A-League
Adelaide United v Newcastle Jets, 1-1
A second consecutive home game for Adelaide United, and a second draw, in front of a crowd a little shy of 8,000. It is described here as a “tense draw” that was “timid” for much of the game and “didn't reach any great heights”. Ouch. The same report appears in Fairfax also.
It is described as a “frustrating start” to the season for Adelaide United, as they have created chances, but dropping points at home is not a good start. It is also not so good for Adelaide United heading into the FFA Cup Final at the same ground on Tuesday night.
Naturally, the VAR reared its head – and Reds' coach Marco Kurz was not happy with it, or rather not happy with the non-use of it in this instance. The incident between Newcastle Jets 'keeper Glen Moss and Adelaide United's George Blackwood has left Blackwood with a broken shoulder, with the referee awarding the free kick to Newcastle Jets with no VAR review.
Central Coast v Melbourne City, tonight, 5.35pm AEDT and local
”The large shadow of the Jamaican superstar” ($) (Usain Bolt) may hang over Mariners' coach, Mike Mulvey, when he just wants to get down to the business of coaching, but Central Coast Mariners are reaping what they sowed with what is apparently turning into a stand-off at Gosford and from PR super stunt to PR zero. Mulvey is focussed on the match this evening and says there are plenty of positives to take out of last weekend's draw against Brisbane Roar.
Ross McCormack says he was happy to return to Australia (this time with Central Coast) because he simply didn't want to be stuck “training with the kids” or the physios or even by himself, as sometimes happened when he returned to Aston Villa and was iced by then manager, Steve Bruce – who was sacked soon after McCormack signed with the Mariners. McCormack says he thinks the “ship has sailed” for him at Villa but he has many friends in the squad, one being Ritchie de Laet who is also on loan, and who he will face tonight.
Another person looking forward to seeing McCormack is Melbourne City captain, Scott Jamieson, who was McCormack's closest mate when he had his guest stint at City last season. It's tipped that Jamieson will “be giving him the most lip” in tonight's clash. Jamieson says McCormack can score some great goals, but he can't defend.
Melbourne City coach, Warren Joyce, says his dressing room is much more focussed on the likes of McCormack and his ability to score goals, than Usain Bolt. Joyce says he's looking forward to seeing McCormack but hopes he doesn't score.
Sydney Derby, tonight, 7.50pm AEDT and local
Four years ago Siem de Jong was transferred to the English Premier League for $10 million. But after a run of “freak injuries” (including being stabbed in the eye at training), the 29-year-old needs to rebuild his career which is why he appreciates the opportunity to be at Sydney FC and playing every week. He said it's an opportunity for him to be playing in a “nice country” and regain his fitness and confidence playing as many games as possible.
Markus Babbel is set to get a tattoo of Western Sydney Wanderers on his arm, sharing pride of place with Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Hertha Berlin and Stuttgart. He doesn't know when it will happen – he just needs time for an appointment.
Babbel's “mind games” – declaring his team was one of the worst in the A-League and Sydney FC was one of the worst – were shrugged off by his counterpart, Steve Corica, who countered with he thought Babbel was harsh on his own team, but right about Sydney FC. Corica says the Sky Blues “will only get better”.
Men in black. Western Sydney Wanderers will debut a new third kit tonight. Gone are the red and black hoops and instead we have an all black outfit with gold logos. They say it is “a sartorial tribute to the gold star” that sits above their logo (for the Asian Champions League win) and everyone is delighted with it apparently. It has already been dubbed by #sokkahtwitter as “the best A-League kit ever”. We thought it was very nice of them to pay tribute to the CEO of the PFA on the front of shirt.
The famous SCG pitch is primed to be 'pitch perfect' condition for tonight's derby.
Brisbane Roar v Wellington Phoenix, Sunday, 4pm local, 5pm AEDT
He may be on the bench again, but that won't diminish the occasion for Matt McKay – his 250th A-League game tomorrow.
Melbourne Victory v Perth Glory, Sunday 7pm AEDT and local
Melbourne Victory says the training ground knock to Keisuke Honda yesterday was nothing much to worry about and they expect him to be fit to play on Sunday evening. Honda was still happy to sign autographs and pose for photos with his many fans after the training session.
Perth Glory striker, Andy Keogh, told an Irish radio show that Usain Bolt would not make it as a footballer.
W-League
Fairfax's 'all you need to know' about the W-League season – start with C for Canberra United (it's written by the Canberra Times journalist, Eamonn Tiernan).
No-one knows what to expect with the “totally revamped” Canberra United side, but we'll know more after 90 minutes on Sunday after their match against Melbourne City.
However, Canberra United have sprung a late surprise with the signing of 30-year-old Chilean international Maria Josa Rojas, whom Heather Garriock describes as a “diamond in the rough”.
FFA Board
“Craig Foster has long championed the cause …” of the game, writes Ray Gatt, and now he's ready to go a step further ($) than his media presence and stand for the FFA Board. Gatt says that Foster is issuing a 'call to arms' to the football community and a desire to serve the game. Foster told Gatt:
“The opportunity to serve the game at the present time is one that I feel I have a responsibility to accept … Everyone understands we need a balance and a matrix of skills are necessary to run any organisation, however, the football DNA, the lifetime service, knowledge of the game and experience having played has to be recognised as an absolutely vital part of the direction of the game going forward.”
Neither News Corp tabloids nor Fairfax are covering the FFA Board issues today. Is it because they judge their readers as not interested? Possibly. Or is it another reason? Time will tell.