BASED on the pre-season hype, Adelaide United have strengthened their attack, consolidated the midfield and….look vulnerable at the back. But maybe – just maybe – popular opinion is wrong about the Reds defence.

Looking at the facts, Adelaide had the best defence in the A-League last season, conceding only 19 goals prior to the finals. They made it through to the ACL final based on a (much-criticised) game plan that was strong on blocking teams out.

Like it or not, it worked and others have failed to emulate it.  Without doubt Big Sasa Ognenovski played a huge role in the back four. Losing him was a blow - but was it as damaging as many are suggesting? Let's have a look at who's blunting the opposition this year.

Eugene Galekovic: 'Hugene' proved he's complete class last season and picked up the Goalkeeper of the Year Award to put some gloss on it. A shot-stopper, an organiser and a motivator, there's no keeper in the league we'd swap him for. Simply put - a star.

Scott Jamieson: (Left Back) A-League Rising Star of last season and a Socceroos call-up to boot. It's easy to forget he came in as a 'youth' player. Never stops running. Tough on the ball. Great attacking flair. Name a side that wouldn't want to have him on their books. So good that he has kept Cassio out of his favoured position. (When I had a chat with Cassio the other day he indicated he was still not happy about this! It'll be interesting to see whether they've swapped positions by season's end.)

Daniel Mullen:  (Right Back) The Australian under 20 star only made his AU debut a year ago. He has height, drive, football brains and speed. Currently injured but sure to take back a starting berth and improve his game again this year. Along with Marrone could be cover as centre-back.

Iain Fyfe: (Centre Back) Iain comes into the United squad after an indifferent year with Sydney. But who didn't have an indifferent year for Sydney? An experienced player who won't grab headlines but has - so far - shown commitment and strength at the back. He wouldn't be the first player who lifted their game as a result of joining a far better team. He won't be the direct replacement of Sas but he'll hold his own.

Michael Marrone: (Right or Centre Back) Watch this space! Having watched Michael in pre-season games I came away with the strong impression that he was more than ready for the big games. His composure on the ball, his passing and his attacking flair shone. Will be putting the pressure on the starters to perform and it's highly unlikely the team will lose anything by having him on the pitch. Could he be this year's Rising Star? He'll push Daniel Mullen all year - and remember that Alemao is also a Right Back.

Paul Reid: (Defensive Midfield) Came from obscurity in the UK and ended up getting a Socceroos call-up. The quiet, tough shield in the centre of midfield. Likely to improve again this season as he gels with the new midfield formation and feels the pressure of squad players breathing down his neck. Has the intelligence necessary to read the game and make the right moves.

Robert Cornthwaite: (Centre Back) I've left Robbie until last because he's the most controversial - and in my opinion - the most important defender we have. 36 appearances last year. Four goals. A Socceroos call-up. A partnership with Sasa that was the meanest and toughest in the league. What does Robbie have to do to prove himself? It's one of the truisms of football that every team has a player that divides opinions. For United it's Robbie. Tall, strong, quick enough, mouthy, aggressive, hard in the tackle and good in the air. To my mind that's what you want in a defender. Yes, he can have the occasional brain-fade and he always sends one or two passes astray but he plays with his heart and I predict this year he'll be the one standing up every week to keep the Reds strong.  Still young enough to be learning but old enough to know his weaknesses and stamp them out of his game.

So, maybe we've lost our stand-out defender but what we have is a young, motivated, mobile and talented backline that is generally getting better rather than older. Exactly the kind of players an A-League team should have if the game is to develop in this country.

This season the competition will be more even than ever and Adelaide may concede more goals. Or maybe the young men at the back will become the platform on which the Reds will build to another glory year.

(And yes, we lost to Melbourne again. Pre-season. Who cares - gnash, gnash. Great to see Cassio back on the field and scoring though.)