The Football Tragic

A tragic review of the best and worst of the national competition, in a watershed year for Australian football.

Player of 2006

Consistency has been a problem for so many of the A-League’s nominal stars. David Carney’s 2005/06 performances have not been replicated this season, nor have Shengqing Qu’s. Noel Spencer, such an assured presence in the Mariners midfield throughout last season, has been badly out of touch in 2006/07.

In addition, a few of last season’s standout players have made the move to Europe; otherwise, the likes of Nick Ward and Michael Beauchamp would surely be in with a shot at this award.

Then there are those who have shone in this year’s competition despite making little impact in the inaugural season. Simon Colosimo, Mark Bridge and Danny Allsopp fall into this category.

Call me partisan, but I’m giving the prize to a player who has not only been consistent, but has figured in many (if not most) of the crucial goals scored by his team.

He has provided a desperately-needed spark of creativity to an otherwise prosaic side, and has always been badly missed when injured or suspended.

His name is Steve Corica.

Disappointment of 2006

Expectations are obviously limited for players appearing in a start-up league, and pleasant surprises have certainly outnumbered the disappointments. But there was one player of whom great things were expected on his return from Europe. And he has delivered little.

Having represented Australia at all youth levels, and enjoyed (endured?) spells at a couple of top European clubs, he was expected to make a considerable impact on the A-League. Yet he has been shifted around unhelpfully by his coaches, and, despite his obvious quality, has appeared short of confidence, particularly in the final third.

Here’s to a much better 2007 for Spase Dilevski.

Coach of 2006

Ernie Merrick can certainly make a solid claim to this award after the achievements of his Melbourne side this term. But the gong goes to Lawrie McKinna.

Taking a capable but unspectacular squad, riddled with injuries, to the 2005/06 grand final was impressive enough. In 2006/07, despite the loss of Michael Beauchamp and Dean Heffernan to Europe, an early injury to his key midfielder, and an unpalatable schedule, he has managed to keep the Mariners within striking distance of the top two.

John Kosmina comes into consideration as well, but his ongoing tendency to deploy players out of position, and his dogged attachment to Ross Aloisi, count against him.

Team of 2006

Although they finished 2005/06 with a whimper, it has to be Melbourne Victory.

The re-invention of Kevin Muscat as a midfielder, the skilful versatility of Fred, the speed and re-discovered finishing ability of Danny Allsopp, all these have been hugely impressive. Not to be overlooked, either, are the contributions of Adrian Leijer – surely a future international – and Michael Theoklitos, now rivalling Danny Vukovic, Robert Bajic and Clint Bolton as the competition’s best goalkeeper.

Worst Match of 2006

Has to be New Zealand Knights v. Sydney FC, Round 5 of the 06/07 season.

Utterly dire.

Best Match of 2006

Melbourne Victory v. Adelaide United, Round 8, 06/07.

Already chronicled here.

It’s a little difficult to judge the objective quality of the A-League just yet. The Asian Champions League experience will be very interesting in this regard; if Adelaide and Sydney can put up a good show against some of the continent’s better sides, then, from a broader perspective, we can all be pretty satisfied.