Coveite: Greg

Are Sydney good enough to win the title this year?

I don't know. I'm not convinced. Consistency is the biggest issue. We beat Melbourne 3-0 then we lose. It's this lack of consistency. It's the biggest problem for me.

Can you put your finger on why this is so?

No, I can't.

Okay, what do you think Vitezslav has brought to the club?

He's brought discipline.

Is the team stronger than last year?

On paper, yes.

If Sydney don't, who do you think might win this season's grand final?

Melbourne.

Who's caught your eye in the sky blue this season?

Colosimo. Defensively so sound and he can take the ball up, dribble and cross to set up goals. How many centre backs in the A-League can do that?

How big a loss would it be if he left for Asia or Melbourne Heart?

Huge. Huge.

 

Coveite: Wendy

What do you think about the experience of being in the Cove on a game day?

I love it. The team bonding that we have in the Cove but what I think they need is some hula-hoops and fire twirlers down the front next to the big flag wavers. And I'm offering my services as a whole performance type of thing. It's what they're lacking. I've been to a few games in South America and they have the whole fire-twirling type experience and the drumming.

 

Coveite: Scott

What's your take on the season thus far?

It's been awesome. Defensively superb, heaps better than recent seasons and I think they will win the A-League.

That's a big call...

We hammered Victory 3-0 down there and I just think we've got the best coach in the A-League and we've always had the attacking talent. Now we're defensively strong. Some results lately are a bit concerning but I reckon they still are the best team in the A-League.

Who do you think they may meet should they make the grand final?

Melbourne. That's what I want to see.

What would that mean to you?

I'd be taking three days off work either side of the grand final. It'd be fuckin' awesome.

It wouldn't be easy though, especially the way Melbourne tore apart Gold Coast this round...

I didn't actually see that game. I've never been impressed with them although apparently they're going alright. They never hold any fears for me, to be honest. I don't rate them.

 

Coveite: Matthew

Your thoughts on Sydney's season so far?

Inconsistency. We started the season well but in the last few games we've fell into a rut. If we don't beat Newcastle today it's going to be pretty hard to catch up Melbourne. That's the main thing, catching up with Melbourne.

Who's caught your eye in the sky blue this season?

Brosque, by far.

Your thoughts on Colosimo?

He won't go to Heart, he'll go to Asia.

 

Coveite: Adam

Are Sydney good enough to get to the grand final?

I certainly hope so. I'm hoping for that.

Who do you think they will play in a grand final?

Melbourne, or maybe Perth.

Vitezslav Lavicka... your thoughts on his first season so far?

Well, it seems to be working so far. So I'd say it's been good.

 

Coveite: Darren

Are they good enough to make the grand final?

Absolutely.

Any concerns at all about inconsistency?

Well, you've got to adapt to the new coach's methods. And they've made good decisions in keeping Aloisi out and having him as a super-sub.

 

Coveite family: Jacob, Kayla and mum and dad

What do you like about the Cove?

Jacob: I love the jumping up and down and all the noise

Kayla: I like the songs they sing.

Is being part of the Cove something you'd like to keep on doing in future years?

Jacob: Yes, definitely.

And your favourite Sydney player?

Jacob: I'd probably say Alex Brosque

Kayla: Steve Corica.

Mum, any reservations about bringing young kids to the Cove?

It's not too bad as long as they don't say all the swear words. We substitute the words!

How would you describe the experience of being in the Cove and watching the team?

Mum: It's good that we all enjoy it as a family.

What sort of ticket did you buy?

Mum: Ticketek had 25% off the family ticket for the game today so it was $40 for us as a family of four. We bought a one-off ticket but we have also been up to Brisbane to see them play and we're going to Melbourne in December.

How long have you been fans?

Mum: Since the first year. We came to the grand final when we won it. We're hardcore.

So, can Sydney make the grand final and can they beat Melbourne again?

Mum: We'll find out next month. We're hoping, fingers crossed. We think they can even though we've had a few bumps in the road over the last few weeks.

 

Coveite couple: Elise and Tad

Your thoughts on the team's progress so far this season?

Tad: Up and down. A few really good ones and some disappointing ones like maybe the Brisbane one.  It's consistency really. When they're good they're fantastic. But it doesn't happen that often.

Elise: And last week in Perth, it definitely could've been better.

Does this inconsistency cast doubt over their grand final credentials?

Elise: I think they have a pretty good shot of getting to the grand final. Winning it is a whole other story. A-League is so unpredictable. Every week I'm wrong in my tipping.

Tad: I think they have a good crack at it along with Melbourne and the Gold Coast who are probably a little more solid from what I've seen. But I think they have a better than 30% chance of getting there.

You spend your hard-earned to come to the ground... do  you perceive it as a value for money experience?

Elise: Absolutely

Tad: Even if the game's not ideal the atmosphere is absolutely fantastic.

Can you describe the experience of being in the Cove?

Elise: [laughs] You can't describe it. You have to be here.

Tad:  The way the Cove gets into it and the fact that fans are actively interested in the game and that you get a decent turnout on a nice day like today. It sort of warms the heart a little that people are getting involved especially because I love soccer and I love watching it.

And it's not just male fans in the Cove, is it...

Elise: I think it's getting more and more gender equal  ... and so it should be.