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The NRL’s 2024 season opener in Las Vegas will propel the game's international status, broadcasting opportunities and excel Rugby League discourse in both the…
The NRL’s decision to support the Indigenous Voice to Parliament joins what will be a growing chorus of sporting organisations weighing in on this…
Earlier this week, 23 clubs from six states and territories submitted their proposal for a national second division. Indeed, a proposal of this magnitude…
It’s the goal that sent a chorus of delirium through Australia. A moment entrenched in Australia’s sporting history sending shockwaves globally and representing Australia’s…
Another year, another A-League season that's flashed before our eyes, this time with a majority of teams forced to relocate to New South Wales…
The resumption of the 2020 NRL season has seen its fair share of sensationalism. There has been player hubs, relocation of clubs and player…
After a two-year absence, the Penrith Panthers and the Sydney Roosters kicked off the fifth instalment of the NRL Nines. Perth’s HBF Park played…
Chelsea’s last Premier League game saw them draw 2-2 with Leicester at the King Power Stadium, now cementing three games without a victory for…
Well that’s a wrap! After 30 weeks in Australian top-flight football, Perth Glory hosted Sydney FC in front of over 56,000 fans at Optus…
The in-form Parramatta Eels take on the reigning premiers the Roosters this Friday night at ANZ Stadium in what has arguably been deemed as…
The German Bundesliga is currently 26 weeks old with powerhouses Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund equal top of the table, boasting 60 points each,…
The PSG dominance is a highly relevant argument, explaining why there is a lack of interest of Ligue 1 in Australia. However, Ligue 1 lacks the working-class, grundy and suburban utopia of the EPL – Australians reconcile with working-class symbolism expressed in sports.
I do not wish to digress in comparisons, but can Ligue 1 appeal to the same extent as “a cold rainy night in Stoke?” Or enthral the masses with the likes of Newcastle and Brighton challenging a formidable ‘big 6’? I doubt it.
There is little room for Ligue 1 discourse when AFL, League, Cricket, EPL and Union dominant the sporting dialogue.
Unless there is transfer news coming out of PSG, or an Mbappé stunner, expect little conformity to Ligue 1.
Sacré bleu! Is Ligue 1 the most underrated league in world football?
“Souths go out there half asleep, and around the 70th minute wake up to the reality that they are 16 behind and they’d better do something about it.”
I think you subliminally summarised the issue with Souths: With the exception of Melbourne and Penrith, of course, playing finals in consecutive season would be detrimental to stamina, stability and motive. Of course it’s ideal to finish in top 8, but consecutive finals appearances are taking its toll on this squad.
How has it all gone so wrong for Souths in 2023?
If the NRL are trying to maintain and expand an elite competition, how will a season opener in Vegas do that? One game in the U.S. will not foster an entirely new grassroots demographic to the NRL. The AFL took a similar path when they took a few Port Adelaide games to Shanghai – this obviously did nothing to expand the international reach nor excel its professionalism. While the issues between regional footy and international showpieces seem unrelated in context, the NRL are still responsible for regional community consultation, strategies and engagement. To say the NRL has no responsibility, nor ties to the regions, is utterly ignorant.
Taking the NRL to Las Vegas stacks the odds against regional rugby league
No need for the ‘dumb’ comment. You just clarified my argument, Perth has no applicants so your comment is a contradiction. How will the Glory survive if they’re demoted and there is no second division applicant?
While there maybe two applicants in South Australia – which I’m aware of – what happens if Adelaide United are demoted and all three South Australian teams are in the second division? There’s no doubt football in South Australia will suffer due to lack of interest both on a financial and supporter basis.
Again, I ask, how is this sustainable? I don’t think you’ve considered your comment here.
The problem with a national second division
Interesting opinion regarding the “headlines”-
Given the enormous amount of talent floating about in the premier league ie:(James Maddison), It’s difficult to single out an individual constantly. I’m sure the British media is more diverse on opinion pieces than our mainstream media. Also, Grealishs’ recent performance have rewarded him with multiple national team call ups.
Jack Grealish is the most underappreciated star in the Premier League
Disagree with the comments made about Izzo, the back 4 of Adelaide United had a tumultuous last 2 rounds (pre the season suspension). I’d say their struggles relate to a lacklustre defensive stature. Michael Maria is on the outer at left back and Jakobsen struggles to keep pace with speedy opposition. Izzo is the least to blame in this instance.
The one player each A-League club should poach
Interesting to hear so much talk around promotion/relegation. Most football fans think it’s the solution to all the woes under the current A-League format, but one thing that hasn’t been accounted for is the sheer geographic size of Australia and what’s potentially good for the growth of the game. For example if Perth Glory get relegated and a NSW team gets promoted, football growth and expansion in WA would take a huge hit being in the second division and the competition could potentially be a one state focused format.
Football in Australia must unite the old with the new
Interesting points Jorge, I feel 3rd place qualification is a topic that has been shunned in the media for quite sometime now. The addition of proposed a 48 team World Cup tournament will demonstrate a lacklustre and uneventful qualification period, similar to your group stage statements. One factor to remember is Portugal overcome strong nations through out the knock out stages to reach the eventual final. Beating France in front of their home crowd was a remarkable achievement considering Portugal were the ultimate underdogs. I mean let’s face it, we all love seeing the little guy take it to the opposition!
How UEFA softened the European Championships
Good points, however Western Melbourne was considered as a fast growing region. I feel as if Western United have been a poor expansion considering the overwhelming bids from other states/clubs. Perhaps the FFA could have done better? What are your thoughts?
How the FFA can expand successfully
I Agree with the Wollongong Wolves statement, it should have been the Wolves over Macarthur to begin with. As for Tasmania, one fault people tend to forget is the fact they have no rectangular field to support a football club in an AFL mad state. Out of the three options you have purposed, I’d be putting Tasmania as the least priority.
How the FFA can expand successfully
Stating the obvious in this article. Drastic changes need to be made if Adelaide are to be a contender again, perhaps a major clean out of the board and bring in some personnel that will fund the club to allow better marquee’s to prosper, as securing consistent marquee’s has been a frequent problem for Adelaide.
The four ways Adelaide United can improve next season
Seems the most logical and popular opinions surround Tasmania and Canberra. However, Tasmania have quite a poor range of sporting facilities in both Hobart and Launceston, this includes not having a purpose built rectangular complex. As for Canberra, establishment of fans will be hard to achieve as most jobs held in Canberra are usually government. In my opinion is should have been Wollongong over MacArthur, more of a geographical distinction and a perfect traditional club to tap into in Wollongong Wolves, not to mention the perfect stadium.
Who could replace the Phoenix?
Fair play to the Mariners fans, despite their teams poor form over recent years they regularly turn out in numbers in Newcastle. Sunday’s weather was unbelievable at some moments with authorities urging people to stay off motorways and main roads. So it’s hard to argue as to why there was such a poor attendance at Newcastle, I wouldn’t read too much into it. The “punching above their weight” comparison isn’t equal as teams such as Sheffield United are able to purchase marquee’s well over the million dollar mark, something the Jets and the Mariners would only dream of.
The state of the F3 Derby
Unfortunately have to agree with some of the comments on here about similar articles and comparisons between code attendances. Comparing A-League attendances with NRL & AFL does more damage to the game than good. The NRL comparison was interesting, however in recent years the NRL have managed to struck a major broadcasting deal with 9 and fox league, therefore cementing interesting by broadcast. Game day attendance would be a low priority for the NRL on the back of this deal. Coming Back to the A-league, a series of factors could be deemed responsible for the low crowd figures, these include- extreme heat weaves, unprecedented bushfires and repetitive fixtures tarnishing due to lack of expansion in recent years.
Think the A-League has poor crowds? Think again
Don’t forget their marquee singing Gary Hooper- I feel once he finds form at Wellington he’ll be one to watch in the coming weeks, given his impressive resùme
Wellington Phoenix are best placed to challenge Sydney FC's crown
Boyd should stop being so selfish and put the club first rather than himself. By this I mean he should retire and free a position for an upcoming outside back, and consider himself as a mentor for the club in the future.
What to do with Darius Boyd?
Agree with you Tiger. However, scrums create the opportunity for the offence team with limited players amongst the field due to the scrum being held, therefore set plays are in key.
What are scrums good for in rugby league?
Surprised about the inclusion of Luke Brattan to “fitting in” I feel he has hasn’t been as potent nor involved as his previous season were with Melb City/Brisbane
Who’s hot and who’s not in the A-League?
Disagree about the choice of Thurgate for man of the match. Moss was outstanding in the second half and made some important saves in the first, while despite scoring the match winner, Thurgate was missing in the second half.
My wrap-up of Round 6 of the A-League
Similar to Melbourne’s success of the over the last decade. Victorian media barely cover Rugby League.
Spare a thought for Roosters fans
Awesome singing by the Nix, followed by promising and enlightening football last night against Sydney.
Hooperman flies in to save the Nix
Maclaren has been in top form both domestically and internationally, although against lacklustre opponents.
Is Jamie Maclaren the marquee player Melbourne City needs?
Craig Noone has been outstanding pre season, let’s hope he can back it up come the regular.
Melbourne derby to provide early glimpse of title credentials
Very harsh verdict on the FFA cup in that regard- I personally think it’s a great concept. The A-League seriously lacks marketing values and development which is something you didn’t mention. As for marquees Honda was a fantastic import.
Is this D-Day for the A-League?
“A part of the reason we watch the Premier League in Australia is because they speak English.“ That’s not necessarily true.
Asia accounts for the EPL’s biggest overseas market – far superior to any other European League. It is the most watched League in Asia with approximately 650 million viewers at any given time. Can any Ligue 1 – other than PSG – match the global profiles of the EPL’s big 6? Highly unlikely. I’m not trying to diminish the standards of Ligue 1, but it’s simply a matter of fact that it’s global reach is limited.
The same EPL popularity applies to the America’s, with overwhelming support for Liverpool, Man U and City. One must only look at EPL shirt sales to distinguish its global superiority.
I do not believe the French League can replicate this same support globally, nor can it surpass EPL predominance abroad.
I understand Australia is an entirely different market to Asia and America, but I’m sure you can see a pattern here. The EPL has more to offer than Ligue 1 and that enables a global audience – native English or not.
But don’t worry Mike, I’ll be sure to ask Son Heung-min for his autograph because I’m from Australia and speak English.
Sacré bleu! Is Ligue 1 the most underrated league in world football?