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Hero of the week.
Nathan Tinkler
The last thing the A-League needed right in the middle of the other football codes finals was a freekick to both, which is exactly what would have happened had the Jets gone under. Up stepped Hunter Valley identity Nathan Tinkler to take over the struggling clubs license - who at the 11th hour saved not only the Jets but some FFA red faces. No matter what happens for the rest of the season, this bloke must be treated like royalty wherever he goes. Not only for saving the club but to show other potential owners that there is some joy in buying into an A-league club and running it like a football club.
Villain of the Week
Justin Pasfield
Just when you thought the Sergio Van Dijk, John Aloisi and Tom Pondlejak howlers couldn't be beaten, along comes Justin Pasfiled. A poor clearance is putting is nicely. Pasfield handed Wellington's Greenacre the first goal only minutes into Friday night's game at the cake tin - which left the Fury chasing tail for the rest of the game. Pasfiled has been outstanding so far this year, but as the old saying goes, you're only one kick away from being a donkey.
Apologies to John Curtis who was second in both the Hero and Villain this week after his stunning late winner midweek and his 60second appearance on the weekend.
THE FFA DECISION TO MOVE THE DERBY.
In the same breath the FFA need to be both congratulated and scorned upon. The FFA has made the right decision to postpone the Melbourne Derby by a week to allow the AFL Grand Final to be replayed on Saturday. It was a common sense decision in the end. My argument is that there shouldn't have needed to be a decision in the first place. The FFA need to sit back at the start of the next season and concede that it is not yet nearly big enough to compete with either the AFL or NRL during their finals time.
The A-League has been monstered for coverage over the past month which no doubt has affected attendance figures. Whilst all would agree that the standard of football this season has again risen, the lack of media coverage, crowds and general excitement (0-0 draws are going to get you a 50 word article 9 pages in during September, like it or not) are not going to win over any new fans in a hurry.
I understand that with new teams there are more games but it is a professional league and the Wednesday fixtures are a perfect time for TV to attract new fans when no other sport is on. So well done FFA for moving the fixture to the next week, but take it as a lesson for the future that we need to walk before we can run.