A-League teams are always so distinctive in their play, so it is always fun to compare them with other things we love.
Here at The Football Sack we have decided to matchup A-League teams with the Marvel movie they most resemble.
Adelaide United – Captain America: Winter Soldier
Some new faces packed a punch whilst also setting the side up well for the future.
With the Toure brothers (Mohammad and Al Hassan) and fellow youngster Kusini Yengi was showing glimpses of being exciting first-team players just like in the film, the arrival of the Winter Solider may have its challenges. Still, it should ultimately yield success in the long term.
Brisbane Roar – Doctor Strange
Just like Doctor Strange, there were moments of colourful brilliance displayed in their attack and creativity going forward.
One of the best sides defensively in the league, grounded in good playing style comparative to the movie.
The only real negative for the side was, at times, big names became a little one dimensional, hindering their chances of cracking the top two.
A fun experience and pleasant and memorable side that on their best day could be considered one of the best in the season.
Central Coast Mariners – Spider-Man: Homecoming
Like Spiderman Homecoming, the Mariners are a fun, exhilarating team returning to their former glory.
It has been a while since the Mariners were on top of their game, but just like Homecoming, their return was fruitful and full of joy.
Their season started strongly, however, just like the middle portion of this movie, it lacked the certain flair it once had. It was not the most incredible season by any stretch of the imagination, but this was a triumphant return after being away for so long.
Macarthur FC – Avengers: Age of Ultron
So much promise, however, it just could not deliver the goods.
Sure, this team made the finals, but that was more to do with the big-budget and all the hype. When you break this team down, it’s really disappointing and a little dull.
Although there were some standout performances from Mark Milligan/James Spader, bringing a level of class and surety when needed. Of all the big-budget films in the franchise, it is the most forgettable middle of the pack movie and the Bulls have clear improvement but comfortability in their performances.
Melbourne City – Thor Ragnarök
Just like the movie, this team is all adrenaline. Plenty of wow moment that took your breath away, with the front three of Andrew Nabbout, Jamie Maclaren and Craig Noone put the same level of fear into opponents as the overpowered Hulk.
Just like Taika Waititi, Patrick Kisnorbo put together a perfectly balanced masterpiece. Although not a perfect season, there were moments where it could have been better. However, it’s pretty close to perfect when you are way it up with the rest of the film.
The actions sequences for the team were fun and constantly changing with a rapid style, however, what made it so great was the well-rounded cast that played their role to perfection just like this City side.
Melbourne Victory – Thor: The Dark World
Where do we begin with this movie? Just like Thor: The Dark World, this season has been so forgettable you would have to watch it twice to remember it happened. With a forgettable attack that mirrored the poor action sequences and plot of this movie.
Just like the Thor franchise, this is the annoying season you pretend did not happen. Having stemmed from a prestigious solo franchise that has some stars who lit up the screen.
Even though this season lacked some of its traditional stars, a poorly thought-out script along with an uninspired manager is anyone truly surprised this went nowhere.
Newcastle Jets – Iron Man 2
Unlike this movie, there was not much expectation leading up to the season. Many expected it to fail on arrival.
However, where these two align is a complete mess of a season but it was still a fun experience at times.
A side that ultimately finished second last on the table had stars like Ramy Najjarine having brilliant moments. Had he been provided, more like Robert Downey Jr needed in this film, they may have finished where they deserved.
Perth Glory – Captain America: First Avenger
In the simplest term, great action sequences but lacking in the overall plot.
At their best, they were easy to watch, providing moments of pure joy. Although when thinking about it, there is much to be desired.
A great initial premise with solid stars played its part, however, some plot points and directorial decisions had us questioning why a promising film would allow itself to be cast in such an average light.
Fun overall experience, but some co-star changes might have allowed it to be more successful if they had their chance again.
Sydney FC – Avengers 1
A classic. The first Avengers movie was a success, but most importantly, it was well rounded, providing great action sequences whilst also maintaining and growing from the initial plot of the overall series.
Just like Sydney FC, a solid, dependable team that at moments made you believe they were the greatest team assembled, particularly when facing some of the smaller teams.
However, just like the first film when facing some of the better sides this season, it made us realise that although great, there is still better. Even though their consistency might make some believe it is the greatest.
Wellington Phoenix – Ant-Man
Solid and well-rounded but lacked the spark to be ultimately memorable although having moments of success.
Just like ant-man, a relatively small team in the grand scheme of things at moments packed a significant punch, beating the competition directly around them and crushing the opponents directly below them.
However, when it comes to competing with the teams above them, they struggled to have that same level of intensity. Like the style of play, the movie’s plot was understandable, but the team lacked a particular flair for the dramatics to be one of the best.
Western Sydney Wanderers – Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2
A whole lot of promise and anticipation ultimately ended up being a complete mess.
There were moments of pure brilliance from Bruce Kamau and some of the big stars, but there never seemed to be in any real direction.
A stellar cast that should have produced more but all the faults can not be placed on them, with Carl Robinson never seeming to have indeed a grasp of what was going on.
Western United FC – The Incredible Hulk
Easy to see the idea, just some terrible luck and poor structure.
Just like The Incredible Hulk, this team had all the promise with a solid leading man – Edward Norton/Alessandro Diamanti – everything just seemed to go wrong.
Like the movie, many compromises had been made with playing style and the way VAR was officiating.
The concessions ultimately killed the film with no clear direction, and some bad luck with casting issues and injuries both failed to deliver on promises. With a great origin story/season, both failed to emulate their predecessor and stamp their place in history.
Feature image credit: Supplied
Enjoy this content? Support The Football Sack
Due in part to COVID and lack of current sponsorship we are at risk of not having the funds to continue running The Football Sack. If you enjoy our content and support our work in training talented young writers, please support us with a donation. If every reader contributed just $3, our funding would be covered for over ten years.
| DONATE |
