The Roar
The Roar

David Shilovsky

Expert

Joined February 2020

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David writes about football for The Roar. He has previously written for North Shore Living and Kick360.

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Yes, I do, and we should be optimistic we can get back there. 28k on Saturday was still a good result.

Sydney Derby shows what A-League can be, Foley handed Auckland licence, City in trouble?

I think Football Australia aren’t complete morons – there was merit to both the Macarthur and Western United expansion bids. The execution, obviously, leaves a lot to be desired.

Let’s say we cut those two sides for next season, bringing the equation to six of 12 – an even 50 per cent. Does that sound better? Or do you think one of the four big city teams don’t deserve their spot?

If you’re suggesting we should have a second team in Queensland, I can’t see the merit in that argument.

Sydney Derby shows what A-League can be, Foley handed Auckland licence, City in trouble?

You’re leaving out some pertinent details about Gold Coast, but I agree with your broader point: we can’t be too NSW and Victoria-centric.

Sydney Derby shows what A-League can be, Foley handed Auckland licence, City in trouble?

To be fair, that’ll soon be eight of 14, or 57 per cent.

Sydney Derby shows what A-League can be, Foley handed Auckland licence, City in trouble?

Wellington have been impressive, Redcap, but as you say they need to sustain it for more than five weeks. They did it on Saturday without Zawada in the side though, which bodes well.

Sydney Derby shows what A-League can be, Foley handed Auckland licence, City in trouble?

The thing is, we don’t need 28k at every game. That would be delightful, but I’d settle for a 10k average across the league.

Saturday night was an important shot in the arm. But just compare those scenes to 24 hours earlier in Campbelltown.

Sydney Derby shows what A-League can be, Foley handed Auckland licence, City in trouble?

The point is every club has a pocket of unruly fans. Best not to throw stones when you live in a glass house.

Talay era begins with a bang, VAR drama strikes again, Irankunda earns European move

That’s a shame. Biggest issue I’ve encountered this season is the resolution dropping throughout a game, but that’s a pretty minor complaint. Happy with Paramount’s coverage, including pre and post-game stuff.

Talay era begins with a bang, VAR drama strikes again, Irankunda earns European move

Penha is probably more talented, but not many players I’d rather watch than Davila. Brilliant showing today.

Talay era begins with a bang, VAR drama strikes again, Irankunda earns European move

I think the bar for A-League clubs is higher than the ownership simply remaining solvent. If Western United were ‘on another planet’, they wouldn’t be taking home games to Tasmania. Their ambitions are lofty but they have yet to follow through with them.

A-League Round 3 talking points: City's ruthless call, Victory reborn, King gets it wrong

It’s a little strange, because he’s obviously capable of finishing, as shown in his form for Macarthur early last season. If he can recapture that he’ll be a menace for defenders.

A-League Round 3 talking points: City's ruthless call, Victory reborn, King gets it wrong

For sure. They actually cracked 10k in Round 1, but reverted to the usual 5-6k on Friday night.

A-League Round 3 talking points: City's ruthless call, Victory reborn, King gets it wrong

I’m about 50 kilometres from Campbelltown Stadium, which tells you about this city’s urban sprawl, so I’m not really familiar either. That phrase “growth corridor” is always bandied about – I can only imagine the region’s population will swell over the next decade, presumably including more football and sport fans.
Unfortunately, it could all be too late for the Bulls. They are in North Queensland Fury territory with their attendances, and we all know that franchise’s fate.

A-League Round 3 talking points: City's ruthless call, Victory reborn, King gets it wrong

Hi mate, the big two of Victory and Sydney FC have always been at or near the top of the table when it comes to attendance, but Wanderers could be doing better, Brisbane could be doing better.

Macarthur and Western United’s numbers have been downright awful since they each came into the competition. Might be flogging a dead horse, but I feel it’s worth pointing out until they improve to at least regularly drawing 5000 – an arbitrary mark, I know, but could be a starting point.

A-League Round 3 talking points: City's ruthless call, Victory reborn, King gets it wrong

Talay would be the obvious option.

A-League Round 2 talking points: Super Sunday, five-star Wanderers, Corica feeling the heat

Vidosic is under pressure as well, but there’s no use comparing an Australia Cup with an A-League premiership. Not to mention it was City who emphatically eliminated Sydney from the finals.

A-League Round 2 talking points: Super Sunday, five-star Wanderers, Corica feeling the heat

Just want one more Matchday Saturday with Peacock, Bozza and Robbie Slater.

A-League Round 2 talking points: Super Sunday, five-star Wanderers, Corica feeling the heat

He’s had a poor start, but let’s put it in context. Vidosic still managed to clinch the premiership and get to the Grand Final, so I don’t think he’s in trouble yet.

Corica, on the other hand, has overseen two poor seasons in a row.

A-League Round 2 talking points: Super Sunday, five-star Wanderers, Corica feeling the heat

With closer alignment of the A-League Women season, it’s likely this will keep happening but it’s only getting warmer. Not out of the question we’ll see games kicking off in 35° conditions by December.

A-League Round 1 talking points: Champions' calamity, Big Blue boilover, Danny departs

You’d hope the Mariners, specifically, are getting adept at maximising transfer fees as it appears to be a significant aspect of their commercial viability.

A-League Round 1 talking points: Champions' calamity, Big Blue boilover, Danny departs

Their ambition is admirable, and it would be difficult to say no to such lucrative moves early in their respective careers, but I do agree with you, Brendan. Silvera only had 51 A-League appearances, Triantis even fewer.

Showing some patience may have actually been better for their development. Let’s see – still very early days for both of them.

A-League Round 1 talking points: Champions' calamity, Big Blue boilover, Danny departs

I’ve got a feeling Mariners could really struggle, and the Jets’ roster on paper could be the worst in the league.

A-League Round 1 talking points: Champions' calamity, Big Blue boilover, Danny departs

Hynes admitted he probably should have set himself a bit deeper, too.

ANALYSIS: Redemption for Walker as Roosters lose Manu, Suaalii and Teddy - but pull off all-time epic finals win

And to the point you and Brainstrust were making, the ref tonight obviously didn’t punish Sweden for those niggly fouls. That will always be a part of the game, and if we possessed better players, they would be able to overcome the cynical tactics by playing better football.

Classy Sweden deny Matildas third-placed finish as Gustavsson keeps status quo

What the last two matches have proven is the Matildas lack the high-end skill of some of the European sides, and the USA of the previous decade. We had a brilliant campaign, I’m not denying that, but the gap in class showed on Wednesday, as well as tonight.

Classy Sweden deny Matildas third-placed finish as Gustavsson keeps status quo

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