TM Australia is proud to announce ex Australian International Midfielder Charlie 'Mr Cool' Cole as its new expert reporter on all things A League.
A-League Season 22
Written 11-11-10
As we approach the kick-off of another A League season, I took the time out of my busy schedule to run through the teams that will take part and assess their chances of titles and survival.
This season see’s a return to the A League for 3 teams (DynoTiger FC, Dingley Village FC and Victoria Utd) whilst 2 sides will make their top flight debut (Nedved FC and Zootsuit).
Harry will be out to win his 4th straight A League title, and as always will face stiff opposition from the likes of Collingwood FC, Granado FC, Guards FC, Alcoholics Utd and Dangerous Alliance.
So here’s my rundown of each side and their chances;
Harry Cool
Will once again start as favourites, but I feel the gap between them and the rest is closing. Last season Harry lost quite a few games which he should have won and if they let the foot off the pedal just a little bit someone will be there to swamp them.
Plenty of pressure has been lumped on the shoulders of young keeper John Lally and any injury or suspension to him leaves Harry very short at the back.
Player to watch: Ned Barker – After a full season in the Harry Cool colours I’m expecting young Barker to have settled in well now, and think he will have a big season.
Predicted Finish: 2nd
Arsenal F.C.
Arsenal will need to improve their consistency this season if they are to take the next step. On their day they have been able to beat anyone, however they have too many ‘off’ days to be considered a real top half side.
Depth up front could pose a small problem, with only 2 A league quality Strikers, however they have a strong midfield to counter this problem.
Player to watch: Richard Keegan – The English Centre-back will need to step up if the Gunners are to take their game to the next level. His performance in Season 21 was not what would be expected from him and he will be looked at to lead the Gunners defence.
Predicted Finish: 10th
Nedved FC
The first of our A League Debutants, Nedved showed what they can do by going all the way to the final of the Cup last season. This however is a much tougher task.
They have plenty of good youngsters coming through, however their defence is VERY fragile and will place plenty of pressure on keeper Blondeau.
Striker Panduru will be relied upon to provide the majority of the goals with not a lot of support.
Player to watch: Raphael Blondeau – This man will single-handedly decide the fate of Nedved. If he can produce a stellar season then Cecho will go close to surviving their debut A League season.
Predicted Finish: 12th
Victoria Utd
Victoria return to the A League after a 3 season break. They will need to improve drastically to ensure a longer stay then their previous visit. Coming from 2.3 (arguably the weakest of the Division 2 Groups) There hopes could be decided early as they face a lot of teams who will also be fighting with them for survival.
Depth will be the test for the Big V most notably in goals, If Hayes goes down then things could get ugly.
Player to watch: Nate Neil – After receiving a call up to the National Squad, Neil’s confidence should be sky high. He will need to take a lead role in the midfield for the Big V to have any chance of Survival this season.
Predicted Finish: 16th
DynoTiger FC
Dyno are another team returning to the top flight after a 3 season Hiatus. They are slowly developing a strong squad, which should help them to survive this season. They have depth in all positions and if one any of the new teams were to spring upsets I feel it will be the Dynamisms.
Player to watch: Chuck Peverill – Although it would be easy to say Cantello, Peverill is a player I’m looking forward to watching in the top flight. Although not considered in the top echelon of A League strikers by many, I think he has the potential to be a star for Dyno.
Predicted Finish: 9th
Memphistopheles FC
One of the most "overhyped" teams in Australia. Don’t get me wrong they are a good side, but they are talked about like they are already superstars.
If they are as good as many say, why is it that they only just survived relegation last season?
They will once again have struggles and a lot will again rest on the shoulders of Radelescu to be a rock in goal.
Player to watch: Michael Scarrott – Scarrott will need to step up this season. In Season 21, he didn’t provide enough spark in attack and the Demons will need him to improve this season.
Predicted Finish: 11th
Collingwood FC
A Top class side who are always thereabouts. Have let themselves down in the past with slow starts, but with a pretty friendly early season draw they could get out of the blocks quickly and give Harry and the pack something to chase. They have depth all across the park and are blessed with one of the strongest strike forces as well as a rock solid defence.
Player to watch: Michael Peden – After a few seasons at the Magpies, Peden is starting to come into his own. I’m expecting a big season from him, possibly including the golden boot.
Predicted Finish: 1st
Dingley Village FC
An immediate return to the top flight for Nez Daou’s men after their 2nd last place in Season 20. The side is no doubt stronger then it was back then, but whether it is strong enough to fight off relegation remains to be seen.
They annihilated Division 2.2 last season and will be looking to bring similar form into this season which would get them close to survival.
Player to watch: Kevin MacDonald – The young Scottish striker knows where the back of the net is, and if he can continue to perform like he has then he will give the Tigers a great chance of survival.
Predicted Finish: 13th
Beast County
The sole remaining G4B A League team, however I feel they are living on borrowed time. Depth is not in their favour and I feel anything above a Playoff spot would have to be considered a good season.
They always seem to be able to pull off a big win every now and then, but like Arsenal consistency seems to elude them.
Player to watch: Lucas Darcy – NT defender Darcy will have to stand up and be counted for this season. Beasts defence is not strong and his performance could inspire his team to fight enough for survival.
Predicted Finish: 14th
Zootsuit
I don’t like to bag teams to much here, but seriously if this isn’t the weakest team in the A League in a long time then I don’t know what is. I just cannot see how this side will be able to stand up to the rigors of week in week out A League quality football. It will be a tough initiation into A League football but I’m sure one that the players are excited to experience it.
Player to watch: Jason McColl – A Young up and coming striker who could get a chance to cement a starting spot. Could well be the makings of him this season.
Predicted Finish: 18th
Narre Heart
Basically unmanaged for the majority of last season and realistically were lucky to remain in the A League thanks to some Danish Corruption. The squad isn’t bad, but seriously lacks about 2 good defenders. Add that to the MIA manager and things look grim for Narre.
Could possibly upset Zootsuit and steal the last place position.
Player to watch: No Player – I haven’t picked a player here, but in fact the Manager. If he turns up then they could provide some stiff opposition, otherwise a long season and a return to division 2 awaits.
Predicted Finish: 17th
The Snakes
Another side who can produce some stellar football, only to back it up with a terrible performance. They have a strong side and should be in a position where they are able to break into the top 6 or 7 teams consistently. Dumitrescu will once again play a huge part, but will be pushed by youngster Adam who will be pushing for a top spot should Snakes not perform up to what is expected.
Player to watch: Jason Hille – The DL spot has always been a trouble spot for the Aussie NT side, and Hille could push his way into the side with some good performances.
Predicted Finish: 8th
Bora Juniors
The Crafty Butchers are in unknown territory this season. Never before have they survived more then 1 season in the A League. This could prove to be a good thing, the pressure will be off and the players will have had that bit of experience. The depth in Midfield is one of the best in the A League, however unfortunately they don’t have the quality in other areas of the park.
Player to watch: Antonio Acebedo – The Spanish Midfielder is about to start his 3rd season with the Juniors and he will need to be at his crafty best to help get the most out of the Bora midfield.
Predicted Finish: 15th
Watson’s Stingrays
The Stingrays performed admirably last season, heading the group of teams outside the Big 6. They have a good mixture of youth and experience and although don’t have a lot of firepower up front they make up for it with 2 quality goal scoring Attacking mids.
One problem they do seem to have is an aggressive defence which see’s them pick up a lot of cards. They will need to curb this to ensure they achieve their potential.
Player to watch: Ned Southall – Southall gets his chance to cement the number 1 striker role with the departure of club Stalwart Charlie Rose. There is no denying Southall’s ability; it’s his mental side that will be tested.
Predicted Finish: 7th
Guards FC
The Guards probably over achieved a bit last season. Not so much as the position but the fact that they were so dominant over the 5th placed team. They do have quality across the park although it appears a few players are departing and how they are replaced could determine the fortunes at the Guardbox.
I’m keen to see how young Lucas Fair handles his second A League stint after a season bashing up lower league teams in the reserves.
Player to watch: Lucas Fair – He looks as though he will be entrusted with the starting Keepers role, how he handles it could well determine the chances of the Guards. A future NT keeper in my opinion.
Predicted Finish: 5th
Alcoholics Utd
The pressure has been applied by AU manager Aaron Smith. Predicting his side will win the league this season. I think Smith has been drinking too much again. His side couldn’t get within 10 points of 4th spot last season and with no major additions I cannot see how he is going to get anymore out of them.
Smith seems to be a major disruption to this side and I feel until he is gone AU will once again fail to reach their full potential.
Player to watch: Archie Fraser – Fraser isn’t always first choice at the Watering hole but he is improving and I think he is one who is up for a very big season. He will take a lot of pressure off Cole, Lappin and Armanasco.
Predicted Finish: 4th
Dangerous Alliance FC
Like Collingwood, DA always seems to give their opponents a head start. They have a quality squad and really should be pushing the top 3 sides all the way.
I feel their defence is their weak point and Rang will need to pick up 1 or 2 defenders for depth and with that they could challenge for the title, however until that happens I feel it will be more of the same from DA.
Player to watch: Tony Banwell – This will be his breakout season. He has been criticised by many but I feel his selection in the NT side will give him the confidence to go on and become the star that he has the potential to be.
Predicted Finish: 6th
Granado FC
Although they have an ageing squad, there is no denying the talent. Their attack alone will win them plenty of games even when they struggle.
He has also built himself a nice kitty to be able to buy some more quality, and it appears a lot of that is going toward building the future.
Player to watch: Marco Goodes – Goodes has been picked in his first NT squad, and despite some conjecture about whether he deserves his spot, it will no doubt give him the confidence to go on with it.
Predicted Finish: 3rd
This season see’s a return to the A League for 3 teams (DynoTiger FC, Dingley Village FC and Victoria Utd) whilst 2 sides will make their top flight debut (Nedved FC and Zootsuit).
Harry will be out to win his 4th straight A League title, and as always will face stiff opposition from the likes of Collingwood FC, Granado FC, Guards FC, Alcoholics Utd and Dangerous Alliance.
So here’s my rundown of each side and their chances;
Harry Cool
Will once again start as favourites, but I feel the gap between them and the rest is closing. Last season Harry lost quite a few games which he should have won and if they let the foot off the pedal just a little bit someone will be there to swamp them.
Plenty of pressure has been lumped on the shoulders of young keeper John Lally and any injury or suspension to him leaves Harry very short at the back.
Player to watch: Ned Barker – After a full season in the Harry Cool colours I’m expecting young Barker to have settled in well now, and think he will have a big season.
Predicted Finish: 2nd
Arsenal F.C.
Arsenal will need to improve their consistency this season if they are to take the next step. On their day they have been able to beat anyone, however they have too many ‘off’ days to be considered a real top half side.
Depth up front could pose a small problem, with only 2 A league quality Strikers, however they have a strong midfield to counter this problem.
Player to watch: Richard Keegan – The English Centre-back will need to step up if the Gunners are to take their game to the next level. His performance in Season 21 was not what would be expected from him and he will be looked at to lead the Gunners defence.
Predicted Finish: 10th
Nedved FC
The first of our A League Debutants, Nedved showed what they can do by going all the way to the final of the Cup last season. This however is a much tougher task.
They have plenty of good youngsters coming through, however their defence is VERY fragile and will place plenty of pressure on keeper Blondeau.
Striker Panduru will be relied upon to provide the majority of the goals with not a lot of support.
Player to watch: Raphael Blondeau – This man will single-handedly decide the fate of Nedved. If he can produce a stellar season then Cecho will go close to surviving their debut A League season.
Predicted Finish: 12th
Victoria Utd
Victoria return to the A League after a 3 season break. They will need to improve drastically to ensure a longer stay then their previous visit. Coming from 2.3 (arguably the weakest of the Division 2 Groups) There hopes could be decided early as they face a lot of teams who will also be fighting with them for survival.
Depth will be the test for the Big V most notably in goals, If Hayes goes down then things could get ugly.
Player to watch: Nate Neil – After receiving a call up to the National Squad, Neil’s confidence should be sky high. He will need to take a lead role in the midfield for the Big V to have any chance of Survival this season.
Predicted Finish: 16th
DynoTiger FC
Dyno are another team returning to the top flight after a 3 season Hiatus. They are slowly developing a strong squad, which should help them to survive this season. They have depth in all positions and if one any of the new teams were to spring upsets I feel it will be the Dynamisms.
Player to watch: Chuck Peverill – Although it would be easy to say Cantello, Peverill is a player I’m looking forward to watching in the top flight. Although not considered in the top echelon of A League strikers by many, I think he has the potential to be a star for Dyno.
Predicted Finish: 9th
Memphistopheles FC
One of the most "overhyped" teams in Australia. Don’t get me wrong they are a good side, but they are talked about like they are already superstars.
If they are as good as many say, why is it that they only just survived relegation last season?
They will once again have struggles and a lot will again rest on the shoulders of Radelescu to be a rock in goal.
Player to watch: Michael Scarrott – Scarrott will need to step up this season. In Season 21, he didn’t provide enough spark in attack and the Demons will need him to improve this season.
Predicted Finish: 11th
Collingwood FC
A Top class side who are always thereabouts. Have let themselves down in the past with slow starts, but with a pretty friendly early season draw they could get out of the blocks quickly and give Harry and the pack something to chase. They have depth all across the park and are blessed with one of the strongest strike forces as well as a rock solid defence.
Player to watch: Michael Peden – After a few seasons at the Magpies, Peden is starting to come into his own. I’m expecting a big season from him, possibly including the golden boot.
Predicted Finish: 1st
Dingley Village FC
An immediate return to the top flight for Nez Daou’s men after their 2nd last place in Season 20. The side is no doubt stronger then it was back then, but whether it is strong enough to fight off relegation remains to be seen.
They annihilated Division 2.2 last season and will be looking to bring similar form into this season which would get them close to survival.
Player to watch: Kevin MacDonald – The young Scottish striker knows where the back of the net is, and if he can continue to perform like he has then he will give the Tigers a great chance of survival.
Predicted Finish: 13th
Beast County
The sole remaining G4B A League team, however I feel they are living on borrowed time. Depth is not in their favour and I feel anything above a Playoff spot would have to be considered a good season.
They always seem to be able to pull off a big win every now and then, but like Arsenal consistency seems to elude them.
Player to watch: Lucas Darcy – NT defender Darcy will have to stand up and be counted for this season. Beasts defence is not strong and his performance could inspire his team to fight enough for survival.
Predicted Finish: 14th
Zootsuit
I don’t like to bag teams to much here, but seriously if this isn’t the weakest team in the A League in a long time then I don’t know what is. I just cannot see how this side will be able to stand up to the rigors of week in week out A League quality football. It will be a tough initiation into A League football but I’m sure one that the players are excited to experience it.
Player to watch: Jason McColl – A Young up and coming striker who could get a chance to cement a starting spot. Could well be the makings of him this season.
Predicted Finish: 18th
Narre Heart
Basically unmanaged for the majority of last season and realistically were lucky to remain in the A League thanks to some Danish Corruption. The squad isn’t bad, but seriously lacks about 2 good defenders. Add that to the MIA manager and things look grim for Narre.
Could possibly upset Zootsuit and steal the last place position.
Player to watch: No Player – I haven’t picked a player here, but in fact the Manager. If he turns up then they could provide some stiff opposition, otherwise a long season and a return to division 2 awaits.
Predicted Finish: 17th
The Snakes
Another side who can produce some stellar football, only to back it up with a terrible performance. They have a strong side and should be in a position where they are able to break into the top 6 or 7 teams consistently. Dumitrescu will once again play a huge part, but will be pushed by youngster Adam who will be pushing for a top spot should Snakes not perform up to what is expected.
Player to watch: Jason Hille – The DL spot has always been a trouble spot for the Aussie NT side, and Hille could push his way into the side with some good performances.
Predicted Finish: 8th
Bora Juniors
The Crafty Butchers are in unknown territory this season. Never before have they survived more then 1 season in the A League. This could prove to be a good thing, the pressure will be off and the players will have had that bit of experience. The depth in Midfield is one of the best in the A League, however unfortunately they don’t have the quality in other areas of the park.
Player to watch: Antonio Acebedo – The Spanish Midfielder is about to start his 3rd season with the Juniors and he will need to be at his crafty best to help get the most out of the Bora midfield.
Predicted Finish: 15th
Watson’s Stingrays
The Stingrays performed admirably last season, heading the group of teams outside the Big 6. They have a good mixture of youth and experience and although don’t have a lot of firepower up front they make up for it with 2 quality goal scoring Attacking mids.
One problem they do seem to have is an aggressive defence which see’s them pick up a lot of cards. They will need to curb this to ensure they achieve their potential.
Player to watch: Ned Southall – Southall gets his chance to cement the number 1 striker role with the departure of club Stalwart Charlie Rose. There is no denying Southall’s ability; it’s his mental side that will be tested.
Predicted Finish: 7th
Guards FC
The Guards probably over achieved a bit last season. Not so much as the position but the fact that they were so dominant over the 5th placed team. They do have quality across the park although it appears a few players are departing and how they are replaced could determine the fortunes at the Guardbox.
I’m keen to see how young Lucas Fair handles his second A League stint after a season bashing up lower league teams in the reserves.
Player to watch: Lucas Fair – He looks as though he will be entrusted with the starting Keepers role, how he handles it could well determine the chances of the Guards. A future NT keeper in my opinion.
Predicted Finish: 5th
Alcoholics Utd
The pressure has been applied by AU manager Aaron Smith. Predicting his side will win the league this season. I think Smith has been drinking too much again. His side couldn’t get within 10 points of 4th spot last season and with no major additions I cannot see how he is going to get anymore out of them.
Smith seems to be a major disruption to this side and I feel until he is gone AU will once again fail to reach their full potential.
Player to watch: Archie Fraser – Fraser isn’t always first choice at the Watering hole but he is improving and I think he is one who is up for a very big season. He will take a lot of pressure off Cole, Lappin and Armanasco.
Predicted Finish: 4th
Dangerous Alliance FC
Like Collingwood, DA always seems to give their opponents a head start. They have a quality squad and really should be pushing the top 3 sides all the way.
I feel their defence is their weak point and Rang will need to pick up 1 or 2 defenders for depth and with that they could challenge for the title, however until that happens I feel it will be more of the same from DA.
Player to watch: Tony Banwell – This will be his breakout season. He has been criticised by many but I feel his selection in the NT side will give him the confidence to go on and become the star that he has the potential to be.
Predicted Finish: 6th
Granado FC
Although they have an ageing squad, there is no denying the talent. Their attack alone will win them plenty of games even when they struggle.
He has also built himself a nice kitty to be able to buy some more quality, and it appears a lot of that is going toward building the future.
Player to watch: Marco Goodes – Goodes has been picked in his first NT squad, and despite some conjecture about whether he deserves his spot, it will no doubt give him the confidence to go on with it.
Predicted Finish: 3rd
