There is one thing that, above and beyond everything else, I really love about the National Youth League.
And no, watching 22 hot guys who are young and talented footballers prancing around on a football pitch is not that one thing. Although, the Mariners youth backline is looking pretty good this year... Especially in the middle...
Okay, I'm back down to Earth now.
One of the things I love about the National Youth League is its never-ending ability to astound and surprise those who only watch the A-League. Even the most statistically mad supporters (i.e. me) could never predict what exactly was going to happen based on A-League statistics. The fact that the A-League has zero bearing on how a team goes in the youth league is absolutely fantastic. In fact, team form often seems to be completely the opposite between the two leagues.
This isn't true for every team but for the others, the differences are actually quite strange.
Brisbane Roar are right near the bottom of the table. And, unlike their A-League team's beautiful and speedy passing game, they do like a bit of the old long ball. I was also surprised to see that, at their fixture against Central Coast at the weekend, Bob Malcolm wore the captain's armband. And he played quite well. That's polar opposites for you.
Melbourne Victory have scored the most goals in the A-League (as of me writing this), however, in the youth league they're having a bit of trouble in the ‘goals for' department. Also, they languish in mid-table mediocrity, as opposed to dominating and then crushing all those who come before them in the A-League (well, kind of).
Adelaide United sit in a comfortable third position in the youth league and have absolutely no problem scoring goals. Which is a bit of a joke when you think about their A-League team. Maybe one or two of the youth combinations deserve a shot in the first team. Viddie? Maybe just give Francesco Monterosso a starting berth... please? Do it for the fans!
However, probably the team with the greatest difference are the Central Coast Mariners. I know, I'm a Mariners fan so I'd say that, right? But seriously. The youth guys are fantastic. Absolutely brilliant. Without them, I'd have to rely solely on the A-League for my Mariners fix which, in all probability, would make me go insane.
I mean, Vukes launching long balls (oo-er) to Simon is all very well for a few matches. But when it happens again and again to no avail, it really does become quite tedious. Nicky Travis and Michael McGlinchey exist for a reason. As beautiful as they are, they're not decorations and can actually, you know, PASS A BALL.
But hark! What sound through yonder window comes? Well, that would be Tony Walmsley (Mariners youth coach and tactical genius) and his band of fabulous, fantastic, gorgeous, amazing, brilliant youth players. You watch them play, I dare you to, just for a match and all your expectations and ridiculous pre-conceived notions about the Mariners will fly out the window.
They play a fantastic brand of football. Not too much long ball, not too much dilly-dallying at the back and you know what? It works. They score (thank you Panny Nikas and, erm, Nik Mrdja) and even though they concede a few, they score enough to completely counter that and then some.
So, in summary, I love the Mariners youth team and this blog was just an excuse to harp on about that for 675 words (because everyone I know is sick to death of me talking about them). But whatever. I don't care. Because to be honest, as a Mariners fan, this is pretty much all I can cheer about right now. Here's to the Mariners youth team! Hopefully, if their excellent run of form continues, they can bring home the Premiers Plate and a Grand Final trophy. I have a feeling it might be the only silverware we get for a while...
