What a month to cap things off. Dissapointing in parts, but pleasing none the less. With 2 huge wins, one draw which felt like victory and two defeats, one a bit embarrasing. With the our Rivals topping the table, we had to focus on our business at hand, and that was making the finals! Did we do that? find out in the results below, you will be amazed by a few.
March Results (Hyundai A-League)
Newcastle Jets 3-3 Adelaide United
NJ: Carney PEN 53', Tiago 77', Topor Stanley 87'
AU: McKain 10', Malik 29', Van Dijk 89'
Central Coast Mariners 4-1 Newcastle Jets
CCM: Ricco 18', Bozanic 45+2', Jukic 57', 76'
NJ: Brockie 34'
Newcastle Jets 3-2 Melbourne Heart
NJ: Tiago 2', Wheelhouse 66', Topor Stanley 73'
MHT: Duganzic 19', Zullo 64'
Sydney FC 1-0 Newcastle Jets
SFC: McFlynn 16',
Jamieson CARD 7', McFlynn Pen Miss 84'
NJ: None
Brisbane Roar 1-2 Newcastle Jets
BRI: Rixon 1'
NJ: Tiago 15', Griffiths 35'
I must say, we ended the season on quite a high. With a huge win over the defending champions, and a good win over the Heart. But, lets begin with the opener agains't Adelaide. For sure this was the game of the season, as both sides went at it. We changed formations to a 3-4-3 for the first time in the season, and we thought it worked. Adelaide took a quick two goal lead into half time, then somehow, i thought this might be our month, as we scored three straight goals to set us on course for the epic win, but Van Dijk, saved United in the last minute, which was so dissapointing, after we fought back from two down to go 3-2 up. But, overall, a good point, considering we were under the pump early. Next up was the humiliation to our rivals. Was very impressed with Ricco, the first goalscorer, he tore us to shreds. We did level the game at 1 a piece, but that never looked like helping. We then conceeded another three, to hand our fans dissapointment, and believe me, ive felt it first hand, losing to the mariners at the central coast isn't the best feeling, especially when your away supporters bay is full compared to the home supporters bay.
Moving on, we then took on the Heart, who were second at the time, still trailing the ladder leaders, Central Coast. We finally managed to beat the Heart this season, as we won an epic. We opened the scoring very early through Tiago, but Mate Duganzic levelled it. This time we weren't to be denied, even though the Heart wen't 2-1 up. Instantly after their goal, we responded, and then won it through a Topor Stanley header, 17 minutes from time. Finally a win, which ended our shocking run of losses and draws. This was not to last though, as we seccumbed to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Sydney FC, who were really good. Even though we were a man up, they were just a class above. They missed a penalty, but it didn't matter. We did end the month on a wonderful note though!
In our biggest win of the season, we came out and took the game to Brisbane. But, before we could even start doing that, we conceeded in the first minute. But, that was just a early blow that didnt effect us, as we dominated from the 2nd minute, right through till the 90th, and we managed two goals inbetween, giving us a historic 2-1 win, replicating the 2-1 win at Suncorp last season, but this one was special. Finally something to cheer about, and we did manage to make the finals, but the next game wont be easy. You will find out who soon. Here is the season ending Ladder, who won the minor premiership? who's playing at home in their respective Semi finals? well, here we go!
March & Final A-League Ladder
1st - Central Coast Mariners (51 PTS)
2nd - Melbourne Heart (47 PTS)
3rd - Brisbane Roar (43 PTS)
4th - Sydney FC (42 PTS)
5th - Newcastle Jets (37 PTS)
6th - Perth Glory (32 PTS)
7th - Wellington Phoenix (31 PTS)
8th - Adelaide United (30 PTS)
9th - Melbourne Victory (27 PTS)
10th - Gold Coast United (24 PTS)
Well isn't that odd. There were no changes in positions what so ever, it was only the points which grew. So, as it stands, we have made the finals, but face a tough trip to Sydney, who we lost to in all 3 games this season, so it doesn't look good. But, if we can produce the same stuff we did agains't Brisbane in Sydney, than we can win this thing. Anyway, lets take a look at every team, and there performances.
Firstly, Gold Coast United. The seller dwellers. Woodern Spooners. What else can i say. They were horrible, even though we lost to them at home once, yes, at home. They just never looked like moving up, and im surprised Miron Bleiberg still has his job. The Melbourne Victory, in my opinion, the shock of the season. With new man Ange Postecoglu in charge, things got even worse, as they fell to 9th, after they changed managers when they were 7th. People must still be wondering why there was a change at the helm. Next up is Adelaide United, whom also provided a shock. Perhaps they were involved in the game of the season agains't us, but they were involved in drama and dissapointment. Now with no manager, the search is on. Next are the boys from across the Tasman.
Wellington Phoenix actually had a decent campaign, but they would have loved to make the finals. Regardless, Ricki Herbet's men should be proud of their achievements. Perth Glory, the boys from the West. Just managed to edge out Wellington for the important 6th spot, and now have a chance to win their first ever A-League finals game. Yes, Perth have only made the finals once before, and they never made it past the opening game, can they this time? We are up next. It was a sensational start to the season, as we were in the mix, around 1st, 2nd and 3rd until January hit, then we slumped to 4th and 5th, eventually ending in 5th, forcing us into a away meeting with Sydney FC. But, we can reflect on a successful season, which could have been better, if it wasn't for so many injuries to key players, ala Grella and Slory. Now, we move to Sydney themselves. They beat us comprehensively once, 4-1, and twice by the 1-0 margin. We always struggle agains't them, and this time around, things will hopefully be a bit different. They had a good compain, and Viteslav Lavicka should be pleased with a home semi position. As with the Brisbane Roar, who now have to go on the harder path to win their 3rd consecutive A-League crown. They made the major semi last year, and went on to win the title for a 2nd year in a row, can they make history and win 3 in a row?. Now, the Heart. Wow, just wow.
The Melbourne Heart performed above expectations and managed a 2nd finish. After leading the way for most of the season, they eventually lost top spot to the Mariners mid-January. But, new Heart manager Josef Hickersberger should be proud of 2nd spot. Can he lead the Melbourne Heart to the title in their second ever season in the competition. Now, we have the minor premiers, the Central Coast Mariners. The team who has shown everyone why they are the best, and now they have a great chance to win the Grand Final. The Mariners have made it to 3 Grand Finals, but have lost all 3 to all Newcaslte fans delight, especially the second loss as it did come to the Jets in the 2008 Grand Final, which was the same venue that we will play at agains't Sydney in the Minor Final. In other news, both the Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory are on top of their respective groups in the Asian Champions League. The Roar are on 9 points, as they have dominated to go 3 from 3. With 3 games to go, they look set to make the next round. Melbourne are level top on 5 points, after a win and two draws. Wouldn't it be interesting if they met in the next round!? Anyway, here are the Finals Series fixtures for weeks 1 and 2.
April - Hyundai Finals Series Fixtures
Week 1
Minor Semi Final #1
Brisbane Roar vs. Perth Glory - LIVE from Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane (QLD)
Minor Semi Final #2
Sydney FC vs. Newcastle Jets - LIVE from Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney (NSW)
Week 2
Major Final - Leg #1
Melbourne Heart vs. Central Coast Mariners - LIVE from AAMI Park, Docklands, Melbourne (VIC)
It's looking like the next two weeks are going to be huge. So, lets review the fixtures. First up, we have the first Minor Semi-Final, as the Roar host the Glory. Brisbane, the champions, will be heavy favourites heading into this, but the Glory have been good away from home this season, how will they respond, for my sake, i hope its them who make it through. Then we come to our Semi Final, away to Sydney. This won't be easy. I plan on using the same side and tactics i used in the 2-1 away win in Brisbane, so hopefully Sydney fall to this aswell. I would accept a penalty shootout if it went to it. Slory will be out for a few days, so hopefully he can recover with full fitness in time. Finally, the Major Final's first leg.
It's the battle of the giants. The two teams who topped the ladder, the Melbourne Heart and the Central Coast Mariners. The Heart will be looking to use the likes of Alex Terra, the Golden Boot winner and Foreign Player of the Season to get the goals and give them the home edge, but the Mariners youngster Bernie Ibini-Isei, just named Young Player of the Season, will be looking to get the vital away goal. Who will come out on top? we will find out on the next update!
Before i go, i thought i might give you the list of awards for the season.
Goalkeeper of the Season - Eugene Galekovic -
Adelaide United
Goal of the Season - Terry McFlynn -
Sydney FC -
Stunning curled effort from 34 yards out!
Foreign Player of the Season - Alex Terra -
Melbourne Heart
Young Player of the Season - Bernie Ibini-Isei -
Central Coast Mariners
Golden Boot [Top Goalscorer] - Alex Terra -
12 Goals -
Melbourne Heart
Manager of the Season - Graham Arnold -
Central Coast Mariners
Player of the Season - Brett Emerton -
Sydney FC -
AVG Rating of 7.56
Well there are the awards for the 12/13 Hyundai A-League regular season. One thing i didn't put in there, was an unbelievable achievement for myself, as i picked up third spot in the Manager of the Season award. A good achievement, and im very happy with that. So guys, i will update you again after the Major Final is over, should be a much shorter update then, thanks!