Initial final thoughts
Once again a Grand Final will probably be best remembered for its refereeing decisions rather than the game itself. Although to be honest the game wasn’t of the standard worthy of the biggest game of the season. It probably distracts from what in reality was a well taken goal by Tom Pondeljak, a goal I managed to miss whilst waiting in a queue for a hot beverage since half time. It was a night ruled by decisions and my decision to stay in that queue whilst all that action was taking place probably wasn’t my best one in four seasons of A-League watching. Will post more thoughts later in the day, although you will probably see it on my regular 442 blog post.
Congratulations Melbourne on becoming the first team to win the championship and the double twice.
Tags: adelaide united, cristiano, matthew breeze, melbourne victory, tom pondeljak
March 1st, 2009 at 5:36 pm
Hi Neil
I enjoyed the game. I understood the decisions. Maybe Allsopp was a question.
Plus without sounding too… something, I think I said at the beginning of the season that I though Melbourne were the best side by far. The thing is that I thought that Ney Fab was the breakthrough, yet he hardly got a game….
March 1st, 2009 at 5:49 pm
I think Ney Fabiano struggled after getting the six match suspension. But to say that he did play well when given the opportunity and score some important goals. Five goals for a first season isn’t a bad return given the game time. Will probably see him get more game time next season with the longer format. Also look out for Nathan Elasi - word is that he has been a standout for Melbourne in the Youth League. Now we just have to keep Hernandez.
March 1st, 2009 at 7:04 pm
Yes Neil. What about Archie Thompson and Kevin Muscat. Are you going to keep them too?
March 1st, 2009 at 7:10 pm
I’m sure Archie will stay. He has always stated his desire to stay in a place where his family is happy. As for Muscat it wouldn’t surprise me to see him retire - it would be a nice way to go out. However, it would leave our defensive stocks very thin with the exits of both Thwaite and Ryall. We have been extremely lucky with injuries and suspensions this year for our defence but its definitely something that needs to be strengthened in the off season.
March 1st, 2009 at 7:31 pm
I wonder where the new players - for almost all teams will come from? Youth league?
March 1st, 2009 at 7:54 pm
Probably the Youth League. However with the success of Scott Jameson and Paul Reid you may very well see a few more Australians playing in lesser leagues make the return back home. Also expect a lot of players to be poached from the State Leagues, there is some excellent talent running around there.
March 2nd, 2009 at 5:03 pm
What about choice for man of match? Bit disappointed. Thought Kemp deserved it more or Ward, both played well in their positions
March 2nd, 2009 at 7:22 pm
I would have given the Joe Marston Medal to Michael Theoklitos, my reasoning is in my latest 442 blog post, which can be found here:
http://www.victoryinmelbourne.com/2009/03/final-thoughts/
March 3rd, 2009 at 2:02 pm
Shame you missed the goal Neil - I had the same bad luck at the Queensland game the previous weekend. Nothing worse than standing in line for something and hearing the crowd erupt.
Anyway, well done Melbourne. Naturally I’m disappointed, but you were deserved champions. I think both teams have the right to feel cheated after that match though - cheated of the right to contest the title on even terms.