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It's tipped to be the biggest season since the league's inception. Over the past ten days The Football Sack has brought you a preview of each club's chances for 2011/2012's Hyundai A-League. LISTEN TO THE A-LEAGUE SEASON PREVIEW PODCAST
Adelaide United
More departures and arrivals than Heathrow Airport, Adelaide United will be using the customary hand shakes before kick off to get to know each other this season with so many new faces in the squad. The men who play in the city of churches may need some divine intervention if they are to finally get their hands on the holy grail in season seven. Read more...
Brisbane Roar
Brisbane Roar had a glittering run last season. They hoisted the Hyundai A-League trophy undefeated in 28 matches, topping it all off with what was one of the most memorable moments in Australian sporting history. Better still, they did it all while producing some of the most entertaining football the competition has ever seen. The question is, with several key players now absent, including captain and foundation club player Matt McKay, will they be able to pick up where they left off? Read more...
Central Coast Mariners
Season Six was another summer in which Central Coast Mariners played bridesmaids. While the big boys of the competition spent the winter signing big name Socceroos the Coast have been quietly refining their list, populating the dressing room in key areas and brushing off Scottish Premier League heavyweights Celtic Football Club in the process. Read more...
Gold Coast United
Gold Coast United have made a big impact since their inception, finishing third and fourth in their opening two seasons. But their upcoming campaign will offer the biggest test of character for Miron Bleiberg’s team so far, as they prepare to face Wellington in round one with a very different and youthful squad. Read more...
Melbourne Heart
After failing to make the Finals in their inaugural season, Melbourne Heart will be aiming to change their fortunes with a top six finish high on the club’s agenda. In their last five pre-season friendlies Heart have managed to win three matches against VPL sides Melbourne Knights, Northcote City and Springvale. Read more...
Melbourne Victory
The hype is massive. Believe the hype. Melbourne Victory, the Hyundai A-League's preeminent team currently has a membership base of over 16,000. Victory's on field preseason has been up and down with losses to Scottish giants Glasgow Celtic, Gold Coast United and VPL sides Bentleigh Greens and Springvale. A recent win against reigning champions Brisbane Roar is the latest result that could hint at Victory's competitiveness this season. Read more...
Newcastle Jets
The 2011/12 Hyundai A-league signals the start of a new generation for Jets fans. Gone is Con Constantine, gone is the unique gold playing strip and long gone is the enigmatic fan favourite Ljubo Milicevic. However in its place is a club that has developed in the offseason off the back of some shrewd signings and strong preseason performances. The loss of marquee signing Jason Culina to a season ending knee injury is a major blow to Newcastle and how the side goes without the talismanic Socceroo will be a major indicator of whether the Jets will be a side to look out for. Read more...
Perth Glory
It’s been very much a case of out with the old and in with the new for Perth Glory this off-season, and there is great optimism for the year ahead. After last year’s failed Robbie Fowler experiment the club has gone for solid professionals rather than superstars and that should transcend onto the pitch. Read more...
Sydney FC
After a disappointing season last year Sydney FC desperately need to make the top six again. New CEO Dirk Melton is slowly changing his club's fortunes off the field, but on the field it could be more of the same. That said new marquee signing Brett Emerton is tipped to be the Sky Blue's salvation and the weight will be heavily on his shoulders throughout the season. Read more...
Wellington Phoenix
Despite making the finals for the second year in a row, the Phoenix are still widely considered the dark horse of the competition. With new owners stepping in to save the club at the last minute, there is a lot of expectation for the side to make the finals for the third year in a row. Read more...