A-League Men round one: What we learned from each match

Josh Thomas
and others
• 6 min read
Mariners v Jets A-League Men

The A-League Men is finally back and the first round delivered on a number of fronts. 

From an atmospheric Sydney derby to a sold-out HBF Park that got its first glimpse of Daniel Sturridge. 

In true A-League Men fashion, not everything went smoothly but the seeds have certainly been planted for a cracking campaign. 

Here's what we learned from every round one match of the A-League Men...

Brisbane Roar defy 'gobsmacking' travel arrangements to give Melbourne City a test

As if facing the defending A-League Men champions wasn't enough, Brisbane Roar did so having only just flown into Melbourne. 

Due to lingering COVID-19 restrictions, Warren Moon's side only landed in Victoria at 3pm on Friday, played at 7.45pm and flew back to Queensland that night. 

Despite all that and in the absence of key defender Tom Aldred, the Roar still gave Melbourne City a scare in a 2-1 defeat. 

VAR in fact denied Brisbane a late equaliser as the club showed real spirit in the face of some testing conditions. 

"I’m gobsmacked. We’re playing against one of the best teams in the land and we’re not arriving in Melbourne until three o’clock in the afternoon," Moon said post-match.

“Despite all that, we overran our opponents and were the stronger team to finish the game. We felt we deserved something in the end."


No goals but fans make for a cracking Sydney derby

The first Sydney derby of the A-League Men season fell a little flat on the pitch as both sides dusted off their cobwebs in a 0-0 draw at CommBank Stadium. 

While the players weren't able to step up in front of goal, fans from the two clubs did their part to create a compelling atmosphere. 

The RBB boasted strong numbers and made plenty of noise, while The Cove easily sold out the away section with Sky Blue fans spread out across the stadium as a result. 

After a lacklustre few years, the atmosphere on Saturday night suggested brighter days are ahead if fans can be kept around this time. 


Melbourne Victory bounce back as Paramount Plus stumbles

Tony Popovic kicked off his Melbourne Victory tenure with a tight 1-0 win over Western United. 

After picking up the wooden spoon last season, Victory have started the new campaign on the right foot and showed signs of a much-stronger spine in Geelong. 

Former Wolves defender Roderick Miranda headed home the winner and looks like he'll be a vital part of Popovic's plans this campaign. 

Unfortunately for fans watching from home, new broadcaster Paramount+ showed some early fragility with viewers unable to watch the opening minutes of the match before the entire 90 minutes was blighted by technical difficulties. 

Paramount were quick to apologise and the A-League Men have also explained what went wrong, but first impressions are vital and they'll need to avoid stumbling again anytime soon. 

Daniel Sturridge sells out HBF Park and doesn't disappoint despite minor cameo

After helping HBF Park sell out for Perth Glory's clash against Adelaide United, Daniel Sturridge wasn't brought on until the 85th minute. 

Still working his way back to match fitness, the former Premier League star won't be rushed into the action by Glory coach Richard Garcia and showed he can still deliver off the pitch. 

Sturridge spent over half an hour mingling with fans after the match as he signed autographs and got to know his new supporters. 

Though Glory will be banking on him scoring a few goals this season, Sturridge's efforts off the pitch could prove to be just as invaluable.  


Central Coast Mariners continuing to produce young talent

While the Mariners lost talented young striker Alou Kuol over the off-season, it's taken just one game for another youngster to step up. 

On his A-League Men's debut, 19-year-old Jacob Farrell starred for Central Coast in a 2-1 win over Newcastle Jets on Sunday. 

Deployed at left-back, the club's academy product held his own defensively before scoring with a bullet header in the 57th minute that secured the victory. 

The Mariners once again come into the new season with an average squad on paper but can't be underestimated with youngsters like Farrell continuing to make their mark. 


Macarthur's Campbelltown Stadium nightmare

Ante Milicic's side were supposed to start their new season at home against Wellington Phoenix but were instead forced into a late relocation to Newcastle after the Campbelltown Stadium pitch was deemed unplayable. 

Having struggled for crowds last season, the location change didn't help the Bulls start the new campaign with a bang in the stands as the game attracted just 1,188 fans in wet conditions. 

Macarthur could be set for a long stint without their home stadium with Milicic conceding the surface at Campbelltown needs plenty of work. 

"I couldn’t put a timeframe on how long but all I can say is that I was there on Friday and it looked a long way off," Milicic said.

"When we’ll be back there, that’s something for the stadium and the club to to work on.

"I’ve got a bigger job obviously with my staff to get the playing group focused and to concentrate on the performances that are in front of us." 

The Bulls salvaged a 1-1 draw with the Phoenix on Sunday night, and while there were some positive signs on the pitch, the club can't afford to lose home games just as they're trying to establish themselves in the competition. 

Author(s)
Josh Thomas