1. Newcastle Could Be A Contender
“I could’ve been a contender.” “I could’ve been somebody.” Neither of these quotes are from Francis Ford Coppola’s 1972 film The Godfather, but they were uttered by Marlon Brando in a Hollywood film, and no doubt you read it in his voice anyway, so they’ll do for this piece. Now, in this scenario, Emile Heskey would be the “somebody” – and the 1954 Brando – with the second half of that line being one the target man might have repeated during a barren last season with Aston Villa. Though unlike Brando’s Terry Malloy character – or perhaps like him; we haven’t actually seen the film – he’s making a difference. Newcastle are now a contender, largely because of Heskey if Friday night is a fair indication. Even more appropriately it was Gary van Egmond’s Godfather-type half-time bollocking that, with the help of the former England striker’s quickfire double, was the impetus for the Jets’ turnaround, albeit not before Tiago was brave enough to disappoint his boss. The fruitful mix now sees a future of multo successo – much success, Google Translate tells me – on the horizon, or The Waterfront, as it were, for Newcastle.
 

2. Man, We Need More From Neumann
Jeronimo Neumann has let us, and quite literally himself, down. But mostly us. Where does he get off making a dive like that with a name like his? Honestly. The Argentine is clearly aware of the headlines his name lends itself to, and then he makes his first significant dive a tumble to the ground? Where was the theatrical, fitting, leap into the air?! Disgraceful. His Wikipedia description, now cleaned up, made interesting reading shortly after Saturday afternoon’s controversy, and at we’re pretty sure at least half of it was objective fact, even if our lawyers won't let us repeat it because of boring old defamation laws. Reports the edit was made under the username of ‘AndyD69lol’ are as yet unconfirmed. What’s not unclear is Jeronimo’s ability as a footballer. He just needs to make better decisions. (Sidenote: Geronimo: An American Legend was playing on 7Two on Sunday afternoon.)
 

3. Tony Popovic, Better Than Montana
In the A-League, first you get the structure, then you get the players, then you get the points. And so it proved on Saturday night that Western Sydney have entered, or are capable of entering, phase three of the ‘Let’s Make A Football Team!’ plan. The Wanderers were excellent in outperforming Brisbane at Suncorp to the degree that which a description of excellence is not patronising. While the visitors’ defence was heroic in safeguarding the result in the second half, their midfield, including much-improved performances from Youssouf Hersi and Mark Bridge, won the match before the break. Better than just stifling their opponents, the Wanderers were far crisper with their passing and skills. Forward Joey Gibbs was a key player in phases two and three, meaning his two A-League appearances have yielded a Grand Final victory and the first win in the history of a club … cap him. And Aaron Mooy while you’re at it. All those positives and still the highlight may be Tony Popovic’s ability to foster the confidence required to beat the champions on their own turf.
 

4. Marinators Coated In Coolness
As Pedj Bojic, having only a short time earlier blazed over the crossbar, bamboozled Melbourne Heart’s defenders by dispatching a sweet freekick into Clint Bolton’s goal, Central Coast had once again done their job. We suspect – and this is in spite of the opening round draw – that if it was the Mariners meeting Western Sydney at home on Saturday night, they’d have fared far better than Brisbane Roar. Indeed, they could have played much the same as Brisbane and still won. Graham Arnold’s men – and they are perhaps truer to the term ‘men’ than any other side – are just so perfectly drilled in winning. The Mariners played okay, not great or even good, on Sunday, but although Heart had the better chances, it was never going to be a surprise to see the Premiers earn the win. The A-League tends not to have a penchant for reliability so  Central Coast's consistent self-belief deserves praise and applause. It seems as though they will inevitably top four again this season, and for as long as Graham Arnold leads the side.
 

5. End The Crazy Commercialism
Ian Ferguson lamented Danny Vukovic’s decision-making for Sydney’s winner, A-League fans lamented referees’ decision-making across the round - and we’re lamenting the need to advertise on coach’s shirt collars. It’s getting ridiculous. Coaches are meant to be respected dammit! How much are clubs making from these ventures anyway? Can fans of the league just tip in a dollar or two each to cover whatever clubs are raking in from their respective agreements? Sunday must surely have been the first time Alessandro Del Piero has witnessed such a sight in his 800 matches. It might have even shaken his Italian-bred fashion instincts to the point it caused his penalty to almost ‘do a Mooy’. Thankfully Brett Emerton’s driven performance had attention back to the football again, while Perth fans, aside from the obvious concern, can still be content with their side, something football supporters aren’t inclined to be. But please, get it sorted.