Its that time of the year again, where excitement builds up in every Football supporter in Australasia's stomach as we all eagerly await that first whistle at AAMI Park in Melbourne, to kick start the A-League season. Here's the first four previews.
ADELAIDE UNITED
Notable Inclusions/Exceptions:
Adelaide have done well with there signings, with Sergio Van Dyk and Nigel Boogaard already proven in the A-League they should be very reliable in the lineup. They have also signed Marcos Flores, who will do nothing but add support for Van Dyk in that crucial attacking third. The most notable exception is young Scott Jamieson who has departed for rival A-League side Sydney FC. Other players that have departed include Alemao (released), Kristain Sarkies(Melbourne Heart) and Cristiano (released).
Key Players:
Sergio Van Dyk is a striker who has already proven himself in the league, so he should help to add some firepower to the Adelaide attack, also with Lloyd Owusu and possibly Marcos Flores to mix in there they should have a decent attack. Nigel Boogaard should bring confidence to Adelaides defence, and if Rini Coolen can fit in all of Travis Dodd, Lucas Pantelis, Matthew Leckie and Fabian Barbiero, they should have a very attacking minded midfield to provide focus and direction for the front third.
Prediction:
7th. They could be the darkhorse with there attacking talent. But with so much attacking minded players and not as much talented defenders it will be interesting to see how they lineup this season.
BRISBANE ROAR
Notable Inclusions/Exceptions:
With Griffin McMaster(released), Matthew Ham(North Queensland Fury FC), Sergio Van Dyk(Adelaide) and the young trio of Adam Sarota, Tommy Oar and Michael Zullo all saying there goodbyes to the club, It leaves a gaping hole in the Brisbane attacking and goalkeeping ranks. But, with Reinaldo and Henrique staying with the club and Kosta Barborouses(Wellington Phoenix), Andrew Redmayne(Central Coast Mariners), Michael Theoklitos (Norwich City, England ), Thomas Broich (1. FC Nuremberg) and Jean Carlo Solorzano(LD Alajuelense, Costa Rica ) coming in they've more than made up for there losses. Craig Moore and Danny Tiato have also left the club.
Key Players:
Michael Theoklitos will be vital in marshalling a poor looking Brisbane defence. Also Jean Carlo Solorzano, Henrique and Reinaldo will be a handful if Ange Postecoglou can fit them all in to the attacking third. Broich, to many people in Australasia, is unknown so by that, it's unknown whether he'll be a great asset or a terrible signing by Postecoglou.
Prediction: 9th. Strong looking attack, but a poor looking defence. As the old saying goes "Defence whens championships".
CENTRAL COAST MARINERS
Notable Inclusions/Exceptions:
The losses of Dean Heffernan(Melbourne Heart) and Nigel Boogaard(Adelaide United) are huge for the Mariners defence, but Patrick Zwaanswijk and Josh Rose both should be helpful at the back. While miniature Argentine Patricio Perez could be quality in that attacking midfield posistion given his previous honours that include Argentina u-20 and u-17 squad member. He should make up for the loss of Nicky Travis. Also Adam Kwasnik returns to the Mariners and Daniel McBreen comes into the squad.
Key Players:
Perez, Porter and MacGlinchey. No doubt for me. If these three provide good delivery for the Forwards, watch out for this side. Perhaps the darkhorse, all they need is Central Coast to really make BlueTongue a fortress. That midfield's going to make or brake there season, me thinks.
Prediction: 8th. Mainly because of Heffernan and Boogaard departing. Although I wouldn't be suprised if they slowly start climbing the ladder when there new signings start to gel with the rest of the squad. In saying that Perez is key for me, if he succeeds, Central Coast succeed.
GOLD COAST UNITED
Notable Inclusions/Exceptions:
Everyone thought Shane Smeltz was off to China, but just four days in, he was back in Australia. Other than that, theres been hardly any movement in the transfer market for Gold Coast apart from John Curtis comes in to the backline and Glen Moss comes in for the departing Jess Vanstratten. Also Charlie Miller has left the club.
Key Players:
Jason Culinas presence in midfield will be key to Gold Coast being successful this year. Also if they want to be a title contender, Culina and Porter need to be on top form and scoring goals to help out Smeltz in the attcking third. The defence needs to be sharp and Glen Moss needs to be on his toes.
Prediction:
6th. The defence could be the let down but once again the majority of the goals will rely on Smeltz, which once again will not be enough to meet Big Clive Palmers expectations.
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