That being said - I do believe I picked the Grand Finalists last year. So we'll see how we go next week.
Last Year's Preview...
Tonight - yes tonight - the Fifth Season of the Hyundai A-League kicks off in Melbourne, as the defending champion Victory host the Central Coast Mariners in Thursday Night Football.
If you weren't aware that the A-League was back in action, you're not alone.
Marketing for the competition this year has been earnest yet unspectacular (it got worse a year later incredibly). The huge campaign in the first year made a statement that the A-League was on the scene but in the years since, the A-League has failed to really make strides with a standout season.
Things may change in 2009/2010.
Two new clubs - the North Queensland Fury and Gold Coast United - enter the league and a Ten Team Competition ensures that the fixtures each week have some freshness after four years of the same eight teams playing.
The following Season Preview Video is nowhere near as good as I'd hoped - and although I'm not a massive follower of the football in Australia in comparison to other codes - as the lack of quality information out there on the web about the new season (and in particular the roles of the players on each team) leaves me posting a Video Preview, that is really a few minutes of guesswork.
I have also uploaded a Fantasy A-League Video for my Fox Sports entry - The Sydney Kangaroos. If you're in that competition - post your team as a response.
As stated above - the initial A-League campaign kept people interested for most of the season, but in the years since we've lacked a standout campaign to take interest in the code to the next level in Australia.
Hopefully the addition of marquee names such as Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler and Socceroo Jason Culina, can see the A-League produce the big season it desperately needs.
For the record, predictions are at the end of the Video but the Grand Final in 2009/2010 will see the Melbourne Victory take on Sydney FC for the title.
Round 01 Tips 2009/2010.
Melbourne Victory over Central Coast Mariners
Adelaide United over Perth Glory
North Queensland Fury draw Sydney FC
Newcastle Jets draw Wellington Phoenix
Brisbane Roar draw Gold Coast United
