Simon Hill picks us for last

[marinermick]

Fox Sports commentator Simon Hill gives his preview for A-League season
By Simon Hill
Fox Sports football commentator
August 05, 2009
With the new A-League season upon us, Fox Sports commentator Simon Hill takes a look at how the 10 teams are shaping up and gives us his tips for the season.

Adelaide United
Strengths: The Reds have a good track record having only missed the finals once. They have the best goalkeeper in the league in Eugene Galekovic, the most promising defender in Scott Jamieson, plus pace, power and trickery in Travis Dodd, Lloyd Owusu and Cassio. Their home form has been very consistent in recent years. They have low expectations - but the finals are a minimum requirement.

Weaknesses: Have they adequately replaced the imposing Sasa Ognenovski at the back? Cristiano has scored only once since December - can Lloyd Owusu provide the missing goals? Off-field issues regarding ownership could impact - remember the implosion last year and Aurelio Vidmars famous pissant-town comments?

Key man: Eugene Galekovic

Prediction: 6th

Brisbane Roar
Strengths: No team containing Craig Moore, Danny Tiatto and Bob Malcolm will be intimidated, home or away. Have an exciting crop of youngsters to supplement the older, steelier heads. Sergio Van Dijks goals should be complimented by Reinaldo now he is fit again. Frank Farina has been getting closer to a Grand Final every year - hell feel this is his time.

Weaknesses: The loss of speedster Tahj Minniecon to Gold Coast and midfield dynamo Massimo Murdocca to injury could hurt them. Can Charlie Miller stay fit for the whole season? Can Danny Tiatto stay out of trouble? Keeper Liam Reddy is prone to the odd error. Will six Queensland derbies have a say in the title race?

Key man: Craig Moore

Prediction: 3rd

Central Coast Mariners
Strengths: Chris Doigs arrival should sort out a leaky defence. Matt Simons goal output was excellent last year and should continue, particularly if Ahmad Elrich is 100% fithis speed can cause any defence problems. In Michael McGlinchey, Doig and Nick Travis, they have finally gone overseas to recruit - their experience could help put the faltering Mariners back on the rails.

Weaknesses: No disrespect to him intended, but Shane Huke doesnt look a patch on Mile Jedinak. Danny Vukovic needs to re-discover his confidence, and generally the Mariners have a bit of a samey look about them. Lawrie McKinna is under pressure - he needs to deliver - but in fairness, he normally does, despite everyone predicting otherwiseincluding me.

Key man: Chris Doig

Prediction: 10th

Gold Coast United
Strengths: Have put together one of the strongest squads in the league - on paper - and in Jason Culina, they should have the competitions standout player. They seem to have decent depth too - theres cover for most positions. Shane Smeltz scored goals for fun in an average team last year - how many will he get in this line-up? Skilled Park should be a fortress - a beautiful stadium with a lush surface to suit the sort of football Miron Bleiberg enjoys.

Weaknesses: Although itll be fun for the rest of us, Bleibergs propensity to wind up the opposition could have a negative effect for a new club trying to find its feet. Clive Palmer is probably unwilling to accept failure - particularly as hes said theyll win the league undefeated. Fixture list hasnt been kind to them early on - if they get off to a poor start on the road, will the crowds turn up?

Key man: Jason Culina

Prediction: 1st

Melbourne Victory
Strengths: Stability. In terms of recruitment, its been evolution rather than revolution - the way the Liverpool title-winning teams used to do it. In Carlos Hernandez they have - perhaps - THE top playmaker in the competition, and in Allsopp and Thompson, the best combination up front. Also, have the best crowds in the country behind them, and off the park everything is set up for success. Its amazing to think that in 2005, FFA was most worried about the Melbourne market.

Weaknesses: Kevin Muscat - so influential - is another year older, and with Michael Theoklitos, Seb Ryall and Michael Thwaite gone, there is a question mark over the defence. Occasionally they can play too narrow - Ward and Pondeljak arent the most natural of widemen. Champions have never been able to repeat the trick the year after - can they break the mould?

Key man: Kevin Muscat

Prediction: 2nd

Newcastle Jets
Strengths: No-one knows what to expect - which could help them! They could win it - or finish last. Theres plenty of ability at the club - Ljubo Milicevic was outstanding in the Champions League, Sean Rooney has the potential to be Australias best up and coming strikerwhile Kaz Patafta will enjoy playing under Branko Culina. Fabio Vignaroli is also a super talent - if he stays.

Weaknesses: Fast becoming the FC Hollywood of the A-League - egos, disputes, mis-management and disorganisation have been bywords at EnergyAustralia Stadium ever since the Grand Final win. Even the fan base seems to have been alienated somewhat. They need to get those wonderful supporters back onside - quick.

Key man: Ljubo Milicevic

Prediction: 7th

North Queensland Fury
Strengths: The heat and humidity of tropical Townsville in the summer will hurt the opposition. Robbie Fowler was once the games most natural finisher - if he still has it, he will score a bagful, given the right service. The acquisition of David Williams is exciting too - and there is solid experience in the shape of Ufuk Talay, Robbie Middleby, Paul Henderson and Scott Wilson.

Weaknesses: The failure to hang onto Felipe could cost them - where is the natural playmaker in their squad? No disrespect, but the numbers are fleshed out by a lot of players who werent regulars at other A-League clubs - does the Fury have enough quality to make the play-offs? Iain Ferguson is well-respected - but this is his first senior coaching job, and hell make mistakes, which is only natural.

Key man: Robbie Fowler

Prediction: 9th

Perth Glory
Strengths: An aggressive recruitment policy has given Glory fans real cause for optimism for the first time in the A-League era. The squad looks to have proper star quality - Mile Sterjovski, Chris Coyne and Jacob Burns in particular are excellent buys. The fan base at MES is still large - if Glory gets on a roll, they will get behind their club and it could be a marvellous re-incarnation of the NSL days.

Weaknesses: Still seem to lack a bit of creativity in midfield and a bit of pace at the back where Coyne and Todd/Harnwell will probably combine in the centre. Dave Mitchell is now under serious pressure to deliver - another failure with this squad could cost him his job. As ever, their travel commitments will be worse than any other club - perhaps thats why they had the worst away record in the entire league last season.

Key man: Chris Coyne

Prediction: 5th

Sydney FC
Strengths: Have flown under the radar in pre-season - which is unlike them! Viteszlav Lavicka has gone about his business quietly - recruiting an eclectic mix of overseas players and working with those who under-performed last season. Karol Kisel could be their star, while youngsters such as Kofi Danning and Rhyan Grant have had another year to develop. Sydney are not being tipped, but they could surprise.

Weaknesses: If things go wrong, will they press the self-destruct button again? Have they done enough work in pre-season to get the public behind them? The SFS is a big empty space when theres only 10,000 in. Can Steve Corica continue to be the creative driving force at the age of 36? Will John Aloisi deliver?

Key man: Stuart Musialik

Prediction: 4th

Wellington Phoenix
Strengths: Acquisition of Diego strengthens the midfield considerably - and although Chris Greenacre and Paul Ifill wont be too well known here, they have scored regularly at the lower levels in England. Jon McKain and Andy Durante give them a decent base at the back.

Weaknesses: The loss of top goalscorer Shane Smeltz, and number one keeper Glen Moss - two big departures. New Zealands World Cup qualifying preparations could prove disruptive to the club both in terms of players, and coach Ricki Herbert. Crowds dipped alarmingly last season - can they woo the punters back? Confusion over their long-term A-League status could prove troublesome.

Key man: Tim Brown

Prediction: 8th

 

[bulldogmariner]

Wow. Just shows how close this league is. I respect Simon as a football commentator so I will have to respect his thoughts. I don't agree though.

Anyone remember the last time someone from Fox tipped us to come last?

Hahaha  

 

[FFC Mariner]

Didnt Slater tip us for 8th the year we were League Champions?

f**k wits

 

[bulldogmariner]

No it wasn't Slater!

 

[Blackadder]

Oh well no one rates us, and we don't care.  irate: verhead:

 

[tsd]

after reading his article he seems to put a lot on emphasis on star players, pointing out the best 2 or 3 players in each team... I think mariners v5 is a team of "not quite stars" (for a lack of a better term) a team were most players would rate a 7 out of 10 if you know what i mean, not many real super stars, but more of an even or balanced team... maybe?

 

[Ithuriel]

after reading his article he seems to put a lot on emphasis on star players, pointing out the best 2 or 3 players in each team... I think mariners v5 is a team of "not quite stars" (for a lack of a better term) a team were most players would rate a 7 out of 10 if you know what i mean, not many real super stars, but more of an even or balanced team... maybe?

I would have to agree with this. We have a whole team of players that are up to A-league standard, whereas a team such as Perth or Gold Coast have filled out the bottom half of their squads with below average players. Could be a problem for them if their top players pick up any injuries...

 

[Ted]

Well no surprises there....

Much easier to surpass when no expectations have been placed on you as a team and any position above last blows the above article out of the water.

I much prefer a well balanced team, than a team relying on a 'megastar player' to do the deed. Again it comes back to not having all your eggs in one basket, as someone may just trample a basket as they strive for a better position.

 

[MARSHP1]

How predictable! At least Hill (who i usually respect) does state that any team could deliver. We have a strong squad and should be able to cover for injuries/form slumps more ably than most sides. I mean if the GC lose Cullina... what then? If Brisbane lose the influence of Moore & Tiatto ? If Sterjovski get's injured for Perth who will replace him? And really, is Sydneys squad any better than last years? And they didn't qualify for the finals.As long as we are consistent we will finish mid table and qualify for the finals again. Another season of confounding those f**king critics awaits us.I can hardly wait!

 

[Jazzie]

"A team of champions doesn't necessarily make a champion team"

I know it's an old saying, but it's true.

And although a bit misguided, Simon Hill still looks good to me!

 

[midfielder]

Can hardly wait till tonight and after we WIN ... FOOK the media ....

No Body Rates Us
We don't Care

 

[Roy Law]

I think it his way of making sure we make the play-offs

 

[Tassiemariner]

Might wanna change that prediction Simon.

 

[FFC Mariner]

Spending too much time with that fool Slater you Manc twat

 

[MrCelery]

Tons of respect for Simon Hill, but WRONG!!!!! Any won't we just love proving it to you (again).

 

[Forum Phoenix]

We have a strong squad and should be able to cover for injuries/form slumps more ably than most sides. I mean if the GC lose Cullina... what then? If Brisbane lose the influence of Moore & Tiatto ? If Sterjovski get's injured for Perth who will replace him?

Kevin Muscat?

Thats a hammy. The very best he can hope for is just a grade 1 tear and playing a partial game in two weeks. Three weeks at the minimum more likely. 4 - 6 quite possibly and decent chances especially at his age of re occurrence.

Massive loss to MV. We made a lot of teams very happy tonight. God but we're a plucky bunchy on the coast! ;D

 

[Muppet]

after reading his article he seems to put a lot on emphasis on star players, pointing out the best 2 or 3 players in each team... I think mariners v5 is a team of "not quite stars" (for a lack of a better term) a team were most players would rate a 7 out of 10 if you know what i mean, not many real super stars, but more of an even or balanced team... maybe?

I think it is spot on the money. You can't rely on one good or two good players (Fowler, Aloisi, Thompson etc). Yes they may be exceptional and have an X factor but you still have to have another 10 players on the park and if they are shite and don't gel well its game over. I think that is what most of the journo's don't undertand. We may not have wow factor signings but taken as a a whole it can be pretty formidable.

The defence appears to be much stronger with the inclusion of Doig. Seems he can muscle up to the opposition well. Having Kwasnik rejoin and McGlinchey playing seems to provide a much better balance to the team. Let's hope that we continue and the journo's are eatying thier words come the end of the season.

 

[LFCMariners]

When everyone tips you to run last, you either get what you expect or a pleasant surprise. It's a win-win situation for us.

 

[clarence]

after reading his article he seems to put a lot on emphasis on star players, pointing out the best 2 or 3 players in each team... I think mariners v5 is a team of "not quite stars" (for a lack of a better term) a team were most players would rate a 7 out of 10 if you know what i mean, not many real super stars, but more of an even or balanced team... maybe?

I think it is spot on the money. You can't rely on one good or two good players (Fowler, Aloi$i, Thompson etc). Yes they may be exceptional and have an X factor but you still have to have another 10 players on the park and if they are shite and don't gel well its game over. I think that is what most of the journo's don't undertand. We may not have wow factor signings but taken as a a whole it can be pretty formidable.

The defence appears to be much stronger with the inclusion of Doig. Seems he can muscle up to the opposition well. Having Kwasnik rejoin and McGlinchey playing seems to provide a much better balance to the team. Let's hope that we continue and the journo's are eatying thier words come the end of the season.

Stars are only good for raking in the crowds IF they are fit and playing well. We all saw last  season what happened to Sydney's season when Aloi$i came back after an injury and hardly scored a goal.

In this league, and with the salary cap and other restrictions, it is probably more important in football operations sense (rather than crowd pulling), to have a team that is backed up by some quality subs.

Sure, I'd love the Mariners to have a marquee and get the crowds in watching this star, but the other way of getting the crowds in is to get the results and get people genuinely interested in seeing the whole team go around and hopefully smash a few teams visiting Bluetongue.

I don't think we'll come last, and it may well even end up being that a victory over the Mariners by other A-League teams might be a very hard fought battle.

If major injuries and suspensions are avoided by the Mariners we are definitely in with a chance for the 'first past the post' title.

We defended so well on Thursday against Melbourne that they were resorting to shots from outside the penalty box with the obvious wayward results.

Oh, and Marinermick, if we do end up snagging the 'first past the post' title, would Simon Hill be prepared to walk out onto the pitch before the last match, grab the microphone and announce to all assembled that he was wrong, horribly wrong and deserved to have his pants pulled down and spanked in public. Can you organise that Marinermick? You must cross paths with Simon on occassions?

 

[marinermick]

after reading his article he seems to put a lot on emphasis on star players, pointing out the best 2 or 3 players in each team... I think mariners v5 is a team of "not quite stars" (for a lack of a better term) a team were most players would rate a 7 out of 10 if you know what i mean, not many real super stars, but more of an even or balanced team... maybe?

I think it is spot on the money. You can't rely on one good or two good players (Fowler, Aloi$i, Thompson etc). Yes they may be exceptional and have an X factor but you still have to have another 10 players on the park and if they are shite and don't gel well its game over. I think that is what most of the journo's don't undertand. We may not have wow factor signings but taken as a a whole it can be pretty formidable.

The defence appears to be much stronger with the inclusion of Doig. Seems he can muscle up to the opposition well. Having Kwasnik rejoin and McGlinchey playing seems to provide a much better balance to the team. Let's hope that we continue and the journo's are eatying thier words come the end of the season.

Oh, and Marinermick, if we do end up snagging the 'first past the post' title, would Simon Hill be prepared to walk out onto the pitch before the last match, grab the microphone and announce to all assembled that he was wrong, horribly wrong and deserved to have his pants pulled down and spanked in public. Can you organise that Marinermick? You must cross paths with Simon on occassions?

I can try but don't like my chances.