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But what did the matches teach us that we didn't know on Friday?

1. Fred Lives
Going about his pre-season business in the shadow of Kewell-mania, the new Heart skipper prospered in the Newcastle sun on Saturday afternoon. The former Victory favourite was at his crafty best in the opening stages with a number of threaded passes for their lightning-quick frontline. Keep him on the pitch and watch the goals flow.

2. The Mayans Were Right
Maligned Sydney glovesman Liam Reddy had the better of Melbourne’s Galacticos-like attacking riches while Ante Covic returned to deny Premier League veteran Brett Emerton from just 12 yards. Such unlikely events point to either: a) A new era of A-League goalkeeping standards, or b) The first of a string of world-ending cataclysmic happenings as predicted by the ancient Mayans. Watch out if your tipping league includes any ancient Mayans, that's all we're saying...

3. Watch Your Mouth
We’ve all learned the danger of singling out an opposition player for taunts at some point or another, but it’s a truly high stakes affair if you’re attacking one of your own. It was just as well the trio of Roar fans in front of me that were bemoaning even minor errors by Mitch Nichols had left the stadium when he capped a fine evening with the match’s decisive goal. I’m watching out for  you...

4. The Kids Are Alright
“Our league is a young man’s league,” says Ange Postecoglou. Scan over each of this opening week’s fixtures and you’ll find the names of Dugandzic, Rojas, Antonis, Nichols, Ryan, Brown and Amphlett validating that summation. With that in mind, look for Ricki Herbert to sign a dozen or so 15-year-old wunderkid’s as the ‘Nix injury replacements this week.

5. Defenders Beware
The monstrous wall of humanity otherwise known as Billy Mehmet will crush the skulls of any defenders who dare get in his way. Or grab you a late winner against one of the A-League’s favourites. One or the other. The former SPL stalwart also managed to produce a series of deft touches which would have impressed even the outstanding Andrezinho (outstandinho?). A frighteningly impressive performance from the old fashioned number, err, four.

And that's just round one. Let's see what next week brings...


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