NOTHING beats a good local derby for tension and atmosphere.
The Mariners opening salvo in Season 5 was impressive, despite what any of the style critics might say. It was more than just grit and endeavour, it was a victory borne of superior athleticism, fitness, teamwork, and communication. Anyone who knows anything about football knows that skill, and technique are only two factors at play in the contest. Alone, they infrequently deliver a result.
That is not to imply the Mariners are completely without these traits, but it would be fair to say, there is a lack of the the ‘Culina', or ‘Miller' about them. It would also be fair to say that the A-league lacks a lot of these types of players. This is not surprising given the money we have to offer versus Europe, Japan, or Saudi Arabia for that matter. Expecting Barcelona-esque style is ridiculous, it's simply an unreasonable expectation.
Having said all of that, perhaps I should preview this Friday night's blockbuster by highlighting the contests that will nonetheless make the game compelling viewing.
I predict there will be large phases of the game where the ball will be repeatedly hoofed up-field to relieve pressure only to hit a an opposing centre half as they climb all over the back of their opponent, and then there will be the scrappy periods where both sides struggle to string more than three passes together as full blooded tackles fly in from desperate midfielders.
It sounds like the Championship, doesn't it, or possibly Hull City versus Sunderland?
Matt Simon and big Ljubo will face off in what should be a real test of determination and intelligence (I'm being serious here). Milicevic was a class act in the Jets win against Wellington. He is quality, and is vital to Newcastles chances this season. He is a smart player, who Simon will have to try and outthink and outmuscle in order to generate scoring chances.
The Mariners real success story from game one was at the back, where all four starters were very good. Doig appears to have made a real difference with his leadership and organisation, and I think his contest with the old stager Sasho, should be fun to watch.
Sasho is still a quality player, with great vision and touch, and will take the attention away from Hoffman, or whomever else Culina chooses to run up front. The confidence of the Jets young striking brigade should be high, as they all contributed well last week. Rooney looks like a particularly good prospect to me.
Midfield is where the game will be won or lost, and this is where I believe the Jets are weakest. Everyone has been talking up the quality of Vignaroli, however I just sense too much rests on his shoulders to create chances. The Mariners need to close him down as they did Hernandez last week.
Our man of the match against Melbourne, Pedj Bojic, will no doubt be tasked to be all over Vignaroli like a rash.
Hutchinson was also very effective in closing down space, and when coupled with McGlinchey I think the centre of the park will be very tightly contested.
In the wide areas, both Porter and Kwasnik also played strongly, and although the latter is a much maligned player at times, he can be underestimated, and will back himself to have a run into the box, and as Andy says ‘ask questions of the defenders'. Unfortunately, this is something most players seem reluctant to do these days.
So although I obviously predict the Mariners will notch up their second victory of the campaign, courtesy of another Matt Simon goal, I can also safely predict we will see a fairly scrappy, physical encounter, where qualities like courage, determination, and character play a larger part in the outcome than skill alone.
I for one can't wait, and I'm not too bothered about whether Craig Foster enjoys it or not!
Rest assured I know where to get the skill and technique fix - it's called ESPN, and remember Real Madrid had to spend over $200M to try and get it this season. Let's see if they can deliver the results.
