27 November 2011 228.2 – Sportzfan Stan predicts Australia will lose the first test against New Zealand. Paul Dalligan comes on to talk rugby league and quips that Mark Fiorenti is ‘suddenly’ in love, that he went to a Russian wedding that went longer than the last Aussie cricket innings and he turned into Boris Yeltsin after a lot of vodka. He discusses the final of the Four Nations Championship and said Australia were good flat track bullies and once they got in front they weren’t going to be beaten. Darren Lockyer’s last game and he got a standing ovation. He gave Tim Sheens an 8 or 9 for his coaching of the Australian team. Paul also talks Wests Tigers with Robbie Farrer and Tim Sheens having problems. He predicts Cameron Smith will be the next captain of the Kangaroos. Melbourne Storm have recruited Jason Ryles and Ryan Hoffman during the break. Mark Fiorenti makes it albeit a bit late to talk soccer and reviews the happenings in the A League and thinks the Melbourne Victory are in crisis. He also looks at the English Premier League and Champions League. A pleasant surprise that Daniel Eade calls in to talk NBA with the lockout apparently being over and dependant on a vote by players and owners. He also looks at Patty Mills taking a large contract in China and leaving the Melbourne Tigers. Daniel says the Tigers still might make the final four in the NBL.
Tag Archives: a-league
Sportzfan Radio show #227.2
20 November 2011 227.2 – Mark Fiorenti also is critical of Socceroo’s coach, Holger Osieck with tactics and team selection. He thinks the tie against Saudi Arabia in February 2012 will be played at AAMI Park in Melbourne. Mark also reviews the current A League round and provides an update on the English Premier League. The Dr Leslie CSA is on later than usual in today’s show. The Panel discuss an email on the passing of the late Peter Roebuck and Sportzfan Stan agrees that he was a very good cricket writer. They then discuss 20/20 Big Bash cricket with the Melbourne Stars signing Shane Warne and playing atthe MCG. World Champion Hot Dog eater, Joey Chestnut is appearing at an eating contest in Melbourne although Sportzfan Stan has difficulty believing that eating can be a sport. Paul Dalligan is also on a day off (at a Russian wedding if you don’t mind) so it is left to the Professor to review the Kangaroos win in the Four Nations Tournament over England. The show then crosses to Mordiboy for a live update from the President’s Cup at Royal Melbourne Golf Course and he says the coverage by the media on the event has been amazing. Finally the Panel looks at the current NBL round and they try to make sense of the Melbourne Tigers beating the top side then losing to the bottom side the next night.
Sportzfan Radio show #226.2
13 November 2011 226.2 – Mark Fiorenti comes on to talk soccer and has to deal with questions over the Socceroos defeat by Oman overnight. He thinks it was a subdued performance and one of the worst in recent history. He is looking for a much better outing against Thailand on Tuesday and predicts a one all draw. The Panel also discusses Internationl friendlies between England/Spain, France/USA and ‘traditional’ rivals Gabon/Brazil. Mark also quickly reviews the fortunes of Melbourne Heart and Melbourne Victory in the A League. The Panel discuss the proposition that cultural diversity is the reason Australia is not performing as well in sport and believe this is not a true reflection of how things are. Paul Dalligan is enthusiastic about the rugby league Four Nations Tournament with the stirring win by England over New Zealand making way for the final next week between Australia and England. He says England will be fired up at home. He also discusses Des Hasler’s sacking at Manly and the implosion there. This will free Hasler up to coach Canterbury Bulldogs next season. The Panel look at golf and the Australian Open with many Aussies doing well and Tiger Woods form improving with the President’s Cup a week away. John Daly’s antics are discussed as well and it looks like his most recent walk off will be the last straw. Daniel Eade has a bit of hayfever and the Gelding comments he was worried that as Daniel had not been in the studio for a few weeks, he thought Sportzfan Stan had sacked him. Daniel talks NBA lockout and thinks there could still be a season. He also discusses NBL television ratings with the 1.15am game netting a very poor 15,000 viewers Australia wide.
Sportzfan Radio show #225.2
6 November 2011 225.2 – Mark Fiorenti discusses his pre-season predictions against how the placings are on the current A-League ladder. He says he’ll do a mid season review to compare placings at that time with his earlier predictions. Mark reviews the Melbourne Victory draw with Brisbane Roar and says it is the best live game he has seen this season. He also looks at the Premier League results and says Arsenal has turned its season around in the last few weeks. The Panel then talk about boxing and in particular the world bantam weight title fight being screened on free to air television on 7 mate between Darchinyan and Moreno. Sportzfan Stan says it is a brutal sport and nothing is gained by watching two men try to knock each others brains out. They then discuss Ricky Nixon’s attempted venture back into player management. Paul Dalligan comes on to talk rugby league and the four nations tournament. He is also worried that Russell Crowe may not continue his support of the Rabbitohs. Daniel Eade talks basketball with the Panel and the Melbourne Tigers getting back on the winners list in the NBL. He also talks about ONE HD showing matches at 1.30am in the morning and says it must be programming for security guards. Daniel then looks at the NBA negotiations and says it is quite possible the entire season could be lost. The Professor and the Gelding talk about their love of the Great Western Hotel as a place to have a production meeting. The Panel finally look at the International Series and believe that to survive the games need to be more than just an after thought and they wonder why the best players aren’t playing.
Sportzfan Radio show #225.1
6 November 2011 225.1 – The Panel discuss the Spring Carnival at Flemington. Sportzfan Stan talks about cricket and in particular penalties for match fixing following on the conviction of three Pakistani cricketers. The Gelding talks about how short a price Black Caviar started at on Saturday and the Professor asks whether it is easier to pick a winner in the off season than during the Spring Carnival. The Professor says he is being followed on twitter by the ‘Little Red Pocket’, a sophisticated Japanese Cocktail Lounge. The Gelding and the Professor are going to check it out during the week. There is also a discussion about Shane Warne playing for the Southern Stars in 20/20 cricket and the Professor asks whether signing a forty plus player is good for cricket. The Gelding analyses the Emirates Stakes Day results at Flemington and also results ats Randwick. There is also a discussion about where Danish Rock is in its preparation for its next start. Mark Fiorenti comes on to discuss soccer and starts with a review of Melbourne Heart’s current form.
Sportzfan Radio show #223.2
16 October 2011 223.2 Mark Fiorenti comes on to talk about the Socceroos and their 3-0 win againt Oman and says all Australia need is a point from their remaining games to qualify for the next round of World Cup qualifiers. He is full of praise for Holger Osieck and also reviews the other Asian Group standings. Mark looks at the A League and the Professor asks how long before the Melbourne Victory coach is under pressure. Mark says if Victory don’t beat Heart it will be a disastrous start to the season. Daniel talks basketball and the Professor takes him to task about how One HD are selecting the games. He feels decisions are made on a financial basis because it must be cheaper to go to Townsville than Perth. The Panel talk about the poor television ratings for the NBL while Sportzfan Stan discusses the benefit that Mills has given to the sport whilst he has been here. The Gelding compares the amount of newspaper columns given to all sports and decides basketball gets less coverage than rugby and soccer. The Professor asks Paul Dalligan where Todd Carney will land as it has been rumored he is being chased by at least four teams. Paul previews the Australia v New Zealand rugby league match predicting a close game but an Australian win. He also comments on Tim Tebow starting at QB for his Denver Broncos. The Panel talk about the big clash in the World Cup semi final between the Wallabies and New Zealand. The Panel unanimously select the Wallabies. To round off the show the Panel discuss AFL trade week and Casey Stoner winning the motorcycle GP.
Sportzfan Radio show #222.2
9 October 2011 222.2 The Sydney Colt continues with his discussion of racing and comments hot tubbing should be a mandatory sport especially in the latter years of High School. Mark Fiorenti talks about the Socceroos recent big win against Malaysia in a friendly and previews the World Cup tie against Oman during the week. He predicts a 2-0 win. Mark also talks about the A-League season launch held in Sydney and the first round of the A League. Daniel says Melbourne Heart need to do something to get into the paper as Melbourne Victory are grabbing all the headlines at the moment. Daniel comes on to talk hoops and the Professor asks him what the segment should be called. Mark Fiorenti suggests ‘White Men Can Jump’. Daniel says he can’t so he has gone back to the drawing board. He talks about the start of the NBL season. Sportzfan Stan asks whether the Breakers after losing players are as good as last year. Daniel thinks that they will be as good. Paul Dalligan comes on to talk rugby league and reviews the NRL Grand Final. He discusses with the Panel the signing of Des Hassler by Canterbury to coach them in 2013. Paul also talks about the coming 4 nations tournament with the opening game between Australia and New Zealand. The Panel talk about the Rugby Union World Cup with the Wallabies taking on South Africa in the quarter final. The Professor looks finally at the MLB payrolls with the top two being the Yankees and the Red Sox but neither have made the Championship Series.
A Mining stock collapse, a Heart transplant and a fine Red – The “F Word’s” 2011/12 A-League Preview
Last season the A-League found itself in a morbid state.
Low crowds, poor management and promotion of the game from Football Federation Australia, a lack of star factor and numerous clubs on the brink of collapse saw the League’s stocks hit rock bottom.
The off season has seen a resurgence and excitement has been building for the season kick off this weekend…
The signings of Harry Kewell by Melbourne Victory and Brett Emerton by Sydney FC, are not only their respective clubs’ marquees, but the entire league’s. Both will boost not only home crowds, but attendance everywhere they visit during the season.
Earlier this week, the new season was launched under the well-entrenched, “We Are Football” slogan. Launching it at the conclusion of the AFL and NRL seasons was a nice touch. Kicking it all off with some mouth-watering ties in the coming weeks (the showcase being Melbourne Victory hosting Sydney FC at Etihad Stadium tomorrow night), will certainly help build momentum.
Here’s my look at all the teams and where I predict they will finish in the home and away season:
Wooden Spooners (10th) – Newcastle Jets
Blast away, Nathan….but there appear to be few diamonds in this rough
This season was supposed to signal the start of a new and exciting era for Jets fans…Gone is the unique gold playing strip and fan favourite, Ljubo Milicevic and in comes midfield maestro and Socceroo Jason Culina and new owner, mining magnate, Nathan Tinkler.
Tinkler’s Novocastrian experiment however, is going from bad to worse. First, the club lost Culina to a season ending knee injury and earlier this week, Manager, Branko Culina was sensationally sacked.
Where will the goals come from?! Whilst the Jets had the fourth best defence in the league last season, they only managed 29 goals – the third worst in the competition. The club lacks a predatory finisher. Losing Culina’s creativity compounds matters.
In order to avoid the wooden spoon, Tinkler will need to spend some of his billions and purchase the playmaker and/or striker the club desperately needs. The Jets are seeking to have Culina’s contract set aside. Assuming they are successful, they would, in theory, be able to bring in a new big name player. As it stands however, the only thing Jets fans can smile about is the reduced admission price policy implemented by “white knight”, Tinkler.
9th – Wellington Phoenix
New owners, same problems and not a new entity….There’ll be no rising from the ashes for the Phoenix
Unlike the Jets, the Kiwi club has a severe lack of funds. In fact, the club was only recently saved from the brink of collapse! Moreover, the Phoenix severely lacks squad depth. Ten players left the club in the off-season – five of which were starting players, yet the club only made six signings due to a limited budget. Currently operating three players under the minimum 20 player limit of the A-League, the Phoenix will clearly struggle if key players incur injuries.
Their traditional strength at home (the club only lost two matches last season when playing in front of their faithful Yellow Fever) will probably ensure they avoid the wooden spoon.
8th – Gold Coast United
The only certainty is uncertainty
Australia’s very own Real Madrid have made a positive impact (on the field, anyway) since their inception into the A-League, finishing third and fourth in their opening two seasons. With a host of big name departures (Shane Smeltz, Bruce Djite, Jason Culina, to name a few) set to be replaced by unknown foreigners and unproven youngsters, the upcoming season will provide the glitter club with their sternest test in their short history.
Despite numerous personnel changes, the defence is largely unchanged and will provide the foundation for success (the club had the third best defence in the league last season). Nevertheless, squad depth and lack of experience may prove the club’s undoing.
Colourful gaffer, Miron Bleiberg recently remarked that not even he knew where the club would finish at season’s end, such were the wholesale changes made…“either close to the top or bottom of the ladder!”.
The F-Word agrees with the latter.
7th – Perth Glory
Three hours behind…and three points from Glory
The Glory have recruited well in the off season and as such, there is great optimism for the year ahead. With an abundance of experienced A-League performers heading west (Shane Smeltz, Travis Dodd and Danny Vukovic), the Glory look strong. Throw in Brazilian attacking midfielder, Andrezinho and current Irish international and former Manchester United midfielder, Liam Miller, it is arguable the club has the best squad in the league “on paper”.
The problem is, Perth have recruited well in years gone by, but consistently failed to deliver! Moreover, notwithstanding the positive recruitment drive and heavy investment, the club has interestingly retained the services of coach, Ian Ferguson….it’s hard to see a coach who has lost half of his career games turn things around for the West Australians. The club will improve, but the F-word predicts they’ll narrowly miss out on making the finals.
6th – Melbourne Heart
A (heart) transplant was needed and they appear to have found some donors…the “pace”maker(s) could be the icing on the cake!
The Heart’s recruitment campaign in their debut season was flawed in many ways – too many ageing, slow and injury-prone players. This term has seen the club receive an injection of younger, fresher and more dynamic players.
David Williams, Maycon and Mate Dugandzic join to form attacking options alongside existing strikers Alex Terra and Jason Hoffman. Former Melbourne Victory creator, Fred returns to the A-League and will ensure the aforementioned strikers won’t go hungry (who can forget his 5 assists in the 6-0 rout over Adelaide United in the 2007 Grand Final?!).
With so many new donors, I mean faces, much will depend on whether the Heart pumps collectively.
The departure of Michael Beauchamp to Sydney FC and the possible transfer of Simon Colosimo to rivals, Melbourne Victory makes the team look quite weak at the back. Diagnosis? A further donor may be required.
One doubts the Heart will avoid visiting the ER this season, but the F Word believes it will pull through and sneak into the finals.
5th – Sydney FC
There are few “darlings” in this harbour, but quite a few“rocks”
New marquee signing, Brett Emerton may not bring back the bling, but stability he will. The experience Emerton, Karol Kisel and Nick Carle bring to the midfield along with rising star, Terry Antonis should see the Sky Blues control many games. Whilst the midfield trio will provide plenty of creativity and drive, Vitezslav Lavicka’s biggest headache will be finding a consistent goal scorer. Brazilian, Bruno Cazzarine was a useful asset last season but cannot be expected to do it all. Much will depend on whether Mark Bridge can steer clear of injuries and return to his Newcastle Jets form.
“The Cove” have no such worries in the backline. The additions of Jamie Coyne, Pascal Bosschaart and Socceroo Michael Beauchamp to a defence already consisting of Shannon Cole, Scott Jamieson and Sebastian Ryall should see the team leak few goals this season.
In short, the team looks like it has enough quality and experience to make the finals.
4th – Brisbane Roar
Beautiful one day, perfect the next
With their fast and fluent, pass and move style of play, The Roar revolutionised the game and took it to a new level in the 2010/11 season. Whilst the club had star performers across the pitch, much of the success was due to the ideas and ethos of coach Ange Postecoglou. Roar fans will be relieved Postecoglou steered clear of Melbourne Victory’s fluttering eyelids. As such, it is not inconceivable that the reigning champions continue their dominance and become the first team in A-League history to win back-to-back titles.
Notwithstanding this, the off season saw the team lose three highly influential players – inspirational captain Matt McKay and powerful goal scoring duo, Kosta Barbarouses and Jean Carlos Solorzano.
With several key players now absent, will the team be able to pick up from where it left off? Finals will be a formality, but Brisbane could be surpassed.
3rd – Central Coast Mariners
Calm seas never made a skilled Mariner….not!
The Mariners were within a whisker of taking the toilet seat home last season and the heartbreaking loss will surely serve as motivation to go one better this time around.
And there’s every chance they will…..
Whilst most teams in the A-League have seen more departures and arrivals than Heathrow airport, the Mariners have quietly retained their best players and added A-League experience. While Argentine Patricio Perez has departed, the club loaned back Mustafa Amini after his sale to Borussia Dortmund. Amini’s presence plugs that gap. Add to this the key signings of Adrian Pellegrino and Stuart Musialik and the retention of the A-League’s best defence (the Mariners conceded an enviable 31 goals in 30 league last season), the Mariners appear to have balance and mouth-watering depth to finally go all the way.
Weaknesses?
- The Mariners are in serious danger of losing their underdog tag!
- Coming up with a plan to beat Brisbane Roar (the Mariners failed to beat the Roar on 5 occasions last season!). They need not wait long as they will face their nemesis tomorrow night.
2nd – Melbourne Victory
A cauldron, Special K and a Flying Kiwi – a recipe for success
Melbourne Victory’s off season has been as heavily documented as the royal wedding. Whilst Victory may not have Pippa Middleton in their ranks, their fans have much to be aroused about…
- Over 18,000 members – Victory has the largest supporter base in the A-League and has consistently set membership and attendance records. AAMI Park (and to a lesser extent, Etihad Stadium) will be consistently sold out. This will create an intimidating atmosphere for visiting rival teams. Expect Victory to win a majority of their home games;
- Harry Kewell – enough said;
- Attack – Even prior to Kewell joining, Victory had an abundance of weapons of mass destruction. It is difficult to see how the team won’t be the league’s top scorers;
- Marco Rojas – the livewire Kiwi has been electrifying in pre-season; and
- Kevin Muscat – Special K’s retirement should ensure Victory end a majority of their games with 11 men.
The only concern Victory fans may have is a lack of depth in defence. The possible arrival of Colosimo from the Heart however, would shore things up.
1st – Adelaide United
Balanced, mature and full of depth. Just the way a good “Red” should be
The Reds have all the hallmarks to go all the way to clinching the minor premiership this year and it’s not hard to see why….
Coach, Rini Coolen has assembled a very balanced and adaptable squad with an emphasis on ball playing defenders and midfielders and a dynamic front third.
Accomplished Socceroo defender Jon McKain playing in front of the competition’s best goalkeeper, Eugene Galekovic gives Adelaide a strong spine. In the middle, Coolen has looked to create a more versatile, mobile midfield with the addition of Dario Vidosic and Zenon Caravella. Further up the field, the returning Bruce Djite and last season’s Golden Boat winner Sergio Van Dijk will take some stopping.
With so many new players on board, it may take the club a few games to hit top speed.
Pharlap was the same. Adelaide’s strong recruitment in the off-season sees them bound for a top two finish.
Sportzfan Radio #216.2
28 August 2011 216.2 What better way to start but with Dr Leslie’s CSA followed by Mark Fiorenti talking all things Soccer and the Socceroos. Daniel Eade discusses the upcoming AIHL finals to be played at the Ice House. The Professor and Daniel talk about slow ice/fast ice (originally a topic raised by Dan Butterly) and which one suits the Melbourne Ice. With Paul Dalligan unavailable, the Professor and Daniel also talk NRL and the big bash between Melbourne Storm and Manly players. The Professor thinks it looked more like Gladiator than an NRL match.
Sportzfan Radio #197.2
10 April 2011 197.2 – Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney is in the press again for all the wrong reasons. Daniel is on Rooney’s side in that he is under so much pressure whereas the Gelding says he is the tosser of Premier League football. Daniel also says Mark’s tweets are as far apart as goals in soccer. Sportzfan Stan talks about the AFL’s plans to increase the number of teams and the necessity for good transport to be provided to the new team’s grounds. He recalls AFL Park where there were promises to build a rail link and that did not eventuate leading to the ground’s demise. Paul Dalligan talks rugby league and NRL and says the Storm were fantastic on Monday night who scored before Paul and the Professor had sat down. Paul says he would walk naked to Redfern if Wayne Bennett takes the Rabbitohs coaching job. He also talks about the hospitality at the Great Western Hotel. The Panel talk basketball and Daniel says common sense dictates D-Mac should coach the Melbourne Tigers next season. The Professor suggests Brian Goorjian should be approached. Sean Callanan talks sports social media and suggests we should alter the way we look at the AFL ladder. Percentage should be scrapped and be replaced with a head to head record between teams tied on points.