A-League rivals paying Sydney FC the ultimate compliment: imitation

It is one of the A-League’s great traditions that each new season starts with teams copycatting elements of the previous season’s winners. After Sydney FC’s extraordinary success in 2016-17, this season is no different.

It is one of the A-League’s great traditions that each new season starts with teams copycatting elements of the previous season’s winners.

When Ange Postecoglou’s Brisbane Roar swept the league by dominating possession, several teams attempted to be bold with the ball the following year. When Tony Popovic’s Western Sydney Wanderers were successful with high pressing, their opponents then tried to put the squeeze on each other.

The Sydney FC team of 2016-17 will go down as one the competition’s all-time best. They managed the all-time records for points scored, goals conceded, clean sheets, goal difference, and the second-longest undefeated streak. There are, inevitably, many ideas to like, and many ideas to steal. Here are four we saw in the opening round.

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By Tim Palmer

Tim is a football coach, writer, analyst and sports scientist. He is currently Assistant Technical Director, Head of Player Development & Video and a coach at NWSF Spirit, as well as working with the Pararoos. Previously, he has worked as an analyst with the Socceroos, and in the A-League.

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