And why not? It’s a league that boasts many of the world’s premier talents, a league that, although perhaps a tad predictable at times, is always exciting, one that captures the imaginations not only of Australians, but millions of others across the world.

It is my opinion, however, that there is a problem when that support gets in the way of backing something much closer to home. My Premier League team is incredibly important to me, and I am sure it is to you too. There’s a reason so many of us travel half way around the world just in the hope of seeing our team play in the flesh even just a couple of times. My support of my Premier League side does not get in the way of my support and participation in Australian football, and if you seriously consider yourself as a lover of the game, and as someone who supports Australian football, it shouldn’t stop you either.

The A-League doesn’t have Wayne Rooney and it doesn’t have Steven Gerrard. The football isn’t anything like the sort that the best teams in England are capable of delivering. It is, however, football that is played on our doorstep, and it is a competition that is always exciting. There are no champions with seven games to play, there are no (or not many) 5-0 drubbings. This is a competition that is fast paced, accessible and exciting, and it is a competition that you can enjoy at little cost, little inconvenience and with no sacrifice to your support of your Premier League side.

Last year I did an interview with an overseas fan-run website who asked me what was it that drew me closer to a Premier League team than any local team. The answer, simply put, revolved around the history and stature of the club, but more importantly the fact that growing up, Melbourne Heart simply weren’t around.  It struck me how difficult the question was to answer, though. Despite all the history and pleasure I have had as a supporter of Premier League football, I couldn’t answer the question without talking about my love for Australian football, Melbourne Heart, and my hope that one day, kids growing up in this country will have teams they can grow to love on their doorstep.

That won’t happen though unless we support Australian football today. As supporters of the Premier League, we are inextricably linked with football, and as Australians, it is my personal opinion, that we have a duty to support our local sides as well. To simply say that the football isn’t world class is not good enough for me. It’s a cop out and it takes away from the fact that without YOUR support it’s not going to get any better. Until you have gotten down to matches on a consistent basis, stood amongst fellow fans and partaken in the brilliance that is a live game of football, I don’t think you are in a position to judge. It’s easy to sit on a high horse, and lambast the quality of the Australian game, but the fact is, football can be so much more than just the game. The cocktail of anticipation, excitement, camraderie and atmosphere are all part of the experience. If you are the kin who doesn’t bother with the A-League because the football isn’t up to your standards, then you are denying yourself some truly fantastic experiences.

I relish that 90 minutes on a Saturday afternoon where I stand amongst the Yarraside at AAMI Park, one of the finest football stadiums I have had the pleasure of visiting in the world, much less Australia, and sing my heart out for the Melbourne Heart. That the football I am watching falls short of world class is not the point, so long as I am meeting new people and am consuming a product that is enjoyable and accessible.

It is this closed attitude that the “A-League isn’t worth the time” that has to change, and supporters of overseas clubs, who don’t even try to support a local side have to carry a large part of that burden. I dare anyone to watch these inspired moments of football in the videos below and tell me that the A-League is not capable of entertaining. If you can honestly watch these moments and say to me that the A-League is not capable of delivering an entertaining and exciting product, then I don’t think there is any convincing you:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gslL_52_sCs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHbX7M53-o8&feature=related

With names like Harry Kewell and Brett Emerton back on home turf, and with Brisbane Roar proving to Australia that championships can be won with good football, this season will be the A-League’s best yet. If you consider yourself a lover of football, then take the chance. Over the next month or so, head down to see the closest A-League team. Ticket prices are much less than your yearly Foxtel subscription or the cost of a trip to Manchester, Liverpool or London. I can tell you first hand that loving an A-League club has no effect on your devotion to your Premier League or other overseas base club, but it can be every bit as exhilarating and entertaining, if you let it. And when it comes down to it, that’s all it is. A simple change in attitude you have the power to make in an instant. That “world class” football you seek on your own doorstep will only ever become a reality if you support Australian football now.

The A-League promo machine this season is based around the slogan, “We Are Football”. As supporters of football, I think it’s about a time we started acting like it.