski brought to the back line, but it should give them enough to bring the main element that was lost with Sasa’s departure to Korea.

The midfield is looking more free-flowing, and as Vidmar promised, the attacking movement appears to be a lot better.
The new midfielders – namely playmakers Hughes and Shin – have added some much-needed spice to create that kind of play, which will hopefully be improved upon, when Cristiano and Owusu take the field (a duo which we are yet to see in action).

I’m not going to throw around the word ‘Premiers’ just yet, because there is still plenty of room for improvement (as with all teams), but the chances of contending for a top 3 finish is beyond what many are expecting from a team with so many outgoing players.

Wouldn’t have called Malik a breakthrough, last season. He showed potential, without doubt, but I think the term ‘ promising talent’ better describes him, for the time being.

Until he’s getting more time in fully-competitive matches, it’s too hard to tell just how effective he’ll be for a team.

A good list, there. Agree with Galekovic surpassing Vukovic – not just from a fan’s standpoint – but doubtful he will be a contender for a Socceroos stanting position (outside of the non-FIFA break games). He even feels the same.

Not that he shouldn’t try to earn a spot – I encourage him to do just that – but there are much younger, and promising ‘keepers out there. He may get a spot as a transitional ‘keeper, which would be utterly brilliant, but that means playing regular Asian football, and it seems to be his best chance of breaking through to the “Euroroos.”

There are also some great players coming in, this season – both young and returning – and with the World Cup coming up (and ongoing Asian Cup qualification), there will be plenty of fierce competition for places on their respective first teams.

Pip,
The earlier stages of the Olyroos’ qualifying matches for Beijing 2008 were played at Hindmarsh, including their initial 11-0 victory over Chinese Taipei. Haven’t seen any of the match reports, though, so I’m not sure of the attendances for those games.

Kaz,
Irregardless of who the opponents are, the Socceroos are now a brand name, and a vastly popular one at that (much more so than the 2006 World Cup campaign, even). If we can draw 25,000 to an Adelaide United game at the Oval, we can – without doubt – bring 17,500 (including the standing capacity, naturally) to Hindmarsh for a Socceroos match. I’m sure we would even fill any temporary seating that is installed.

Kazama, the argument about Adelaide United attendances could be used for the Adelaide Crows/Port Adelaide Power, and yet the State Government still want to go ahead with the redevelopment of AAMI Stadium.

Redeveloping that stadium won’t bring anything new, from AFL or any other code, to the city. And people will still complain about its distance from the city.
Thankfully the Adelaide Oval redevelopment could stop all that from happening, bringing the AFL to that ground, and we’ll have all of our sport in a more central location.

The Rugby Sevens is played in Adelaide, and is very successful. Currently, it’s played at Adelaide Oval, and this is likely to continue, unless a quality rectangle stadium is built. Hindmarsh has been used tor a few rugby matches, of late. An U-12 final was played at Hindmarsh, just the other week.
The interest in League and Union is there, though just not as much as the other codes.

A larger rectangle stadium will also benefit the state football leagues, and could generate more interest to the local product.

The MCG is somewhat similar to AAMI Stadium, in that the playing field is quite far away, but the MCG’s seating and general facilities are of a much better (and world-class) quality, than that of AAMI, which is what puts the MCG in favour of hosting World Cup Qualifiers, and the like.

I’m not very well-educated on the Perth situation, however, but it’s more than likely similar to the AAMI Stadium debate.

And Kaz, we would most definitely sell out Hindmarsh for a Socceroos match, today. You’re underestimating the nation quite a lot, with that. It would be like United in the NSL days, where police had to turn away thousands of people, because the stadium was already well beyond maximum capacity.

The cover’s only minimal in the attacking third, in reality. To make the formation successful, you’re likely to have one holding midfielder, and two out wide. You still have the four defenders; two central, and two full backs. It’s not often that a team has an attacking third that can defend strongly, so it’s not likely to effect things too dramatically.

A good striker knows how to play into the box, meaning they shouldn’t have too much trouble getting the movement they need from outside, with the likes of Jelic and Sterjovski. The squad has some impressive experience behind their belt, which is valuable for something like this (which, I agree, is fairly risky, as it hasn’t been tested).

I know this formation is the least likely thing we’ll see, but thinking about it makes it even more intriguing an idea.

As I recall, the original name and designs (logo, guernsey, et al) came about in the same way as this new strip – fan-submitted ideas and voting. I remember there were even submitted ideas as ridiculous as “Port Adelaide Pirates.”

I must admit, the new strip did grow on me very quickly, and, while it’s hard to say for sure (without asking the players), the fresh look of the squad may have livened them up enough to play as well as they did.

It’s a funny old thing. It’s hard to get a club to make a permanent change like this, but with both the players and coach possibly backing it, and the club having success on the strip’s debut, it could happen.

Kudos to that seven-year-old. She might even get sourced by other clubs/sporting codes to design their strips, as well.

A 3-man strike formation doesn’t have to play people on the sides.

With the strikers they have, it would be interesting (and quite possibly effective) to play Sterjovski up front, as intended, with Dadi and Jelic behind him, in their ideal poaching roles. Think of a spearhead, and not spread out as far.

It may be too controversial an idea, just because Barcelona don’t use their three front men in the same way, but it would suit an extremely aggressive style of football that is likely to be played. Plenty of shots, plenty of rebounds.

Call me crazy, but its style could put a lot more bums in seats.

General, a lot of it is to do with the size of the stadium, rather than the quality. On a large pitch – such as the oval-shaped stadiums, and even the Club World Cup venues – Adelaide have been exploited many times for the tight movement of their play, and in response the defence opens up quite easily, trying to cater for the size of the field.

Pitch quality may have some part to play in their home success, but it’s more about how they’re used to playing. Hindmarsh is a small stadium, in comparison to most. It can be a lot harder to carry the same formations and tactics from that ground, to another.

GeneralAshnak, you’re right in some ways. Hindmarsh is definitely the best place to watch an A-League match, in terms of shap and how close one is to the action, but it’s an extremely poor stadium that meets very few of the FIFA criteria that should be met in a league that’s trying to garner attention on the world stage.

It’s one of those annoying situatiions. In the days of the NSL, it was the place to be. Nothing could beat its quality. Now, with the A-League and Socceross as two respectable football products in our nation, it is very much below par, and relatively ignored by the State Government, the body that owns the ground. So much so, that Adelaide Oval is an even more viable option for many of our football events.

With Clive Palmer’s billions, perhaps Skilled Park is the place to be for the upcoming year, as the new Glamour club will probably be looking to distinguish themselves as the premier club in Australia, both on and off the field, and spending money to uphold the pitch quality to – at the very least least – a good playing standard.

Ideally, that would set off a domino effect, pushing other clubs/stadium owners to follow suit, in order to maintain respect. And that’s exactly what we need.

I never realised just how many strikers Perth will have, this year. Great for squad determination.

whiskeymac’s right; starting squad selection should be based on current and training form. If Dadi’s not looking comfortable on the ball, don’t pick him. Likewise Sterjovski, or any other player, in any other position.

Looking at the Glory lineup, on paper, is it possible Mitchell will opt for a formation other than the usual 4-4-2? The squad does look very attack-minded, and capable of a 4-3-3, if they choose to go down such a path.

What a lot of people seem to be missing, in this article, is the fact that it mentions the “Euro-snob” described undermines the Australian competition, but has never been to a game.

How would they know whether they would enjoy it, if they’ve never watched a single match? What gives them a right to criticise something of which they know nothing?

Many football fans follow more than one team. Mike follows three, I follow four, and friends of mine – both here and overseas – follow similar amounts. Even a lot of Aussie Rules fans tend to follow more than one – particularly in South Australia, where the Crows and Power have no SANFL teams.

It’s not frowned upon, and it’s really no different to following teams from separate sporting codes.

Can’t really say I enjoyed reading this. A few errors in the statements, and quite a bit of bias in those words. Melbourne and Adelaide’s predictions seem to just be based on what happened last year, as well. The “Fan Culture” sections seem a little unfinished, if anything.

I’ll wait until part two, to properly criticise, though. Always good to read someone’s opinions, regardless.