The main reason the A-League has fallen from that high watermark of five years ago is because FFA and the clubs have been arguing over who should run it,rather than actually running it.
The war ended ages ago,but the fog hasn't lifted. Until that independence deal is signed,the A-League is technically the legal responsibility of FFA – but it has already washed its hands of it. Until it's signed,the clubs say they can't even release the genuinely exciting plans they are sitting on to reboot the A-League,let alone action them,or set up proper governance and management structures.
We're trying to promote the game and it's very difficult when you see some of the state of affairs that's happening.
Melbourne Victory star Robbie Kruse
Whoever is to blame,all the public sees is a competition stuck in a weird purgatory. They see a league with no naming rights sponsor,no long-term broadcast deal,nobody at the wheel and no reason to think this season won't be another write-off.
Players feel it,too."The game's not in the greatest place in this country at the moment. It's just sad when you see some of the things that go on,"Melbourne Victory star Robbie Kruse said.
"The launch ... there's not even someone here from Newcastle. We're trying to promote the game and it's very difficult when you see some of the state of affairs that's happening. Hopefully we can all take everything on board and the players can put on a good season and get the buzz back around the game again."
The irony is this A-League campaign has the potential to be the best of the past few,in spite of everything. The nosedive in quality that many anticipated post-COVID hasn't eventuated – at least on paper.
No clubs have collapsed;even the ownerless Jets will be saved from oblivion. And fans are getting what they have long been asking for – more young players,more imports from Asia,more teams,more games at boutique venues,and more kick-offs in cooler weather instead of long,slow afternoons in the summer sun.
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Melbourne City sharpshooter Jamie Maclaren can see the bright side,and says it's time for people to stop"taking this game for granted"– players,coaches,administrators,supporters and media.
"I just want this league to be back to what it can be – or what I know it can be,and have 20,000 fans at the stadium on the regular;fans tuning in,not turning a blind eye and being negative about it,"Maclaren said.
"There was a period where it was a little bit stale,and now it's time to really ramp it up. That's why I'm here – I'm proud to be playing in the A-League. What's wrong with our backyard? Appreciate what we've got."
And so it's over to the players to salvage what looms as another'transition'season for the A-League. They'll manage,like always,and their football will do the talking,but they need help from their employers – or whoever's actually in charge – to amplify the message.
If this is rock bottom,the silver lining is the only way is up.
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