If you’d told me 15 years ago that in 2024 I’d be tuning into the first game of the A-League season for Sydney FC, a derby no less, and only know four faces – I’d have said you were lying harder than a whale stuck on a beach.
I’d also have assumed that by now I wouldn’t have to ask the bartender to switch the game on from a Fiji vs PNG rugby match. Nor that the game would be interrupted by the plugging in of the karaoke machine at 8:56pm, moments after Wanderers equalise.
But here we are.
The A-League is back and there are some incredible on-field narratives leading genuine football fans in Australia to check back in on a league that has, for the better part of a decade, floundered and sputtered.
Across the ditch chat.
Auckland FC sold out their first home game of the season against a well-dressed Brisbane Roar side, led by the silver fox. It sets up a saucy across-the-ditch-derby-official-name against the Nix in two week’s time.
It Mata’s now.
Juan Mata has graced the Wanderers of all clubs, and even played a little in round one too!
Dougie Costa, deemed the best passer of the ball Sydney FC have ever had – at least in my circles, sorry Brats – is already making an impact and it’s only a matter of time before he has his neck wrapped in a Johnny Warren Medal.
Victory are shit, and that’s one of the better storylines going around this season – cheers Patty Cake, off to a flyer.
Peakie minders.
Even off the field, them stories are captivating. Macarthur in particular are doing wonders to facinate and reignite the passion from the peak A-League crew.
The APL are currently in caretaker mode of the league and, until they blow it up, the drama is at least worth a Google News click or two.
But back to my lack of knowledge of the team I support. The only Klim I knew before this weekend was a balding swimmer. The only Wood I was aware of was Norwegian. And the last time I’d got excited about Caceres his name was Adrian and I started him in my Yeovil Town FM squad.
Oh and it turns out now there’s actually a Popovic I can get around.
Good to see you again, A-League.
