A WEEKEND of Victory-less football exposed my need for a second A-League team.

Let me clarify – by 'second team', I mean one that (a) I would never actually support but (b) don’t really have anything against and (c) derive (a little) enjoyment watching.

By definition this immediately rules out clubs that are Victory’s bitter rivals, have arrogant players or show off their wealth.

Taking an interest in a second team is entirely optional and often changes over time. This team might play an exciting brand of football; have a never say die attitude; or generate a terrific atmosphere at their home games. There might even be one or two classy players you’d love to see in your clubs colours.

(I suspect then the Victory would be the second team for many A-League fans).

This was a little weird for me because I have a second team in other sports/leagues...

In the AFL, I support the Demons but also have a soft spot for the Bulldogs. I dig the Dogs because of their exciting game style and the obvious passion their players have for the club.

Before the Storm entered the NRL, I liked Canberra (and still do). Back in their heyday, I enjoyed watching Mal Meninga and co throw the pill around.

I barrack for Aston Villa in the EPL but I lived the Kevin Keegan Entertainers dream at Newcastle (both times).

In the NBA, I’m a Knicks man but I love how tough the Celtics play.

Now that I think about it, my second team theme is pretty obvious. Basically, it’s about players that have earned my respect and/or teams that display characteristics that I’d like to see at my primary club.

So with this in mind I turned my attention to the A-League...

There’s no way any self respecting Victory fan could have Adelaide United as their second team. As Neil correctly pointed out, they’ll always just be Adelaide (to me too!). I’d also put Sydney FC in that basket.

The Jets and Mariners are tricky. I think Joel Griffiths is a gun and Central Coast continues to show admirable fighting spirit, but both teams took titles away from Victory last year – so that rules them out.

Smeltz is having a great year but Wellington is in New Zealand...

I don’t really have anything against Perth but I'm not big on the Eagles or Dockers, so I guess Glory is out by geographic association.

That leaves Queensland. I actually don't mind Roar.

I liked Farina as a player and reckon he’s a fine A-League coach. Charlie Miller is solid and brings a lot of class to the midfield. I also like the look of Michael Zullo.

Of course, this can all change in a heartbeat. That’s the beauty about something on the side – it’s never forever and you can stop/swap whenever you feel like.

* I’d be interested to know if anybody else has a second A-League team.

Tristram is a Victory fan and wishes he could say that a knee injury curtailed his promising football career.

See more of Tristram's blogs here