Roar Guru
Joined April 2012
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Started writing in 2012. Founder of A-League: News and Match Updates Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/ALeagueReviewsAndUpdates/ Written for fromthestandsal.com and ultimatealeague.com. Have blogged an extensive amount of A-League matches live. Enjoy thought provoking conversations. Love statistics and data analysis. Have changed plenty in the 12 years since I started my writing journey. Just picked it back up October 2024. Let's see what happens.
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You couldn't have scripted it any better! A top-of-the-table clash, first vs second, a battle for the north island of New Zealand, a battle…
The competition is off to the best start it has seen in many years, and with Auckland is now here, it's stories like this that make football a beautiful game.
The governance of Australian football, in particular the A-League, has long been a point of contention. Whether it be issues of fan engagement, development…
“You have to fight to reach your dream. You have to sacrifice and work hard for it.” – Lionel MessiAs this man continues the…
Yesterday, Roar Expert Mike Tuckerman, wrote that "It's time to ditch the A-League's top six finals series." The point of rewarding mediocrity was the…
As Round 8 approached, fans were looking forward to the return of the regularly scheduled five matches per round. With it, we would see…
Prior to Round 7 commencing, we were hit with the unfortunate news that New Zealand had once again been subjected to another disastrous earthquake.…
With talk of expansion enough to keep us pre-occupied throughout the week, as well as ongoing TV negotiations, let's not fumble around. Let's jump…
Without fail, each round serves up a platter of talking points. Whether it be the action of field or action off it, we're given…
With the season now in full swing, each contest is proving vital in the race for the premiership. With Sydney having got off to…
With three rounds having already come and gone, let's continue enjoying the A-League as we take a look at the Top five A-League talking…
As the dust settled on an outstanding opening round to the season, attention quickly shifted to Round 2's line-up of matches that included a…
Flares, they've been a constant thorn in the side of the FFA, and no matter how much they try, there are those that just…
The passion and vibrancy of derbies. The stoppage-time equalisers. The phenomenal comebacks and the raw emotion of 90 minutes. People, the A-League is back…
Ever since the Bakrie Group acquired the Brisbane Roar in October 2011, fans have been asking crucial questions. Who are our owners? What are…
As it stands A-League broadcast arrangements with Fox Sports and SBS are to continue until the conclusion of the 2016-17 season. Though it is…
Season 2015-16 of the A-League kicked off on Thursday night with the Wanderers falling 3-1 to Brisbane Roar at Pirtek Stadium. Going off from…
Each season we predict and wait. Who will be the first coach to go? No sane person would have predicted it to be Mike…
"People have been bagging us a lot, but after that performance Australia should be right behind us." Those were the words Socceroos centre back…
Brisbane Roar started the season with four straight losses and left many wondering where they were headed. In Round 6 they faced a Newcastle…
I don’t know why, but my gut is telling me to back Ruben for at least one more season.
The A-League Men finals are here - and they're missing a huge name
Bring in a David villa type player for four games.
The A-League Men finals are here - and they're missing a huge name
Who cares what the APL think or want! I’m happy for WU.
The A-League Men finals are here - and they're missing a huge name
Don’t then. I don’t care.
I don’t support either team, why should I watch?
That’s kinda what you’re saying.
A-League Tipping: Round 29 - Adelaide, Sydney biting fingernails as three sides grapple for second
Looking at bays 18 and 19, I expect these to be filled by Wanderers fans.
This is good for their rivalry. Good for Macarthur and good for Wanderers.
I’m hoping Wanderers win.
A-League Tipping: Round 29 - Adelaide, Sydney biting fingernails as three sides grapple for second
Western United have new owners!
Western United announce new owners as club enters ‘exciting new chapter’
A-League Tipping: Round 29 - Adelaide, Sydney biting fingernails as three sides grapple for second
Wel 6k
Ccm 6k
City 8k
Wun 3.5k
Mac 7k
Mvc 12k
A-League Tipping: Round 29 - Adelaide, Sydney biting fingernails as three sides grapple for second
Fair questions, which I’m sure a smart man like Foley would definitely ask.
Auckland FC are premiers - but is that a good thing for the A-League?
I actually felt what was said was genuine. Makes me happy.
Auckland FC are premiers - but is that a good thing for the A-League?
Let’s let billionaire owners own all our clubs and spend what they like and before we know it, we’ll be one of the top six competitions in Europe. 😁
Auckland FC are premiers - but is that a good thing for the A-League?
Nah, that doesn’t work for me, as that’ll mean Wanderers get knocked out by Sydney in week one. Stuff what APL want!
Auckland FC are premiers - but is that a good thing for the A-League?
I thought the same thing. I think there’s a bigger picture here from Foley and would like to think plans would account for the ability to increase size.
As we know, he’s the owner of Bournemouth and they have the lowest capacity of all teams in the EPL with 12k, I think?
They have a waiting list of about 16k wanting to become members and as of January 2025, there’s been talk infrastructure expansion. He’s not a one and done owner. This man is going to change the game of football in New Zealand and I would love to think it’ll have a positive flow on affect to Australia.
Hopefully, Western aren’t in much trouble as recent financial times reports indicated, as their promises, if fulfilled, could be another major shot in the arm for the competition.
If someone, loving, could just come and save Brisbane and find us a 20k seat stadium, that would also be another major hit.
Wanderers, Victory, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, they’re all good and don’t really need to move.
Anyways, I’ll refrain from commenting any further on this and try to remain positive.
I woke up on the right side of the bed and I guess I love the A-league this week. It’s a love/hate relationship. I’m speaking to someone about it though (TheRoar). Very therapeutic, I feel listened too. 😂
Auckland FC are premiers - but is that a good thing for the A-League?
To quote the 17 time WWE Champion, John Cena – You know, that just seems like a clickbait question…
😂 😛
In all seriousness, you answered your own question well.
What I’ll add to the conversation is the following:
Auckland FC broke the regular season attendance record and average, for a teams inaugural season.
And yes, they broke it before their final two matches.
Auckland were also involved in 14 of the top 25 most attended matches this season AND 5 of the top 10!
May Auckland continue to demonstrate their successes which will then give a clearer indication as to the support they have following their inaugural season.
I have another question. Is the Wanderers resurgence both on the field and off it, in terms of attendances and support just the ‘tip of the iceberg’? As their coach stated after their match against Newcastle.
If so, this only again bodes well for the competition and the Wanderers.
Despite Brisbane Roars horrendous season, and only being saved by and even worse, Perth Glory, Brisbane’s season finished on a strong note and despite horrendous fixturing, 6k plus turned out for their final match which is consistent with the majority of their attendances this season. Maybe there is a flicker of hope in Brisbane yet and it’s only kept alive by a loyal contingent of 6k. Will Brisbane’s end of season form carry over to next season? If it does, one can only hope 6k crowds can easily grow from their. Heaven knows the A-League legitimately needs a strong and competitive Brisbane.
And last but not least, with the Premiership wrapped up, I’m really hoping that the next round falls this way.
Wellington
Brisbane
Sydney fc + a few goals.
Auckland
Wanderers (expect more travelling Wanderers fans to Macarthur. That’ll be a good match to watch).
Melbourne Victory + a few goals
This way we end up with:
Auckland
Wanderers
Victory
City
Western
Sydney
Week one of finals will then be:
Victory/Sydney
City/Western
Then once this is all said and done, fingers crossed we end up with:
Wanderers vs Western
Auckland vs Sydney
I could imagine close to full stadium capacities for all 4 of these matches.
I would go with City, but they’ve had dog success and added no fans, so someone else gets my vote at a chance – Western.
Can we then get Auckland vs Wanderers in the GF and Wanderers win.
That’s my dream WWE booking for the Izuzu Ute A-League! And it’s not clickbait. 😁
Auckland FC are premiers - but is that a good thing for the A-League?
Tickets continue to sell well, ahead of Auckland vs Perth.
A-League Tipping: Round 28 - Finals shake-up on the cards, season ends for at least one team
Easy decision here.
Scrap the cap. It doesn’t even exist anyways.
If Melbourne Victory want to spend themselves into ruin, by all means.
Same goes for any other club.
Other clubs can then just simply focus on development and making money when selling players.
Same argument ever year or two between the governing body and PFA.
You can’t have a restriction on some clubs spending if Sydney FC get to keep spending as much as they want.
The APL keeps forgetting the key group their decisions impact
That’s definitely good news.
That also doesn’t include sky TV ratings which from previous reports observed, are significantly up due to Auckland FC.
Edit: Two matches each round for the A-League on 10. 23 rounds thus far. 46 matches. Avg of 86k per match. But when factoring in women’s matches, I don’t know what that brings the avg to as I don’t know how many women’s matches were broadcast by 10/10play.
Nonetheless, this is actually a very positive metric.
Are the Western Sydney Wanderers now genuine title contenders?
At least if City or Western host, there will be no one to see or remember it.
Hurts a little less that way.
A-League tipping: Round 25 - Sydney visit Adelaide on brink of disaster, Bulls take last swing at finals
Roar are dying a slow and painful death. Run by people who couldn’t care less.
A-League tipping: Round 25 - Sydney visit Adelaide on brink of disaster, Bulls take last swing at finals
I don’t blame you for the way you feel, however, if you’re not a Roar fan, imagine how we feel?
I think I get the sentiment though, as I’ve previously felt disenfranchised with teams that I don’t support.
Wellington was one of them at one stage.
In any case, Roar are slowly dying and given what Ange had them once stand for, it does make one feel sick to the stomach to see FFA/FA and now APL, allow Brisbane to fall so far.
Not surprising though. The competition is by far in one of the worst states it’s been in a while.
Perth
Brisbane
Melbourne Victory (terrible unless Brighton owner can make a difference)
Melbourne City
Central Coast (seem to be heading that way again)
Newcastle (still no improvement)
Wanderers (never been the same since Popa left)
The competition is in all sorts and don’t let the attendance stats fool you or anyone got that matter. They’re terrible.
And the TV ratings for two games combined are still terrible.
I slowly falling out of love with the A-League.
I get my football fix with watching my son play football and that’s all I honestly care about these days.
You’ve stirred something in me, NoMates.
A-League tipping: Round 25 - Sydney visit Adelaide on brink of disaster, Bulls take last swing at finals
I’m assuming this is the podcast?
At what point do I need to listen to hear his thoughts on “what’s at stake.”
A-League tipping: Round 25 - Sydney visit Adelaide on brink of disaster, Bulls take last swing at finals
Whats at stake?
A-League tipping: Round 25 - Sydney visit Adelaide on brink of disaster, Bulls take last swing at finals
Bang on, I reckon!
A-League tipping: Round 25 - Sydney visit Adelaide on brink of disaster, Bulls take last swing at finals
Is that 100k for both games broadcast or 100k per match?
Bull blasts 'bittersweet' brace, Costa conjures up a corker: A-League players who were the difference in Round 24
NoMates, are three TV ratings with 10 Bold tracking better than last season?
Bull blasts 'bittersweet' brace, Costa conjures up a corker: A-League players who were the difference in Round 24
Did you listen to his post match press conference following win against the Mariners?
He is so well spoken and articulate that I’m not sure how anyone could be fired after all that he mentioned.
The A-League Men finals are here - and they're missing a huge name