The new season starts in 1 month (Dec 27). And despite the lack of publicity (as always), I reckon there is a real positive vibe around the ALeague for the first time in a long time.
Here is a list of things that's getting me excited:
- 26 games plus finals (and the International break in March) compacted into 6 months means there is a feast of Football coming up.
- We'll be one of the only leagues in the world where crowds are allowed.
- 6 games per round for the first time with the entry of Macarthur FC.
- Strong rumours about a new naming rights sponsor.
- The unbundling of the league agreed upon (just not made official yet).
- Talk of an expanded FFA Cup next off-season.
- The second division is likely to start in 15-16 months.
- A proper player transfer system isn't far off.
- While the 30% cut of the salary cap is a negative (but probably a short-term thing), it forces more teams to invest in youth, which is a positive for the Socceroos.
- The fixture has just been released:
https://www.a-league.com.au/sites/aleague/files/2020-11/A-League 2020_21 Season Draw 24112020.pdf
- And the best news of all is that Fox Sports are apparently interested in the ALeague again. It’s my understanding that there are at least 5 serious bidders for the next round of TV rights, which we all hope produces a bidding war and bumps up the asking price. Then we have the rumoured prospect of FFA TV.
As for Melbourne Victory, I am much more optimistic about the upcoming season. I feel like we have a much better balance in our squad with multiple signings from the English championship, which I believe will suit the physical nature of the league.