Five Things HAL Round Two Has Taught Us...

THE A-LEAGUE returned for its second week determined to build on round one’s grand opening, with a few big guns looking to kick start their season’s and others hoping to cement early signs of promise.

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Here’s what we learned this weekend…

1. We Want More
Friday night football is just great; a night of pure entertainment. Cracking open a cold beer, a nice bottle of red or even a flare, and engaging in a blockbuster beginning to the weekend’s action is a wonderfully cathartic exercise. It may not be a conventional timeslot in the historical football context, but a Friday showpiece can become a staple of our game equal to that of the other football codes. Due credit should go to both Adelaide’s ever-passionate home support and Victory’s benchmark away contingent for their roles in creating such grand theatre. Bring on the M1 derby.

2. Savour the Moment
Sometimes it takes a coach to provide the colour for an otherwise dull encounter. Of course, in the case of Miron Bleiberg, the standard of match is entirely irrelevant. Bleiberg’s 70^th minute sideline interview - and which other boss would grant this privilege so late on? - with Michael Zappone was just an opportunity for the former Israeli navy captain to demonstrate his supreme satisfaction with proceedings, and commend his own boldness for introducing another striker, Joel Porter, despite leading 1-0. Indeed, it would be fair to make the assumption that Bleiberg probably even summoned the Fox Sports man for something resembling A Date with Miron™.

3. Avoid the Trap
Ange Postecoglou outlined the importance of adding to the Brisbane Roar recipe if they were to retain their title this season. It seems a greater emphasis on the offside trap is stage one, and it’s catching opposition strikers more unaware than casual observers of Mark Bosnich’s hair – 17 offsides were committed against Roar in the opening two matches. It’s not foolproof yet, though, as Sydney sprung the trap once or twice, only to fail in front of goal. The team who adjusts first, and can then capitalise, could be well placed to unseat Brisbane.

4. Something Will ALWAYS Happen
The first 80 minutes of Wellington’s home clash against Newcastle was nothing more than a regulation football match: one team dominating, a couple of goals, some good play and some bad play. But that's not what the A-League's all about. Enter referee Matt Gillett, who clearly decided it was time for a period of trademark bizarreness. He may have been attempting to engineer the spotlight away from the rapidly undressing ‘Nix fans, or perhaps he was dazed by the image of Daniel celebrating with a fan-made banner his own likeness, we’re not sure. All we know is his decision to show reds to bemused pair Nick Ward and Tim Brown was baffling. The neutrals thank you, Mr. Gillett, but the locals will hunt you.

5. Perth Are Coming
The final match of the round could have been dubbed the Race For The First Red Card between joint favourites Wayne Srhoj for Heart and Glory skipper Jacob Burns.Imagine our surprise when, for once, it was Burns who was painfully clattered – by 18-year-old Joshua Jackson lookalike (trust us, it’s there) Curtis Good, no less – and the Perth hardman didn’t respond with Jacob Burns-esque retribution. The Melbourne defender was probably trying to hire a bodyguard for some personal protection from Burns when Shane Smeltz buried his crisp winner. Long may the new Perth prosper - and watch your back Curtis when the two sides meet again...