The biggest and best Hyundai A-League season is upon us and with record crowds in the first round. Over 100,000 people attended Round 1 matches. It is time to have a look at what each club has done to strengthen their squads ahead of the 9th instalment of the Hyundai A-League. Each team will have key players that have arrived at their club, and key losses. I will outline each team’s in’s and out’s also their key player and a paragraph explaining their chances for the season and my prediction:
Central Coast Mariners
Coach: Graham Arnold
In: Marcel Seip (VVV Venlo, Holland, Matt Simon (Chunnam, Korea), Marcos Flores (Victory), Storm Roux (Perth), Tom Slater (Sydney).
Out: Pedj Bojic (Sydney), Patrick Zwaanswijk (retired), Oliver Bozanic (Luzern, Switzerland), Mat Ryan (Club Brugge), Bernie Ibini (Shanghai Dongya, China)
Key Player: Marcos Flores
It is only appropriate to begin with the Champions from last season: The Central Coast Mariners. The Mariners triumph in last year’s decider was their first Grand Final win in four attempts, and allowed them to erase the painful memory of the loss to Brisbane Roar in the 2011 decider. The Mariners success came at a price though, withfive regular first team players moving on from the club. Mat Ryan, one of Australia’s most promising young goalkeepers moved to Belgium and has secured regular first team football in a highly regarded European league. Oliver Bozanic is scoring goals for fun in Switzerland, and Bernie Ibini is playing alongside Golden Boot winner Daniel Mcbreen who was loaned to the same club in China to ease Bernie into the team Pedj Bojic also moves on to Sydney FC. Mariners face a tough job replicating their successful campaign last season. Dutch defender Marcel Seip has been brought in by Graham Arnold to add experience to the Mariners backline after the retirement of Grand Final scorer Patrick Zwaanswijk. Returning to the club is fan favourite Matt Simon who experienced an injury troubled two years in Korea. The Mariners best gain though was Marcos Flores who was let go by the Victory. He will add creative flair to an already strong midfield. The addition of youngsters Storm Roux and Tom Slater adds youth to the squad with Storm Roux already impressing against the Wanderers.
Prediction: The Mariners are going through a transition stage and will find it hard to replicate their success from last season. They will finish the season in 4th.
In: Marcel Seip (VVV Venlo, Holland, Matt Simon (Chunnam, Korea), Marcos Flores (Victory), Storm Roux (Perth), Tom Slater (Sydney).
Out: Pedj Bojic (Sydney), Patrick Zwaanswijk (retired), Oliver Bozanic (Luzern, Switzerland), Mat Ryan (Club Brugge), Bernie Ibini (Shanghai Dongya, China)
Key Player: Marcos Flores
It is only appropriate to begin with the Champions from last season: The Central Coast Mariners. The Mariners triumph in last year’s decider was their first Grand Final win in four attempts, and allowed them to erase the painful memory of the loss to Brisbane Roar in the 2011 decider. The Mariners success came at a price though, withfive regular first team players moving on from the club. Mat Ryan, one of Australia’s most promising young goalkeepers moved to Belgium and has secured regular first team football in a highly regarded European league. Oliver Bozanic is scoring goals for fun in Switzerland, and Bernie Ibini is playing alongside Golden Boot winner Daniel Mcbreen who was loaned to the same club in China to ease Bernie into the team Pedj Bojic also moves on to Sydney FC. Mariners face a tough job replicating their successful campaign last season. Dutch defender Marcel Seip has been brought in by Graham Arnold to add experience to the Mariners backline after the retirement of Grand Final scorer Patrick Zwaanswijk. Returning to the club is fan favourite Matt Simon who experienced an injury troubled two years in Korea. The Mariners best gain though was Marcos Flores who was let go by the Victory. He will add creative flair to an already strong midfield. The addition of youngsters Storm Roux and Tom Slater adds youth to the squad with Storm Roux already impressing against the Wanderers.
Prediction: The Mariners are going through a transition stage and will find it hard to replicate their success from last season. They will finish the season in 4th.
Western Sydney Wanderers
Coach: Tony Popovic
Key Player: Shinji Ono
In: Matthew Spiranovic (free), Tomi Juric (Adelaide), Dean Heffernan (Perth), Brendon Santalab (Chongqing Lifan, China)
Out: Dino Kresinger (Zavrc, Slovenia), Joey Gibbs (Newcastle), Tarek Elrich (Adelaide), Reece Caira (Wellington), Rocky Visconte (Suphanburi, Thailand)
The Wanderers were undoubtedly last season’s success story. After only 1 year in existence they secured a Premiers Plate and were runners-up in the Grand Final. This success must be attributed to Tony Popovic. He came into a new club, and made them into a Championship favourite all in the space of 9 months. Their recruitment of youngster Tomi Juric from Adelaide is their key in. The future Socceroo has already scored this season with the equaliser against the Mariners in a 1-1 draw. He will add youth and ability to a forward line with Mark Bridge. Their steely backline of Michael Beauchamp and Nikolai Topor-Stanley led to them conceding the least goals last season and both will be vital to their team’s chances. How big of a loss Dino Kresinger is, is yet to be seen. The continued good form of Shinji Ono and Youssof Hersi will be vital to their chances. Their outs include players who weren’t used in the first team as much, so their in’s will determine how well they will go this season.
Prediction: The Wanderers are the team to beat this season, with a great mix of experience and youth in their squad, I can see them going all the way. Premiers and Champions.
Key Player: Shinji Ono
In: Matthew Spiranovic (free), Tomi Juric (Adelaide), Dean Heffernan (Perth), Brendon Santalab (Chongqing Lifan, China)
Out: Dino Kresinger (Zavrc, Slovenia), Joey Gibbs (Newcastle), Tarek Elrich (Adelaide), Reece Caira (Wellington), Rocky Visconte (Suphanburi, Thailand)
The Wanderers were undoubtedly last season’s success story. After only 1 year in existence they secured a Premiers Plate and were runners-up in the Grand Final. This success must be attributed to Tony Popovic. He came into a new club, and made them into a Championship favourite all in the space of 9 months. Their recruitment of youngster Tomi Juric from Adelaide is their key in. The future Socceroo has already scored this season with the equaliser against the Mariners in a 1-1 draw. He will add youth and ability to a forward line with Mark Bridge. Their steely backline of Michael Beauchamp and Nikolai Topor-Stanley led to them conceding the least goals last season and both will be vital to their team’s chances. How big of a loss Dino Kresinger is, is yet to be seen. The continued good form of Shinji Ono and Youssof Hersi will be vital to their chances. Their outs include players who weren’t used in the first team as much, so their in’s will determine how well they will go this season.
Prediction: The Wanderers are the team to beat this season, with a great mix of experience and youth in their squad, I can see them going all the way. Premiers and Champions.
Melbourne Victory
Coach: Ange Postecoglou
In: Kosta Barbarousas (Alania Vladikavkaz, Russia), Mitch Nichols (Brisbane), James Troisi (Juventus/Atalanta, loan), Pablo Contreras (Olympiakos), Rashid Mahazi (Northcote City)
Out: Marco Rojas (Stuttgart), Marcos Flores (Mariners), Billy Celeski (Al Shaab, UAE), Diogo Ferreira (Brisbane), Tando Velaphi (Heart), Daniel Mullen (Dalian Aerbin, China — loan expired), Spase Dilevski, Theo Markelis, Matt Foschini
Key Player: Archie Thompson
Melbourne Victory will be raring to go after their semi-final loss to the Mariners last season. The key additions include Mitch Nichols, James Troisi and Pablo Contreras. The Victory will be keen to go all the way with a very strong squad. The loss of Marco Rojas and Marcos Flores will weaken their midfield, but the addition of Mitch Nichols from the Roar is a huge plus. Kosta Barbarousas formerly of Brisbane has been brought into strengthen the Victory attack, and he will have an influence on their final standing at season’s end. The key for Victory is A-League all-time top goal scorer Archie Thompson. With the loss of Marco Rojas a new playmaker coming in to create chances for Thompson is vital to a successful season. If everything clicks for the Victory, they will be hard to beat.
Prediction: Victory has a strong enough squad, but can the new additions gel quickly to add more goals. I believe they will have a good season and finish 3rd.
In: Kosta Barbarousas (Alania Vladikavkaz, Russia), Mitch Nichols (Brisbane), James Troisi (Juventus/Atalanta, loan), Pablo Contreras (Olympiakos), Rashid Mahazi (Northcote City)
Out: Marco Rojas (Stuttgart), Marcos Flores (Mariners), Billy Celeski (Al Shaab, UAE), Diogo Ferreira (Brisbane), Tando Velaphi (Heart), Daniel Mullen (Dalian Aerbin, China — loan expired), Spase Dilevski, Theo Markelis, Matt Foschini
Key Player: Archie Thompson
Melbourne Victory will be raring to go after their semi-final loss to the Mariners last season. The key additions include Mitch Nichols, James Troisi and Pablo Contreras. The Victory will be keen to go all the way with a very strong squad. The loss of Marco Rojas and Marcos Flores will weaken their midfield, but the addition of Mitch Nichols from the Roar is a huge plus. Kosta Barbarousas formerly of Brisbane has been brought into strengthen the Victory attack, and he will have an influence on their final standing at season’s end. The key for Victory is A-League all-time top goal scorer Archie Thompson. With the loss of Marco Rojas a new playmaker coming in to create chances for Thompson is vital to a successful season. If everything clicks for the Victory, they will be hard to beat.
Prediction: Victory has a strong enough squad, but can the new additions gel quickly to add more goals. I believe they will have a good season and finish 3rd.
Adelaide United
Coach: Josep Gombau
In: Steven Lustica (Brisbane), Isaias Sanchez (Ponferradina, Spain), Sergio Cirio (L’Hospitalet, Spain), Michael Zullo (FC Utrecht, loan), Tarek Elrich (Wanderers), Brent McGrath (Free)
Out: Iain Fyfe (Mes Kerman, Iran), Dario Vidosic (Sion, Switzerland), Fabian Barbiero, Evan Kostopoulos
Key Player: Jeronimo Neumann
Adelaide United will once again be in contention after some great recruiting by former Barcelona Youth Coach Josep Gombau. The inclusions of Spanish pair Isaias Sanchez and Sergio Cirio add flair to Adelaide. Michael Zullo returns to Australia on loan from FC Utrecht to strengthen Adelaide’s defence. He will be keen to see more first team football leading into the World Cup next season. The loss of Dario Vidosic will dampen Adelaide in midfield will the midfielder moving to Switzerland to ply his trade before Brazil. The continued good form of Jeronimo Neumann will be vital to Adelaide’s chances this season.
Prediction: I believe Adelaide will be playing finals, but in one of the lower places. I predict a 5th place finish.
In: Steven Lustica (Brisbane), Isaias Sanchez (Ponferradina, Spain), Sergio Cirio (L’Hospitalet, Spain), Michael Zullo (FC Utrecht, loan), Tarek Elrich (Wanderers), Brent McGrath (Free)
Out: Iain Fyfe (Mes Kerman, Iran), Dario Vidosic (Sion, Switzerland), Fabian Barbiero, Evan Kostopoulos
Key Player: Jeronimo Neumann
Adelaide United will once again be in contention after some great recruiting by former Barcelona Youth Coach Josep Gombau. The inclusions of Spanish pair Isaias Sanchez and Sergio Cirio add flair to Adelaide. Michael Zullo returns to Australia on loan from FC Utrecht to strengthen Adelaide’s defence. He will be keen to see more first team football leading into the World Cup next season. The loss of Dario Vidosic will dampen Adelaide in midfield will the midfielder moving to Switzerland to ply his trade before Brazil. The continued good form of Jeronimo Neumann will be vital to Adelaide’s chances this season.
Prediction: I believe Adelaide will be playing finals, but in one of the lower places. I predict a 5th place finish.
Brisbane Roar
Coach: Mike Mulvey
In: Matt McKay (Changchun, China), Liam Miller (Perth), Dimitri Petratos (Kelantan, Malaysia), Diogo Ferreira (Victory)
Out: Ben Halloran (Fortuna Dusseldorf), Steven Lustica (Adelaide), Matthew Jurman (Sydney), Massimo Murdocca (Heart), Stefan Nijland
Key Player: Thomas Broich
Brisbane Roar may have the best squad on paper in the league, but last season they failed to make an impact. The key addition is a returning Matt Mckay who by playing regular football will stake his claim for a seat on the plane to Brazil. Four key losses of Halloran, Lustica, Jurman and Murdocca may harm Brisbane’s chances, but with the free scoring Besart Berisha and the quality possessed by Thomas Broich the Roar will once again challenge for the title.
Prediction: A team with the quality that the Roar has always has the potential to finish high. They will have a good run and finish 2nd.
In: Matt McKay (Changchun, China), Liam Miller (Perth), Dimitri Petratos (Kelantan, Malaysia), Diogo Ferreira (Victory)
Out: Ben Halloran (Fortuna Dusseldorf), Steven Lustica (Adelaide), Matthew Jurman (Sydney), Massimo Murdocca (Heart), Stefan Nijland
Key Player: Thomas Broich
Brisbane Roar may have the best squad on paper in the league, but last season they failed to make an impact. The key addition is a returning Matt Mckay who by playing regular football will stake his claim for a seat on the plane to Brazil. Four key losses of Halloran, Lustica, Jurman and Murdocca may harm Brisbane’s chances, but with the free scoring Besart Berisha and the quality possessed by Thomas Broich the Roar will once again challenge for the title.
Prediction: A team with the quality that the Roar has always has the potential to finish high. They will have a good run and finish 2nd.
Perth Glory
Coach: Alistair Edwards
In: Sidnei (Alki Larnaca, Cyprus), Ryan Edwards (Reading, loan), Cameron Edwards (free), Jamie Maclaren (Blackburn), Isaka Cernak (Wellington)
Out: Liam Miller (Brisbane), Dean Heffernan (Wanderers), Storm Roux (Mariners), Matias Cordoba, Nick Ward, Evan Berger, Neil Young
Key Player: Shane Smeltz
Perth are a very hard team to predict with their up and down form of last season. After finishing runners-up to the Roar in contentious fashion in the 11/12 Grand Final, they were expected to make another run for revenge. They had a mixed season finishing 6th. I think their outs are very interesting. Losing Liam Miller, Dean Heffernan and promising youngster Storm Roux, the Glory have brought in to replace the departed with players most of us have not heard of. Shane Smeltz is undeniably their most important man. The Kiwi striker has proved that he can be the league’s best striker and he will have to score a bagful for the Glory to be any chance to finish in a high place.
Prediction: The Glory will once again be a mixed bag, and I believe they will miss the finals. They will finish 7th.
In: Sidnei (Alki Larnaca, Cyprus), Ryan Edwards (Reading, loan), Cameron Edwards (free), Jamie Maclaren (Blackburn), Isaka Cernak (Wellington)
Out: Liam Miller (Brisbane), Dean Heffernan (Wanderers), Storm Roux (Mariners), Matias Cordoba, Nick Ward, Evan Berger, Neil Young
Key Player: Shane Smeltz
Perth are a very hard team to predict with their up and down form of last season. After finishing runners-up to the Roar in contentious fashion in the 11/12 Grand Final, they were expected to make another run for revenge. They had a mixed season finishing 6th. I think their outs are very interesting. Losing Liam Miller, Dean Heffernan and promising youngster Storm Roux, the Glory have brought in to replace the departed with players most of us have not heard of. Shane Smeltz is undeniably their most important man. The Kiwi striker has proved that he can be the league’s best striker and he will have to score a bagful for the Glory to be any chance to finish in a high place.
Prediction: The Glory will once again be a mixed bag, and I believe they will miss the finals. They will finish 7th.
Sydney FC
Coach: Frank Farina
In: Richard Garcia (Heart), Corey Gameiro (Fulham), Pedj Bojic (Mariners), Matt Jurman (Brisbane), Nick Carle (Bani Yas, UAE, loan expired), Marc Warren (Airdrie, Scotland)
Out: Joel Griffiths (Qingdao Jonoon, China), Kruno Lovrek, Fabio, Nathan Sherlock, Adam Griffiths, Paul Reid, Trent McClenahan
Key Player: Alessandro Del Piero
Sydney FC was the major disappointments of last season. After their highly publicised purchase of Italian football legend Alessandro Del Piero, they missed out on the finals due to an extremely poor goal defence. Conceding 51 goals last season in just 27 games, Sydney had to recruit well to do well in the upcoming season. A key in for them is Pedj Bojic. The Championship winner with the Mariners is what Sydney sorely need. An attacking wing back to add width to their attack. ADP will surely be the key for them. The best player in the A-League will have a standout season and will lead Sydney to bigger and better things than last season.
Prediction: I believe Sydney will scrape into the finals and finish 6th.
In: Richard Garcia (Heart), Corey Gameiro (Fulham), Pedj Bojic (Mariners), Matt Jurman (Brisbane), Nick Carle (Bani Yas, UAE, loan expired), Marc Warren (Airdrie, Scotland)
Out: Joel Griffiths (Qingdao Jonoon, China), Kruno Lovrek, Fabio, Nathan Sherlock, Adam Griffiths, Paul Reid, Trent McClenahan
Key Player: Alessandro Del Piero
Sydney FC was the major disappointments of last season. After their highly publicised purchase of Italian football legend Alessandro Del Piero, they missed out on the finals due to an extremely poor goal defence. Conceding 51 goals last season in just 27 games, Sydney had to recruit well to do well in the upcoming season. A key in for them is Pedj Bojic. The Championship winner with the Mariners is what Sydney sorely need. An attacking wing back to add width to their attack. ADP will surely be the key for them. The best player in the A-League will have a standout season and will lead Sydney to bigger and better things than last season.
Prediction: I believe Sydney will scrape into the finals and finish 6th.
Newcastle Jets
Coach: Gary Van Egmond
In: Kew Jaliens (Wisla Krakow, Poland), Nathan Burns (Incheon United, Korea, loan), Joey Gibbs (Wanderers)
Out: Jack Duncan (Perth), Bernardo Ribeiro, Dominik Ritter, Marko Jesic
Key Player: Emile Heskey
Newcastle will aim for the finals this season after a poor season last year. The Jets will have to contend with key losses in personnel, and more pressure will be heaped on marquee Emile Heskey to score the majority of the goals. A promising youngster Craig Goodwin will also be vital down that right flank to add width and creativity to a weakened Jets squad
Prediction: Missing the finals again, the Jets are not strong enough. They will finish 9th.
In: Kew Jaliens (Wisla Krakow, Poland), Nathan Burns (Incheon United, Korea, loan), Joey Gibbs (Wanderers)
Out: Jack Duncan (Perth), Bernardo Ribeiro, Dominik Ritter, Marko Jesic
Key Player: Emile Heskey
Newcastle will aim for the finals this season after a poor season last year. The Jets will have to contend with key losses in personnel, and more pressure will be heaped on marquee Emile Heskey to score the majority of the goals. A promising youngster Craig Goodwin will also be vital down that right flank to add width and creativity to a weakened Jets squad
Prediction: Missing the finals again, the Jets are not strong enough. They will finish 9th.
Melbourne Heart
Coach: John Aloisi
In: Patrick Kisnorbo (Leeds), Orlando Engelaar (PSV Eindhoven), Rob Wielaert (Roda JC, Holland), Harry Kewell, Andrea Migliorini (free) Massimo Murdocca (Brisbane), Tando Velaphi (Victory), Iain Ramsay (Adelaide), Aziz Behich (Bursaspor, loan), Stefan Mauk (youth team)
Out: Clint Bolton (retired) Josip Tadic (Rijeka, Croatia), Eli Babalj (AZ Alkmaar, Holland), Simon Colosimo, Matt Thompson, Fred, Marcel Meeuwis, Jamie Coyne
Key Player: Harry Kewell
The Heart will be aiming to finish above their noisy neighbours this season with key additions to their squad. The addition of former Victory man and Socceroos legend Harry Kewell will add more spice to each derby. Kewell’s form is vital to Heart’s successes this season although they have recruited very well. Massimo Murdocca from Roar will add creativity from the midfield and also add playmaker ability to the team. Patrick Kisnorbo and Orlando Engelaar join after hefty careers in the EPL and Dutch leagues. Also Iain Ramsey and Aziz Behich join with A-League experience.
Prediction: Missing the finals, the length of their injury list will determine their season. I believe they will come 8th.
In: Patrick Kisnorbo (Leeds), Orlando Engelaar (PSV Eindhoven), Rob Wielaert (Roda JC, Holland), Harry Kewell, Andrea Migliorini (free) Massimo Murdocca (Brisbane), Tando Velaphi (Victory), Iain Ramsay (Adelaide), Aziz Behich (Bursaspor, loan), Stefan Mauk (youth team)
Out: Clint Bolton (retired) Josip Tadic (Rijeka, Croatia), Eli Babalj (AZ Alkmaar, Holland), Simon Colosimo, Matt Thompson, Fred, Marcel Meeuwis, Jamie Coyne
Key Player: Harry Kewell
The Heart will be aiming to finish above their noisy neighbours this season with key additions to their squad. The addition of former Victory man and Socceroos legend Harry Kewell will add more spice to each derby. Kewell’s form is vital to Heart’s successes this season although they have recruited very well. Massimo Murdocca from Roar will add creativity from the midfield and also add playmaker ability to the team. Patrick Kisnorbo and Orlando Engelaar join after hefty careers in the EPL and Dutch leagues. Also Iain Ramsey and Aziz Behich join with A-League experience.
Prediction: Missing the finals, the length of their injury list will determine their season. I believe they will come 8th.
Wellington Phoenix
Coach: Ernie Merrick:
In: Albert Riera (Auckland City), Carlos Hernandez (Prayag Utd, India), Kenny Cunningham (The Strongest, Bolivia), Reece Caira (Wanderers), Lewis Italiano (Perth), Luke Adams (Derby County), Josh Brindell-South (Moreton Bay Utd, Qld), Alex Rufer (youth team)
Out: Isaka Cernak (Perth), Mark Paston (retired), Tony Lochhead, Alex Smith, Dani Sanchez, Jimmy Downey, Lucas Pantelis
Key Player: Carlos Hernandez
The key addition to the Phoenix’s squad this year is both their coach Ernie Merrick and former Victory man Carlos Hernandez. Wellington finished with the wooden spoon last season and the purchase of Hernandez will surely add an X-Factor to Phoenix’s attack. Something they have needed for many seasons.
Prediction: Wellington will lag behind the other teams once again. I’m afraid they will finish as wooden spooners again.
In: Albert Riera (Auckland City), Carlos Hernandez (Prayag Utd, India), Kenny Cunningham (The Strongest, Bolivia), Reece Caira (Wanderers), Lewis Italiano (Perth), Luke Adams (Derby County), Josh Brindell-South (Moreton Bay Utd, Qld), Alex Rufer (youth team)
Out: Isaka Cernak (Perth), Mark Paston (retired), Tony Lochhead, Alex Smith, Dani Sanchez, Jimmy Downey, Lucas Pantelis
Key Player: Carlos Hernandez
The key addition to the Phoenix’s squad this year is both their coach Ernie Merrick and former Victory man Carlos Hernandez. Wellington finished with the wooden spoon last season and the purchase of Hernandez will surely add an X-Factor to Phoenix’s attack. Something they have needed for many seasons.
Prediction: Wellington will lag behind the other teams once again. I’m afraid they will finish as wooden spooners again.