There's something missing in this year's addition of the Asian Champions League. It's right on the tip of my mind. There are Asia's best teams, and plenty of goals and the odd controversial decision. No it's none of that, it's,,, it's,,,, Adelaide is missing.

Not literally Adelaide but a team with the talent and balls to play these super clubs of Asia with no fear or respect. Kashima Antlers were supposed to spread the fear of god through the lowly A-league when they first ventured to our sunny shores. With a budget several time in excess of anything an A-league club could dream of, however Adelaide showed them our famous fighting spirit.

How will Sydney react when presented the same proposition? I cannot completely dismiss them as they did put on a highly entertaining first half against Shanghai but how will they ever hope to make an impact if they couldn't score in that 45min. Albeit Sydney do have their own fate in their own hands as they sit second in their group with two draws. Will 'Vitya' go for the jugular and the three points, seeing that Sydney will play three away games following this you would hope the answer is yes.

 As for Victory, the less said about their forays into Asia the better.

How can arguably Australia's most decorated team be so overwhelmed by Asia? Even at home they have all the strength and backbone of jelly.

In fact the most exciting thing to happen anywhere near Victory during another lamentable ACL campaign is the explosive rumour that Roy Keane was thinking of taking the reins. While interesting it was unfounded, but are the Victory board really looking for a superstar coach? I for one would love to see a superstar coach in at Melbourne.

  • 1- It would be a media boost for the whole league
  • 2- I wouldn't care if he succeeded or failed as it would be Melbourne's fate.

Meanwhile Asia has seen fit to raid our player stocks in alarming numbers this off season. Seeing some of our most consistent players now call these teams home it still baffles me that 'we' as A-league teams don't raid Asia for some technical quality. While BIG NAME Marquees are great, what value would you place on your team having a Flores or Broich to call its own? A player that is exciting for his ability to unlock a defence or dance through defenders, and not just an aging name?

Perhaps there is a club out there who will dip their toe into that pond this off-season, I think we would all be pleasantly surprised.