Everyone has had their say on who will win the new A-League season - here's my take on who won't and why...
Sydney FC - They've not lost many but those they did lose were key players. Colosimo was the heart of FC's defence, Corica may have had old legs but he was always a game changer and Kisel was a rock. Aloisi found his form last season and hasn't been replaced. On the upside, Bolton's strength was the defence in front of him last season and Reddy would more than match the long-serving FC glovesman - but he doesn't have the luxury of last season's backline. Carle is a welcome addition, but Sydney won the Premiership and Championship by the slimmest of margins last season...and those changes they've suffered will be enough to cost them back to back titles.
Melbourne Victory - Archie Thompson. Danny Allsopp. Until Ernie finds replacements for them, they will not win any titles. End of.
Melbourne Heart - They have the core of a team to take the A-League by storm...but it's only the spine. Outside of that outstanding skeleton of Bolton, Colosimo, Beauchamp, Heffernan, Thompson, Skoko and Aloisi is a lot of very young/inexperienced padding. Even if they don't suffer many injuries, you can see them keeping plenty of cleansheets...but goals might be hard to find.
Newcastle Jets - They have a great squad and a great coach...but they have Ben Kennedy and Paul Henderson between the sticks. If Neil Young doesn't come back soon - and just as good as he was before Shane Smeltz put him in intensive care - the Jets will be reliant on their defence to keep them in any kind of contention. Based on last season's form for both those keepers, they're going to struggle badly as a result.
Central Coast Mariners - See above...and they don't even have a wounded hero in the wings waiting to take the gloves. Mat Ryan has plenty of potential but is still way too young for the role required of him and Jess Vanstrattan has yet to impress. Danny Vukovic's departure for Turkey might have cost the Mariners another Premier's Plate because everything else is looking good for them (although Argentine Patricio Perez may not live up to expectations).
North Queensland Fury - Who the hell knows? They've picked up some interesting new faces, the off-season has been full of turmoil but they are full of unknowns. Those placing them last are probably going to be surprised...but everyone will be surprised if they are actually still playing in March.
Adelaide United - Last year's wooden spoon will be handed back thanks to finally getting a striker worth his wage packet in Sergio van Dijk but the lack of depth in defence and a misfiring inconsistent midfield will cost them any dreams of finals football.
Brisbane Roar - Ange Postecoglou and his point to prove will be one of the more interesting sideshows of the new season and it would be great to see them in contention at the back end of the season. But with many of the players carrying a number on their back greater than their actual age, that will be highly unlikely. Good to see them making an attempt to win back fans though.
Perth Glory - The absence of Chris Coyne at the heart of their defence is about the only serious black mark against their squad. The addition of Robbie Fowler is a huge shot in the arm, but he's made some worrying noises about age catching up with him at last and may not be the 90 minute match winner he was for Fury last season. Dave Mitchell's tactics are potentially the weakest link in their Premiership challenge.
Gold Coast United - They've got no fans and a slightly mental boss, but they came within a whisker of Premiership contention last season. Shane Smeltz's departure to China made it easy to write them off completely...but then he, erm, came back. No fans and Mad Miron didn't derail them last season, the ones they were outpaced by are weaker than last season so...I'm struggling to find a reason for them to fail. Except for the Mad Miron factor, of course.
Wellington Phoenix - See above...and they've not only maintained their strength, they've bolstered their side with the addition of Jade North in defence. They don't even have a mentallist coach at the helm with the World Cup-hardened (and undefeated) Ricki Herbert - and their home stadium is a fortress with record numbers of fans. This could be the year to embarrass the AFC...
