Andrew Redmayne: In form and motivated

EXCLUSIVE: Jasmine Ceni interviews Melbourne Heart goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne exclusively for The Football Sack. 

Andrew Redmayne has experienced the highs and lows of goalkeeping in the Hyundai A-League. Now at his third club, Redmayne is determined to make the most of the opportunity presented to him by Heart coach John Aloisi. 

Credit: Melbourne Heart

Redmayne spent the start of his career at Central Coast as number two 'keeper behind Danny Vukovic. After only one appearance with his home town club he decided to join the Roar to gain more first team experience.

But it was the same scenario for the young goalkeeper, as he made only three appearances as second string behind former Melbourne Victory goalkeeper Michael Theoklitos.

In January 2012 Redmayne was snapped up by Melbourne Heart in light of Clint Bolton's uncertainty over his future. The signing was a longer-term strategy by John van't Schip to ensure Heart was well stocked for life after Bolton. This season the player has never lost hope and was delighted when presented with his first start against the Newcastle Jets in Round 14.

"I love being in a team environment. Every day is a trial so you've got to go out and train for a contract, or train to keep a contract.

"I just wanted to stay in the sport and around a team environment and that's what kept me motivated."

The 24-year-old has always had the potential to be one of the better goalkeepers in Australia. He was a regular in the Australian youth set up, where he played 25 games for the Olyroos before being knocked off top spot for not having enough first team experience. He was replaced by Mat Ryan, who also took over first team duties for the Mariners after Vukovic left to join Perth Glory.

Now having consistent first team exposure, there is no doubt Redmayne has his eye on the top goalkeeping spot for the Socceroos, and having Clint Bolton as a mentor in his development at Melbourne Heart has been priceless.

"Clint Bolton has been huge for me from the very first session I had at Heart. I remember training in the fields and straight away he was talking and encouraging me, little things I could work on, little things I could tweak, and it's been really good."

"My performances haven't been too bad, but there's always things to work on. It was great to get my first clean sheet [against Adelaide] but I'll keep working hard at training.

"We had goals at the start of the year. I've had to review mine now that I'm actually playing, but it's really good that we're getting a few wins on the board."

And working hard is what he must do if Heart are to make an appearance in the 2012/2013 Finals Series. He was given first team duties after Heart's 3-2 loss to Wellington despite having a 2-0 lead early in the game.

The selection may have come as a shock, as fans had grown accustom to seeing Bolton as first choice in the team. However after only five games for the club thus far he has shown fans exactly why he should stay on as Heart's number one.

With a clean sheet against Adelaide, his wonderful efforts to help Heart hold on to a 3-2 lead against Brisbane and his performance in the 1-0 loss to Western Sydney are the most notable of his exhibitions. In all three games he received great praise and was seen as a shining light in what were some of Heart's lesser performances.

"There's no reason in particular why we're conceding late in the game. There's little things we'd like to keep doing throughout the 90 minutes however we did keep a clean sheet against a good team coming second, so that will give us a lot of confidence going into the next few weeks."

Redmayne's character will be tested in upcoming weeks and he knows the remaining games of the season will determine whether he continues to keep Bolton off the park. That starts with the final Melbourne Derby of the regular season this weekend.

"It's pretty big, the whole city gets involved. We've got a good record but we won't take it lightly, it's a big game and we'd like to get the three points."

It will be his first Melbourne Derby and Redmayne knows despite Heart's previous good record against the Victory, the game is crucial for their season with only nine games to go.

As for Redmayne himself, he will take each game as it comes. First choice ahead of well experienced Bolton for the time being, and quickly making himself a favourite amongst the Heart faithful too - one cleansheet at a time.

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Crossbar: Three Griffiths' to be sent off

Here at The Football Sack we don't mind going out on a limb and making outlandish statements. 

That's why when we say that this season is down to four contenders you don't get up in our grill.

The Mariners, Victory and Wanderers are a lock. Adelaide will make the finals but have the handbrake on, pulling into the driveway. 10 points then separate those four to the rest of the field.

January has been a very busy month, with comings and goings nearly daily. But none were more surprising than Kossie leaving Adelaide (again) especially after the Adelaide Twitter account reported that there was no truth to any rumours of unrest only 18 hours earlier. We'll miss you Kossie, hopefully you don't go away for good like your identical twin brother ALF.


These snuck under the Crossbar and into The Sack (Likes)
1. Melbourne vs Sydney. Anywhere, any-time, always an event.
2. Aziz Behich to Turkey. Good move. These countries are starting to take our league seriously.
3. Eli Babalj back in Melbourne. Great for the league. He'll get another opportunity in time.
4. WSW. Down to ten men early and still managed a win. Very well managed indeed
5. Melbourne vs Sydney. W-League Grand Final at AAMI Park in front of more than 4000. Good times

What went over the Crossbar (Dislikes)
1. The A-League without John Kosmina. Hopefully we get another comeback next season.
2. 10 points between 4th and 5th. Do we really need a final six?
3. The treatment of refs by players. Sydney were disgraceful on Saturday. Its hard to bag Chris Beath for speaking to players like they are school kids when players are acting like they're being picked on in the playground.
4. Nick Ward. How many chances do you need? Get out of the social pages and onto the training ground my friend.
5. 90th minute subs that take three mins when teams are leading. I know it's common practice worldwide, but really, really annnoying.

Too early to call:
Adelaide are finished. Now dropped out of the top three and without Kossie.

Something we learned:
27,000 football fans can go to a game without causing any trouble.

Something we already knew:
Take a team that's down to 10 lightly at your own peril. 

Something we would change:
More on the subs bench. Coaches' tactical hands are tied until this happens.

Hero of the Week:
Vinnie Grella. Gave his all for the Socceroos, such a shame we didn't get to see more of him in the A-League.

Villain of the Week:
Tiago Calvano. Red card in his second game for Sydney. Get used to it Sky Blue fans.

Player to watch:
Jack Clisby. Decent debut at the back for Perth and should get a decent run now Van Den Brink is gone.

Last week's prediction:
1. A great crowd and a great game at AAMI on Saturday. Should have been and should always be on a Friday night though. - Spot on.
2.Newcastle will beat Wellington and the Phoenix to sack Ricky Herbert. This went close
3.A handy signing or two within the league as the transfer window comes to a close. Babalj, Stefan Nijland. We'll say yes to this one

This week's prediction:
1. Victory to beat Heart comfortably. Two teams in very different form.
2. Brisbane vs Mariners will be nowhere near the standard we saw in the GF two years ago.
3. All three Griffiths boys will either score or be sent off on Saturday.

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W-LEAGUE: Stocky's Scribbles from the Stands

So here I am sitting in the salubrious stands of AAMI Park.  Seats are very comfortable, the sun is shining with minimal wind as I enjoy the ambiance of looking across a world-class stadium and NO – I am not attending an A-League game. This is a long way from the suburban John Cain Memorial Reserve in Northcote where the Melbourne Victory girls have been plying their trade all year round.

Words and images by Craig Stockdale

This is the Grand Final of the Westfield W-League; the premiere competition for women’s football in this country. And the icing on the cake is the growing rivalry between the season’s two best women’s football teams - Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory. A rivalry that exists across everything from most livable city, to sport, fashion, culture, food and wine. Now women’s football is thrown into the mix. Gotta love our inter-city rivalry.

For the first time this season the women get to play on a surface and venue befitting the status due to the women’s premier football competition in Australia. Something for the authorities to consider in the year ahead if they are serious about addressing gender equality in football but I guess it all boils down to money. We need more money!

We really need to better market and promote women’s football at the elite level and acknowledge there are fundamental issues to address. The discrepancies are extraordinary; from salaries, to television rights, media coverage, sponsorships, facilities, playing venues and scheduling of matches.

Why are our elite female footballers playing second fiddle to the men? Why aren't more people interested in watching women playing football? Are we providing a supportive environment and framework for our women to prosper in football? Later, I am told……..

As I scan the stadium for faces I know, the atmosphere in the 4,000+ crowd is electric as the teams go through their warm ups and preparation. Mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters and friends are all in attendance to watch the girls perform on the biggest stage in Australia. Family is very prevalent in women’s football in this country. Those same faces are consistently in attendance at every home game or training session providing the necessary support, passion, commitment and dedication their female elite athletes require.

Just down the road stands the epicenter of sport in Australia where legends have been born across the many disciplines of competition. Today, potentially a new chapter of history could be written if the Melbourne Victory women can prevail and the air of anticipation is evident around the arena.

It has been a tumultuous year for the Victory starting with the questioning of their existence, the cavalcade of coaches, the disappointment of serious knee injuries and the commitments of national duty by key personnel – yet against all odds here we are at the main event with a chance to create and be part of history.

Emotions are running high. The sea of blue – navy blue that is – swells as the game is about to begin and the crowd’s vocals and sounds echo off the concrete of the stadium. The players assemble, the whistle blows and the game begins.

The singing and chanting from Melbourne Victory’s North Terrace at one end of AAMI Park is contrasted by the reactive jibes from a smaller, but no less dedicated Sydney FC crowd and provides excitement and laughter for the rest of the stadium. The fans are enjoying the rivalry – but you can sense a very healthy respect for both teams and the many talented female athletes on the pitch who play together in the green and gold most of the year round.

Sydney does not take long to pounce and scores the first major within five minutes following a defensive mishap that puts Brianna Davey under extreme pressure with her rebound kick ricocheting into the back of the net. The chants from Sydney are now magnified and this stirs the emotional pot for the Melbourne Victory supporters. Expletives abound from the Victory end now the score sits at one nil in favour of the sky blue.

Worry not. Free kick to Melbourne Victory and up steps the indelible Swedish import Petra Larsson and with a deft right foot shot on goal, slides the kick onto the left post which rebounds into the back of the net – one all and the crowd goes off “like a frog in a sock”.

Half time come and goes. Both teams are on the hunt for a quick goal to gain an advantage on the scoreboard. Up steps the little dynamo – Sam Kerr and from a pinpoint cross she fully extends herself in the horizontal position heading the ball past the desperate outstretched hands of Davey to register the second goal for Sydney FC.

WOW – what a goal and what a post goal celebration as Kerr summersaults and back flips her way across AAMI Park in front of the Victory cheer squad to make a statement. The silence was eerie. Two goals to one and momentum was squarely with the sky blue.

The Football Sack's Steph Catley ponders what could have been

The Victory girls valiantly tried to square the ledger and continuously peppered the goals until a rebound from defense landed at the feet of a Sydney forward with Maika Rutyer-Hooley bearing down like an Exocet missile. The tackle was crude but she had no option and was brandished with a red card thrust in the air and a penalty kick to Sydney FC.

The Sydney conversion was successful and the gates were closed on the Melbourne Victory women but the girls stood tall and the supporters made sure they congratulated them for what was an amazing season under trying circumstances. The crowd also congratulated Sydney FC for winning the Westfield W-League championship.

Hats off to all the Melbourne Victory girls, the coaching staff, support staff, training squad and the many parents, siblings, friends and fans who have supported the girls in 2012 and 2013. The camaraderie and bond between the girls was on display for all to see and will provide a wonderful platform for the team to prosper and grow in the year ahead.

Well done Melbourne Victory Women.

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It's turned pear shaped in Perth

Neil Sherwin looks at how dramatically things have changed for Perth Glory in less than 12 months.

April 22nd last year was a pretty good day. Sure, Perth Glory were on the receiving end of one of the most dubious decisions in A-League history, but the fact that they were in the Grand Final in the first place was a huge achievement.

Not only that, but a few thousand fans from Western Australia finally got the chance to experience the competition’s showpiece event in the flesh after eight seasons.

All sounds good, a real platform to build on for the future. Except it hasn’t quite gone that way with the club currently languishing second from bottom; just two points above Wellington in the race for the wooden spoon.

The news that defender Bas van den Brink has left the club to join Churchill Brothers (who?) in India is just the latest part of the team’s unravelling.

Earlier this month, striker Billy Mehmet was released to join a Thailand side, with Glory not even negotiating a fee for a player still under contract until the end of the 2014 season.

Then of course there was Jesse Makarounas’ decision to jump ship for Melbourne Victory after he became disillusioned with the opportunities given to them by Glory.

Makarounas, an underage star for Australia, played just four games in 18 months at the club despite coach Ian Ferguson regularly insisting that youth would be given a chance.

Against Brisbane Roar on Saturday youngsters Jack Clisby, Chris Harold, Storm Roux and Brandon O’Neill did see game time, but only because Ferguson’s hand was forced with the absence of usual starters through injury and suspension.

With talk doing the rounds that Shane Smeltz may be the next cab off the rank to head to China, it’s very hard to see where the next three points is coming from for a team that has won just two of its last 13 games.

Argentine Matias Cordoba has joined on a short team deal but the fact that the powers that be think a number 10 is the answer to the on field problems is worrying in itself.

There are already a number of players who can occupy the creative midfield slot effectively – Steven McGarry has probably been the Player of the Season so far, Liam Miller’s passing is up there with the best in the league, and Ryo Nagai performed very well against Brisbane.

A striker to fill the void left by Mehmet would have made much more sense, especially when Travis Dodd was forced to play the lone role up front in the Roar game with Smeltz out injured.

The fans are understandably unhappy with how the club is being and have started voting with their feet, though the Australia Day celebrations which clashed with the Roar game have given an easy out when explaining the crowd of just 4,821.

Make no mistake about it, failure to qualify for the finals this year would be an inexcusable disaster given what had been built at the back end of 2012.

Even if Glory do scrape in as the fifth or sixth placed team, the gulf is now so big between them and the top sides that they would probably go out at the first hurdle.

It’s a sad state of affairs when you think back to that great day out in April.

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10 balls you can play from defence

Struggling for ideas on what you can do from the backline? Fear no more. Here's 10 ways the stars of the A-League play themselves out of defence.
 

1. Quick getaway: The Sam Galloway - Boot a long ball in the general vicinity of Heskey.

2. Double J: The Pedj Bojic - Run 100 miles and hour at the opposition. Shoot. Hit crossbar.

3. Exterminate: The Matt Smith - Receive ball, fix hair, kill Dalek, pass to Broich, save humanity, repeat.

4. Better boss than Aniston: The Pascal Bosschaart - Start your team's attack, have season ending injury. 

5. Princess: The Adrian Leijer - Conveniently forget about the ball, break a player's collarbone.

6. Pick'a'Nix: Any Wellington defender - Receive short ball from goalkick, get caught in your own corner, turnover or passback to goalkeeper. 

7. Not sure if Irish: The Scott Jamieson - Play against former club, pass to wrong team. 

8. Mr Cellophane: The Tarek Elrich - Be the face of the club, fail to even make bench, pass to yourself at training. 

9. Not sure if Scottish: The Iain Fyfe - Score goal for national team, return to club unhappy with defensive duties, play as striker. 

10. Gladiator battleground: The Simon Colosimo - Make crucial tackle, pass ball to safety, get mistaken for coach in post-match press conference.

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W-LEAGUE: Sydney defeat Melbourne to claim crown

Sydney FC claimed the Westfield W-League crown after a hard fought 3-1 victory over Melbourne at AAMI Park.

Both the Northern Terrace and visiting Cove were in full voice and the ladies did not disappoint the 4,181 fans in attendance in a four-goal thriller.

A mix up in defence by Rebekah Stott awarded Sydney with the opening goal before a wonderful free kick by Petra Larsson sent the crowd into ruptures. Samantha Kerr caused further pain for the hosts, putting Sydney 2-1 up with a lovely diving header and the game was all but over after Simon scored the visitors third from the penalty spot.

The clash between the two blues was physical from kick off as Jessica McDonald was involved in a heavy clash just one minute in. Melbourne looked the more livelier of the two as McDonald and Petra Larsson both went close to opening the score within the first five minutes. A minute later Brianna Davey was brought down in the box by Bolger. The Victory goalkeeper looked to be struggling after the collision however recovered shortly later.

Petra Larsson ensured her named would be stamped on the game and provided the Victory forwards with many opportunities to put the hosts 1-0 up in front of the jam packed Northern Terrace. However after all of Melbournes missed opportunities it was the visitors who drew first blood after 24 minutes. A short Rebekah Stott back pass caused confusion between the defender and goalkeeper Davey and Bolger made the most of the mix up, easily slotting the ball into the back of the net.

McDonald was unlucky not to have a goal to her name after she done extremely well to get goal side of the Sydney defender, goal keeper Khamis making a lovely save from a tough angle. The hosts were lucky not to concede a second after 39 minutes in similar fashion as Stott failed to complete her back pass once again, Davey quicker to the ball this time round.

It was indeed Larsson who equalised for the Victory after a wonderful free kick from the Swede just outside of the penalty box. Her shot hitting the upright and deflecting into the goals at the 41st minute mark, sending both teams into the rooms at half time at 1-1.

It took only 2 minutes for Sydney to reclaim the lead after the half time break after a Samantha Kerr wonder goal. Kerr timing her run perfectly for the incoming cross and heading the ball straight past Davey in goal. The back-flip goal celebration that followed possibly greater than the goal itself.

Enza Barilla went close to a scoring Victory's second in the 58th minute mark, however her shot from inside the box saved by Khamis. While Melbourne were looking for their equaliser, Sydney FC were keen to seal the game. Seconds after Barillas attempt, Simon shot fiercely at Davey who made a great save to deny the Sydney captain a goal. Melbourne were desperate to equalise and spent most of the reaming 20 minutes looking for their second goal. Gulcan Koca placed a wonderful flying cross in for a fast running Barilla however goalkeeper Khamis done enough to protect the 2-1 lead.

The game was all but over after 85 minutes when Maika Ruyter-Hooley brought down substitute Crummer in the penalty box. Ruyter-Hooley was sent off with a straight red card, while Simon took the penalty and cooly slotted the ball into the back of the net. She was also awarded with the player of the match medallion at the conclusion of the game. A deserved win for Sydney FC who were the better outfit on the day.

Teams:

Melbourne: Davey (GK), Johnson, Ruyter-Hooley, Stott, Spiranovic, Larsson, Catley, McDonald (Humble 73'), Barilla, Jackson, Koca

Sydney: Khamis (GK), Polias, Ralston, Kerr, Bolger (Crummer 80'), Foord, Rollason, Longo (Whitfield 92') , Logarzo ( 85'), Kennedy, Simon.

Goals:

Melbourne: Larsson (41')

Sydney: Bolger (24'), Kerr (47'), Simon (85')

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Nix and Jets put heads together for draw

The sore heads of a post-Australia Day Newcastle Jets survived the Wellington warmth to rescue a point from Westpac Stadium.

If viewers weren't hungover already, the punchdrunk antics of the Jets and hosts Wellington might have seen to that.

A smart save from each of the two goalkeepers were the early highlights as Mark Paston clawed away James Brown's free-kick, before Jeremy Brockie was unable to find away around the head of Mark Birighitti in a one-on-one.

However, the hosts did take the lead just three minutes later through an impressively put-together move. Sigmund was the instigator when his diagonal ball found Ifill on the left-wing, allowing the attacker to skip inside Scott Neville and drive the ball between Birighitti and the Jets defence. At full stretch, the Newcastle 'keeper could only palm the ball into Dani Sanchez as it dropped for Louis Fenton to slot into an empty net.

The visitors might have leveled the score on the half-hour when Andrew Durante's back-pass sold Paston short, but Brown couldn't curl the loose ball around both a defender and the stranded glovesman.

Few chances arose through the rest of the half although the 'Nix did come close to a second after the break when Ifill's pass across goal was marginally out of Brockie's sliding reach.

The match swung well into Phoenix's favour despite that lost chance when fullback Sam Gallaway was dismissed for a second yellow card after bringing down Tyler Boyd on the edge of the area.

Wellington struggled to create opportunities despite their advantage and it came to cost them with 20 minutes to play. First, the hosts were also reduced to ten men when Tony Lochhead's boneheaded late tackle was punished by a second yellow, before Emile Heskey leveled things up on the scoreboard as well just seconds later. The marquee man held his ground under an attempted clearing punch by Paston to nod in Chapman's knock-down at the back post.

Far from taking much brain power, it was still the best use of a noggin all afternoon.

The score remained at 1-1 as Newcastle, despite a late substitution mixup leaving Heskey at centre-back, held on to a point.

Wellington: Paston (gk), Bertos, Sigmund, Durante, Lochhead, Muscat, Sanchez, Fenton, Boyd, Brockie, Ifill.
Bench: Moss (gk), Cernak, Totori, Huysegems.

Newcastle: Birighitti (gk), Neville, Chapman, Regan, Gallaway, Wheelhouse, Brillante, Brown, Griffiths, Heskey, Goodwin.
Bench: Duncan (gk), Caravella, Virgili, Taggart.

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Meyer strike wins it for Roar in Perth

Brisbane Roar kept their finals hopes alive by picking up three points in the latest Grand Final rematch against Perth Glory who were left to rue a number of missed chances. 

Thomas Broich. Credit: Brisbane Roar

A first half strike from James Meyer was enough to give Mike Mulvey’s side a 1-0 win in front of 4,821 spectators, Glory’s lowest A-League crowd since 4,433 attended the Round 5 game against Wellington Phoenix in 2008.

Both sides were forced to make changes due to injury and suspension meaning the game was missing household names such as Shane Smeltz, Liam Miller, Jacob Burns, Bas Van Den Brink, Dean Heffernan and Besart Berisha.

Despite Roar enjoying the majority of possession early on, it was the hosts who carved out the first chance inside ten minutes when a cross from Scott Jamieson found Travis Dodd but he shot wide of the target from a great position.

On 15 minutes a Steve McGarry corner found its way to Steve Pantelidis but his tame effort went straight at Michael Theo, and just seconds later Glory, Glory were punished by the visitors.

James Meyer picked up the ball 30 yards from goal and his left foot shot found the bottom corner, though goalkeeper Danny Vukovic will be disappointed with his effort to keep the ball out.

Chances were few and far between for the rest of the half with Michael Thwaite heading over for Glory while at the other end Vukovic saved comfortably from Roar’s Mitch Nichols.

As expected, the hosts came out lively in the second half and on 56 minutes they almost claimed an equaliser after Theo decided to go walkabout.

The keeper was left in no man’s land 35 yards from his goal after needlessly trying to follow up a headed clearance but Glory failed to capitalise as Nick Ward shot over the bar with only a defender to beat on the line.

As expected, the hosts came out lively in the second half and on 56 minutes they almost claimed an equaliser after Theo decided to go walkabout.

The keeper was left in no man’s land 35 yards from his goal after needlessly trying to follow up a headed clearance but Glory failed to capitalise as Nick Ward shot over the bar with only a defender to beat on the line.

Vukovic comfortably turned a Luke Bratten free kick over the crossbar on 73 minutes before Theo beat out a fiercely struck shot from substitute Storm Roux after a neat knockdown by Dodd.

With five minutes to go, a great driven Dodd cross found Ward but somehow his shot was deflected over by a combination of goalkeeper and defender, before a header from the subsequent corner was cleared off the line.

Roar will be happy to have kept a clean sheet to go with the win but for Glory it's another opportunity missed in what has been a very poor run of form.

Perth Glory: 1. Daniel Vukovic, 2. Jack Clisby, 5. Steve Pantelidis, 6. Nick Ward, 11. Adrian Zahra, 12. Ryo Nagai, 13. Travis Dodd, 14. Steven McGarry, 17. Chris Harold 21. Scott Jamieson, 23. Michael Thwaite.

Subs: 15. Brandon O'Neill, 22. Ndumbu Makeche, 24. Storm Roux, 30, Lewis Italiano.

Brisbane Roar: 1. Michael Theo, 4. Matthew Jurman, 5. Ivan Franjic, 8. Massimo Murdocca, 11. Ben Halloran, 15. James Donachie, 17. Mitch Nichols, 18. Luke Brattan, 21. James Meyer, 22. Thomas Broich, 26. Corey Brown.

Subs: 12. Julius Doe, 14. Steven Lustica, 19. Jack Hingert, 20. Acton.

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Victory win Australia Day Big Blue derby

Melbourne Victory has moved to second place on the ladder after a comfortable 3-1 victory against Sydney FC in the Big Blue derby.

The Australia Day clash was played in front of a sold out Aami Park crowd, with many of them leaving the game smiling as two deflected Rojas goals and a Archie Thompson strike were enough for the home side to earn the three points. While Joel Griffiths scored his second in as many games for the visitors.

The Victory made a decent start to the contest as both Leigh Broxham and Marco Rojas had early opportunities to open the scoring. First, Broxham shot wide after a smart back heel from Rojas, while moments later the Kiwi would have opened the scoring had it not been for a goal-saving tackle by Grant.

After wasting another opportunity in the opening fifteen minutes by shooting wide of the mark, Rojas fortune took a turn midway through the first half as his strike on goal took a deflection of Sebastian Ryall before finding  it’s way past Vedran Janjetovic.

Sydney struggled to find a hold of possession in the opening half, with Melbourne Victory unfortunate not to have found a second goal.

With half an hour left to play, Sydney’s afternoon got worse as defender Tiago Calvano was sent off with a second yellow, after catching Broxham with the elbow.

Thompson doubled the lead for the hosts as Celeski played through the Socceroos striker who made no mistake from eight yards. Moments later, Rojas luck continued as he saw another one of his shots deflect into the back of the net, this time of Adam Griffiths.

With fifteen minutes remaining, Joel Griffiths scored his second goal in two games, however it was too little too late for the Sky Blues who remain placed just outside the top six.

MV – Nathan COE, Diego FERREIRA, Adama TRAORE, Nick ANSELL, Billy CELESKI (Jonathan BRU 88^th min), Mark MILLIGAN, Leigh BROXHAM 60, Marco FLORES (Francesco STELLA 76^th min), Archie THOMPSON (Andrew NABBOUT 76^th min), Marco ROJAS, Adrian LEIJER.

SFC – Vedran JANJETOVIC, Sebastian RYALL, FABIO, Tiago CALVANO, Rhyan GRANT, Jason CULINA, Joel GRIFFITHS, Brett EMERTON (Blake POWELL 25^th min), Terry MCFLYNN, Ali ABBAS,  Alessandro DEL PIERO

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Duke double Nukes Adelaide

Despite trailing at the half-time, Central Coast Mariners were rarely troubled in a 3-1 victory over Adelaide United at Bluetongue Stadium.

Central Coast had the best of the early chances — in fact, they had just about all of them — and should have been out of sight by the twenty minute mark with Bernie Ibini, Daniel McBreen, and Oliver Bozanic all missing gilt-edged chances inside the six-yard box in that period.

There was always a danger that the plethora of missed chances could come back to haunt the Mariners, and it seemed that would be the case when a Daniel Bowles shot from outside the area took a deflection past Mat Ryan to give Adelaide the unlikeliest of leads at the break.

It was the introduction of Mitchell Duke that changed the game on the hour mark, scoring in the 67th and 72nd minute, either side of a missed penalty by McBreen.

Michael McGlinchey tapped home from inside the six-yard box after good work by Nick Fitzgerald to head down a Pedj Bojic cross to seal the three points for the home side.

Central Coast showed that there’s still life after Tom Rogic, but questions remain about Adelaide who were never at the races and now face Western Sydney at home next week without a recognised striker after Jeronimo picked up his fifth yellow card of the season.

CCM: Ryan / Bojic Anderson Zwaanswijk Rose / Hutchinson Montgomery / Ibini McGlinchey Bozanic / McBreen. Subs: Pasfield Griffiths Duke Fitzgerald

ADL: Galekovic / Bowles Boogaard Golec Cassio / Watson Vidosic Barbiero / Kostopolous Jeronimo Ramsay. Subs: Izzo McKain Carrusca Barker-Daish

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FIFA 13 Big Blue Simulation

To get you pumped up for today's Big Blue we at The Sack got our hands on FIFA 13 (PC) and decided to simulate the game to see who may well come out on top. We put it on 'Legendary' and '5 minute halves' and tried to pick out the line-ups that will be making the field on Australia Day.


The Big Blue - Melbourne Victory v Sydney FC @ Stade Municipal (AAMI Park)

Team news:
We slotted in Ansell and Celeski for Melbourne Victory and kept Sydney FC exactly the same as last week.

The first half was all Victory with the majority of possession and chances with Rojas attempting to dribble past the Sydney FC defence on multiple occasions. Brett Emerton had the best chance for Sydney FC in the first half but was brilliantly saved by the (real life) in form Nathan Coe. Half-time: 0-0 (Bru came on for Broxham at HT)

The second half was much more attacking and fiery as Marcos Flores absolutely destroyed Joel Griffiths in a tackle although according to the referee it was only a yellow. Eventually someone scored a goal (I was starting to get worried...) with Marcos Flores opening the scoring in the 74th minute. Flores took it on himself and dribbled through the box and turned around Tiago and smashed it home to give Victory the 1-0 lead in the Big Blue.

After the goal the away side made two changes with Antonis coming on for McFlynn and Yau coming on for Ali Abbas and it seemed to have worked as Sydney FC started to fire with 3 consecutive shots on target after the Victory goal and eventually they got their reward with new signing Joel Griffiths scoring his second goal in sky blue colours. Adama Troare made a run up field and stupidly lost possession which then gave Jason Culina tonnes of space to run down the flank and into the box then he smartly chipped the ball to Joel Griffiths who neatly headed it home in the 88th minute.

Victory nor Sydney could find a last minute winner so the match ended in a 1-1 draw at AAMI Park (It kinda looks like AAMI Park... right?)

Full-time: Melbourne Victory (Flores 74') 1-1 Sydney FC (J. Griffiths 88') 

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W-LEAGUE: 2013 Grand Final, coaches weigh in

It's the Grand Final few would have predicted a week ago but one that will consume our attention on Sunday afternoon nonetheless. The coaches of W-League sides across the country have exclusively given their predictions to The Football Sack below.

Who will be this year's confetti dancers? Credit: Nick Guoth

The two outsiders of the W-League finals series, Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC, will converge on AAMI Park for the showpiece of the 2012/2013 season to decide whether Victory can capture a maiden championship, or if the Sky Blues will make it two wins from three Grand Finals. 

The finals series has already been something of a triumph for both sides as they had to qualify through away ties to Brisbane, for Sydney, and Perth, for Melbourne Victory.

After losing narrowly away to last-season's beaten finalists Brisbane in Round 6, Melbourne went unbeaten in six matches, including four victories, leading into the semi-finals. The sound platform set by coach Mike Mulvey prior to that loss, however, threatened to be undone when the one-time Gold Coast United head coach was lured back to the A-League by Roar. Assistant coach Fabrizio Soncin was promoted to the top job and kindled the side's upward trajectory.

That Mulvey himself was a late replacement for the loss of Vicki Linton in the role is testimony to the resilience of the club's players, a quality not lost on the experts.

Concerns over player personnel have also plagued the club with injuries curtailing the seasons of Ashley Brown and captain Louisa Bisby, while highly-talented Wales captain Jess Fishlock departed the squad prior to finals. Fortunately for Sunday's hosts, the ever-present experience of foundation players Maika Ruyter-Hooley, The Football Sack's Player of the Season, and Enza Barilla, alongside Matilda Steph Catley, who will captain the side on her 19th birthday, has been complemented by the captures of standout internationals Petra Larsson and Jessica McDonald.

Victory's defence - a back three flanked by two wing-backs - has undoubtedly been the hallmark of their journey to the Grand Final having conceded just 15 times at marginally over one per game this season. Combined they will play a major role in stemming Grand Final nerves early on.

It's in that area of the pitch that the game may well be won or lost as the star-powered attack of Sydney will look to break their opponent's resolve.

Emma Kete will miss the match through suspension but in Kyah Simon (heroine), Sam Kerr (whose double fired them to the revenge win in Brisbane), Annalie Longo (scorer of that match's equaliser), and Chloe Logarzo (cool name), the visitors possess the firepower to test the Victory defence. 

Much of the responsibility of maintaining Sydney's defensive structure will be placed upon holding midfielder Teresa Polias, one of only three starters from Sydney's last Grand Final appearance who remains at the club. A sub-par performance from the 22-year-old could expose a defence which has conceded more goals than all bar the 7th and 8th placed sides.

The turnover in player personnel may mean Sydney's squad bares little resemblance to either of its showpiece outings, but coach Alen Stajcic has been in charge since the beginning and will trust his championship-winning experience. 

An incredible 5-7 loss at home to Perth Glory proved a marker in their season as Stajcic's side recovered to scrape into the finals and win through to the final match of the 2012/2013 season. They are a team in form.

Sunday's W-League Grand Final will be recorded in history as the first not to feature Brisbane Roar. Could it be time for a changing of the guard? It'd be a tough argument to make considering they captured the premiership. Regardless we have a fresh, new - and expectedly even - duel ahead of us.

What the coaches said:
 
Team: Adelaide United
Coach: David Edmonson
Prediction: Melbourne Victory
Why: Because of their home advantage and the spirit the girls have shown throughout the season in dealing with the coaching and player changes. Collective team spirit will see them through.

Team: Brisbane Roar
Coach: Belinda Wilson
Prediction: Melbourne Victory
Why: It will be a tough one but I think Melbourne - they've had a fantastic season. They had a rough start in terms of coaching, including losing Mike (Mulvey), but they've really gelled as a team. I think it will go right down to the wire but Melbourne will win with the way they're playing and their roster.

Team: Newcastle Jets
Coach: Peter McGuiness
Prediction: Sydney FC
Why: I think Melbourne are a good side and I like the way they play, but I think Sydney's experience, especially in finals, will favour them. I'll go 2-1 in a tight one.

Team: Perth Glory
Coach: Jamie Harnwell
Prediction: Sydney FC.
Why: If we had taken our chances in the semi-final we would be in a similar position with us and Sydney both having that attacking talent. We caused Melbourne a lot of problems with our pace and I expect Sydney to do the same, but it won't be a walkover.

Team: Western Sydney Wanderers
Coach: Stephen Roche
Prediction: Sydney FC
Why: Even though they're away from home and so long as they limit the trouble caused to them by Jessica McDonald, I think Sydney will win. I think it will be close but they just have too many unpredictable players in attack, with Sam Kerr, Kyah Simon, Nicola Bolger, Chloe Logarzo and Renee Rollason from corners. If they're half switched-on, which they should be, flying down the day before, they will be too unpredictable in attack.

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Steph Catley: Getting High

What a game! Never in my whole entire life have I ever been involved in such a high pressure, exciting, hot, fast-paced and in the end, controversial match.

We hadn’t played particularly well throughout the game but we are a resilient bunch. We fought it out right until the very last second where we were able to pull ourselves over the line in a hard-fought win.

Perth have been outstanding all season and fought right until the very end with us. It was unfortunate that the game had to be decided by penalties, but in the end, that’s football.

I can’t remember a time in my life where I have felt as nervous as I did when I was standing arm-in-arm with my teammates at the halfway line, watching the girls take their penalties one-by-one.

Personally, I prefer the game of football to be decided within the game itself; running your guts out, winning tackles and being smart tactically to outwit your opponent.

And I strongly believe that those who are confident and comfortable to take a penalty, should while those who have doubts should leave it to the people who can literally see the ball hitting the back of the net. That’s me!

One day, I vow to be one of those people who don’t over-think the situation.

But as the opportunity came along, we had the perfect amount of girls who wanted to take penalties and the order was sorted from there.

You’re all probably wondering what I thought happened with the referee’s decision to have the penalty re-taken. Honestly, I was curled up in foetal position at the half way line waiting for it all to be over, praying for Jess’ shot to sail in – so I had no clue what was happening until Jess started jogging back to the 18 yard box. And then, I found myself yelling and spluttering in Maika Ruyter-Hooley’s face in some unknown language.

The aftermath was something special within itself, something I’ll remember for my entire life. We all charged at Jess once the ball sailed in, I managed to clothesline her on the way through, almost decapitating her and then the official grand final buzz began.

It’s almost impossible to put this ‘buzz’ into words, but the excitement and nerves that build from the exact moment that you know you’ll be playing in a grand final are something incredible within themselves.

All week, I’ve been on a high. I woke up this morning at 6:30am to catch a train and a bus to work because my car has broken down for the fourth time in the matter of two weeks and I didn’t care. I bounced up and went to work with a huge smile on my face.

We’ve had a lot of support from all the Victory supporters and it has been wonderful but we’d love to see as many Melbourne fans as possible at the game on Sunday, being as loud and intimidating as possible!

There’s always been a huge rivalry between Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC and this Sunday will be no different.

We’ve been training hard and preparing in every way possible, by the time the whistle goes at 3:30pm at AAMI Park on Sunday, we’ll be ready.

Read all of Steph's columns for The Football Sack.

Winner of 2011/12 Female Footballer of the Year in the Australian Football Fan Awards, young star for Melbourne Victory Women Stephanie Catley is a current Matilda and is a born and bred Victorian.
Catch the W-League Grand Final this Sunday at AAMI Park (tickets can be purchased here), or watch live in ABC1 from 3:30pm Eastern time.

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PODCAST: There's a lot of money in the sex trade...

You'd love to know how that show title came about, wouldn't you? Well, we're not going to tell you, you'll just have to listen.

LISTEN NOW

About The Show
With over 100 episodes experience, we know football podcasting. The Football Sack has won the best Australian football podcast award for the past two years. Funny, irreverent and a little bit cheeky, the Friday Show is an extremely light-hearted look at the Hyundai A-League.

Subscribe and listen on iTunes, or download this episode straight from the web.  

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W-LEAGUE: 2012/13 Team of the Year

A very competitive season has nearly come to an end for the girls this year with only the Grand Final to be played between third placed Melbourne Victory and fourth placed Sydney FC. It's also time for our always controversial 2012/13 Westfield W-League Team of the Year.

Player of the Season. Courtesy: Emily Mogic - The Womens Game

With no real stand out players in 2012/13, what has been highlighted is the quality of overseas players coming Down Under to participate in the short Westfield W-League season.  World class players like Kristen Mewis, Jess Fishlock, Ariane Hingst, Petra Larsson, Carly Telford, Louise Fors, Danielle Johnson, Jess McDonald etc.

As always in The Football Sack Team of the Year, selections are made not on reputation but on form in the 2012/13 Westfield W-League season alone.

Some of the Contenders

Goalkeepers:
• Carly Telford – Perth. International from the UK. Unfortunately injury stopped her finishing the season for Perth.
• Brianna Davey – Melbourne. One of Australia’s top young performing ‘keepers.
• Kate Stewart – Brisbane. Not a lot of game time but looks to be the goods with more development.

Centre Backs:
• Abby Erceg – Adelaide. Kiwi international, she tried her best for Adelaide.
• Danielle Johnson – Melbourne. U.S international who helped give Melbourne the competition’s best defence.
• Hayley Crawford – Newcastle. A hard working centre back who could move up the park when Newcastle needed an X-Factor.
• Ariane Hingst – Canberra. German international who also played in the defensive midfield position for Canberra.
• Maika Ruyter-Hooley – Melbourne. Anchored the backs for Melbourne this year in a highly professional manner.
• Renee Rollason – Sydney. A midfielder who moved into the backs this year and as usual did her job well.

Wing Backs:
• Stephanie Catley – Melbourne. A young but mature player. Who will ojnly get better
• Georgia Yeoman-Dale – Canberra. Another young player who makes good penetrating runs.
• Elise Kellond-Knight – Brisbane. Typical hard working year for Elise. Great to see in her return season from a long term injury.
• Emma Checker – Adelaide. Did her best for her team.

Defensive Midfielders:
• Clare Polkinghorne – Brisbane. Always a strong player and one of Brisbane’s finest.
• Emily Van Egmond – Newcastle. A strong hard working midfielder.
• Teresa Polias – Sydney. Holds the midfield with great vision.
• Petra Larsson – Melbourne. Swedish international. A true ‘control the middle of the pitch’ player.
• Aivi Luik – Perth. One of Perth’s new players this year that performed very well.
• Kristie Mewis – Canberra. U.S international and former USA U17 captain, Mewis is one of the world’s best up and comers but only played a couple of games for Canberra.
• Servet Uzunlar – Western Sydney. Always a steadfast player with great abilities and attitude.

Attacking Midfielders:
• Katrina Gorry – Brisbane. Another great year from this young player first year in Brisbane.
• Vedrana Popovic – Brisbane. Solid player. Performed very well again for the Roar girls.
• Tori Huster – Newcastle. U.S international. This season was her first year playing in Australia and she tried to get some momentum for her Newcastle side.
• Louise Fors – Western Sydney. Swedish international who is always a danger.

Wing Forwards:
• Hayley Raso – Canberra United. Had some great lightening runs this year. Still developing, though increased game time helped this season.
• Tameka Butt – Brisbane Roar. Came good again at the end of the season.
• Jessica Fishlock – Melbourne Victory. Welsh captain who only played six games but made an impact despite being out of position.
• Amy Chapman – Brisbane Roar. Well balanced. Amy’s best year so far.
• Laura Spiranovic – Melbourne Victory. Another hard to mark player. Natural finisher with potential.
• Sam Kerr – Sydney FC. A player with a lot of ability.

Centre Forwards:
• Emma Kete – Sydney FC. Kiwi international who was always a handful.
• Emily Gielnik – Brisbane Roar. The classic number nine who is still young and should develop even more in the future.
• Lisa De Vanna – Perth Glory. The speedy forward who was suited to the long-ball style of Perth.
• Rosie Sutton – Perth Glory. The new girl on the block who made a great impact this year for her team.
• Jessica McDonald – Melbourne Victory. U.S international with a great heading and running with the ball ability.
• Sarah Walsh – Western Sydney Wanderers. In her last W-League season, she never stopped giving her best.

Coaches:
• Mike Mulvey – Melbourne Victory. Finished his appointment early with the Melbourne girls to head to Queensland and coach the Brisbane Roar A-League side. Mike left his legacy of keeping good shape and, building-up with last year’s coach Vicki Linton work, the Melbourne girls played a good possession game.
• Belinda Wilson – Brisbane Roar. This was Belinda’s first year coaching in the W-League and the highly qualified and decorated coach got the Roar girls humming; especially in the second half of the season.

Final Eleven for The Sack's Team of the Year

Goalkeeper: Brianna Davey - Melbourne

Centrebacks: Maika Ruyter-Hooley - Melbourne, Danielle Johnson - Melbourne

Wing backs: Georgia Yeoman-Dale - Canberra, Stephanie Catley -Melbourne

Defensive Midfield: Petra Larsson - Melbourne, Aivi Luik - Perth

Attacking Midfield: Katrina Gorry - Brisbane

Wing Forwards: Jessica Fishlock - Melbourne, Amy Chapman - Brisbane

Centre Forward: Emily Gielnik

Coach: Belinda Wilson - Brisbane

Awards
Best Defender: Maika Ruyter-Hooley
Best Midfielder: Katrina Gorry
Best Forward: Emily Gielnik
Player of the Season: Maika Ruyter-Hooley
Most Improved/Young Player of the Season: Brianna Davey

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W-LEAGUE: Melboune Victory Grand Final Preview

Melbourne Victory's 2012/2013 Westfield W-League season has been a roller-coaster ride, beginning even before a ball had been kicked in the tournament. From coach-less to Grand Finalists and everything in between, the girls in navy blue will be hoping for their first piece of silverware against Sydney FC at AAMI Park in Melbourne on Sunday.

You could be forgiven for writing off Victory in the pre-season after they were rocked by the departure of former coach Vicki Linton only a few weeks leading up to the season. They remained without a coach until a week before the competition. Even the appointment of former Gold Coast United coach Mike Mulvey raised concerns over whether the team could gel together quickly enough to avoid any disruptions on the pitch.

Melbourne had also lost international stars Jodie Taylor and Kendall Fletcher, who returned back the UK and USA respectively, as well as Katrina Gorry who joined Brisbane Roar before season start. Mulvey was keen to replace them by signing up another batch of international stars and did not disappoint when revealing FA player of the year Jessica Fishlock, US international Jessica McDonald and Swede Petra Larsson.

As it began, two losses in the first two games and season ending injuries to captain Louisa Bisby and 2011/2012 Young Player of the Year Ashley Brown raised concerns over whether Melbourne could remain competitive throughout the season. However their first win of the season over Newcastle brought on a wave of form, including their first ever win over Sydney FC in the W-League competition.

The women also claimed a major scalp in Round Five, breaking Canberra United's 18-game winning streak which ran from January 2011. Both teams were depleted after mid-season international duties, however Victory's depth ensured they were the least affected.

Whilst away with the Matildas, Stephanie Catley capped off her magnificent season by claiming the Under 20 Female Footballer of the Year award. The youngster constantly caused problems down the wing for all teams throughout the duration of the season and it's for this reason she'll have the honour of leading her team out on Sunday afternoon.

Victory were once again rattled mid-season with the departure of coach Mike Mulvey to Brisbane Roar in the A-League after his exceptional performance with the women. Assistant Fabrizio Socin was handed the reins for the remainder of the year.

Jessica Fishlock was given an emotional farewell in the second last game of the season after the Welsh international's loan spell came to an end after six games and two goals. She was farewelled by 1,257 fans, a Melbourne Victory home crowd record, proving she has left a lasting impression on the faithful. The midfielder went out in style after Victory dominated Adelaide 4-1.

A 3-3 draw in the final game of the season to bottom-of-the-table Newcastle Jets meant Victory finished third, their best ever result in the W-League. However they were denied a maiden home semi-final and had to make the difficult trip over to Perth to seal a spot in the Grand Final.

After a hard fought 1-1 draw the visitors eventually went on to win the game 4-3 on penalties with a controversial decision that Jessica McDonald re-take a penalty the deciding factor. The US striker did not make the same mistake the second time round. Her match winning penalty was accompanied by a further seven goals throughout the season making her Melbourne Victory's leading goalscorer in her first year with the club.

Praise was also loud and clear for young goalkeeper Brianna Davey who saved two important shots in the penalty shootout. She also helped Melbourne concede fewer goals than any other side, with only 14 goals going past the Matilda throughout the season. At only 18 years of age she has constantly proved why she will be one to watch in years to come, both for club and country.

Melbourne has the honours of hosting the W-League Grand Final on Sunday against rivals Sydney FC in what will be a terrific weekend for the Victorian/New South Welsh rivalry. While Sydney will go into the game on a high after beating red-hot favourites Brisbane in Queensland, Victory have the mental edge over the Sky Blues this season, defeating them 2-1 in Round Four and playing out a 1-1 draw in Round Eight.

Whatever the result come Sunday evening, Melbourne Victory players, coaches and fans will be extremely proud of what the ladies have achieved in the season full of drama. It was not the Victory of old, who always seemed to fall short at the last hurdle. This time the girls have been brave enough to overcome all obstacles and fight their ways in to the big on the final day of the season.

Good luck girls!

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Crossbar: Funny thing happened on the way to the game

You hear it every week but you never really know what it means but "football is a funny game".

Last week we went with the Melbourne Heart joke about holding leads, and we laughed and we laughed and we laughed. 

But we have it on dodgy authority that John Aloisi pinned our little joke to the white board on Friday night when they lead Adelaide at half time and by crickey the Heart managed to keep that lead. 

We also predicted that Melbourne Victory couldn't win out west. Now we know Ange truly is a fan of The Football Sack because when asked what he thought of The Sack as we drove down Swan Street yelling out the car window he pumped his fist at us and our on-staff lip reader told us he said "Crazy bunch of Ballsacks!". What a larrikin.

The Mariners had us in hysterics when they smashed Sydney 7-2 a few weeks back and now Sydney go and destroy Wellington 7-1. Now thats rully funny bru. 

We definitely laughed at own hashtag #ThingsBannedInRBB too. 

Because football is a funny game.

These snuck under the Crossbar and into The Sack (Likes)
1. Rogic at Celtic. Saga over.
2. ADP's hat trick before half time. Imagine for one second that you weren't watching the game and checked your phone to see Sydney 5, Wellington 0, then seeing it was half time. Yep, I did that.
3. Our less-than-semi-regular Lookalikes segment.
4. Our blanket ban on A Street Car Named Desire puns with MVFC's new signing Francesco Stella
5. WSW away support. Easily overtaking the daylight that was second place in away support quantities.
6. Melbourne vs Sydney this week. Talk about big!

What went over the Crossbar (Dislikes)
1. Ye Olde Pitch surface after a concert. Hath thy not learned a thing over thy years?
2. Adelaide 2-0 down and passing backwards. HAVE A CRACK
3. 0-0 derby games with no red cards. ZZZZzzzz
4. Brisbane Roar's mental fragility. @MFrendin
5. Newcastle United. I'm sorry it's not A-League but I'm hugely frustrated. On the plus side its only 2,740 sleeps until Alan Pardew's 8 and a half year contract expires

Too early to call:
Sydney are back and Alessandro Del Piero is the saviour of the A-League (well FFA and Fox Sports are hoping so anyway).

Something we learned:
Melbourne Heart CAN hold onto a lead, contrary to how last week's Crossbar began.

Something we already knew:
Some people within the league need to lighten up and take a joke when it's there. After all it is entertainment.

Something we would change:
The W-League Grand Final between Melbourne and Sydney to be played as a curtain raiser on Australia day to.......Melbourne vs Sydney A-League game at AAMI Park. Imagine 180 minutes of these two clubs going at it.

We told you: 
Brisbane need to rest key players. @ne_brisbane

Hero of the Week:
Do I need to even mention him?

Villain of the Week:
Lisa de Vanna. Petulant at best.

Player to watch:
Julius Doe. A name change is as good as a sea change. Let's rename the whole Roar squad, including Theo.

Last week's prediction:
1. Joel Griffiths and Jade North to star on debut for their new A-League sides.
North didn't play and Griffiths was overshadowed by some Italian bloke, but we'll claim this one.
2. Perth Glory will beat Melbourne Victory in Perth. Victory can't win out west.
Another bit of reverse psychology! 
3. The loser of the Sydney vs Wellington game will miss the finals, a genuine six pointer.
Put a fork in them, they are done!

This week's prediction:
1. A great crowd and a great game at AAMI on Saturday. Should have been and should always be on a Friday night though.
2.Newcastle will beat Wellington and the Phoenix to sack Ricky Herbert.
3.A handy signing or two within the league as the transfer window comes to a close.

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W-LEAGUE: Melbourne through to GF on penalties

For 120 minutes Lisa De Vanna proved her resilience in the face of adversity. After every frustrating miss in scorching temperatures she came back quicker, stronger and hungrier. 

NIB Stadium still not complete, much like Perth Glory themselves

But even De Vanna had reached boiling point by the end of the grueling two hour encounter when referee Katie Patterson ruled that Kaitlyn Savage had left her line and ordered Jessica McDonald to retake her missed decisive penalty kick.

The veteran Matlida threw her wattle bottle and stormed off the pitch. Behind her, McDonald sent her second chance spot kick past Savage and Melbourne Victory into the 2012/13 Westfield W-League Grand Final.

Victory had to dig deep in Perth to win 4-3 on penalties after their hard earned lead was only held for five minutes. Collette McCallum cancelled out Laura Spiranovic’s 52^nd minute strike, but her stunning free kick was also shrouded in controversy, as replays confirmed the decision to award the foul was poor at best.

Melbourne were fortunate to not concede in the first 20 minutes. The team with the best defence in the league looked to be stumbling at the second last hurdle. Their back three was offering far too much space to De Vanna and Kathryn Gill, the strike pair responsible for Perth being the most goal-hungry team this season.

But while Melbourne only threatened to stumble, Perth fell flat on their face. De Vanna missed an open goal and a one on one within the first 15 minutes. The next 10 minutes saw Gill nervously delay an attempt on goal, allowing Maika Ruyter-Hooley to make a last gasp tackle, and De Vanna shooting wide after a brilliant solo run.

Melbourne knew they would not survive much more pressure and sorted their defensive issues. Petra Larsson played a deeper role to help plug the space that the Glory midfielders were finding with inch perfect through balls. It also limited the space Perth had to use on the counter. With Rebekah Stott being expected to play more of a fullback than center back role, there was often room for Perth to attack down the right wing before Larsson dropped back.

It turned the tide of the game and at half time Melbourne had 10 attempts on goal to Perth’s four. Yet they too failed to break the deadlock until the 52^nd minute.

Stephanie Catley caused continuous problems down the left during the first hour and it payed off when she provided the cross for Spiranovic’s far post finish. But as the heat began to take its toll, she, and many other players on the pitch, began to have less of an influence on proceedings.

After an hour, only De Vanna really looked threatening. But it was clear Ruyter-Hooley was winning the intense battle between the two, and the end-to-end match rolled into extra time and eventually penalties. Undoubtedly the poor finishing did not do justice to the standard of the rest of the match.

Though the standard of finishing looked better from the penalty spot. McCallum stepped up first; goal. Danielle Johnson; goal. Gill; goal. 2-1 Perth. Then the nerves hit.

Savage saved and Davey followed suit. Larsson scored for Melbourne to level things up at 2-2, and Davey followed it up with another save. Koca had just put Melbourne in front 3-2 when De Vanna stepped up.

It had seemed inevitable that De Vanna would find the back of the net throughout the 120 minutes of football played at NIB Stadium. And finally, she did. But only moments later she was storming off the pitch in fury as Perth Glory fell agonizingly short of a first Grand Final appearance.

PERTH GLORY - 1 (McCallum 57') 3-4p MELBOURNE VICTORY - 1 (Spiranovic 52')

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