Breakdown: no Victory, but Jets show signs of improvement
Newcastle Jets were the victim of some outrageous scheduling to to start the season, but at home for the first time showed some signs of improvement
Author: Tim Palmer
My career spans youth development, coach education, and technical leadership across both mainstream and Paralympic pathways. I’m open to conversations around sports leadership, coaching, inclusive sport, and development roles where people, culture, and long-term impact matter.
Match Analysis: Adelaide United 0-0 Sydney FC
It beggars belief how this thrilling, absorbing match between the top two sides so far this season finished 0-0.
Match Analysis: Wellington Phoenix 1-0 Western Sydney Wanderers
Nathan Burns got the winner after Wellington were able to successfully implement their new technical style on the game.
Five things to watch: A-League Round Five
An intriguing round of fixtures sees potential problems for both Sydney teams in their away matches, Newcastle and Perth having to work to do in finding the right balance, while Brisbane Roar v Melbourne City might see yet another display of midfield man-marking.
Central Coast Mariners revive the 5-4-1 with an unusual twist
Phil Moss has largely followed the template of his predecessor Graham Arnold, but in a reunion with his former boss, he attempted to surprise him with a bold new shape
Breakdown: Zonal v man-marking in the A-League
A perennial debate in football is about marking at set-pieces, but increasingly, the same argument can also be applied in the midfield zone
Match Analysis: Melbourne City 1-2 Adelaide United
Marcelo Carrusca’s penalty sealed Adelaide United’s come-from-behind win.
Breakdown: when all-out attack backfires
In their past two matches Melbourne City have trailed at the 70-minute mark and, in both instances against the Newcastle Jets and Melbourne Victory, coach John Van ’t Schip has had the same response.
Match Analysis: Melbourne Victory 5-2 Melbourne City
Melbourne City took the lead twice early on, but Melbourne Victory pegged them back then went on to dominate the second half thanks to a Besart Berisha hat-trick.
Five things to watch: A-League Round Three
In a huge weekend for Australian football, there’s several tactical talking points from a round featuring not only a Melbourne derby, but also an Asian Champions League final where the Wanderers’ approach might finally prove unsustainable.
Match Analysis: Sydney FC 1-3 Adelaide United
Nikolai Petkovic’s red card at the end of regular time meant Sydney FC went down to 10 for extra time, where Bruce Djite’s double proved decisive.
How David Villa has left Melbourne City exposed
David Villa’s first two games for Melbourne City have immediately introduced a difficult tactical problem