Looking at the league, its gonna be very interesting to see how some of the sides go this year. And its about time we start seeing 'experts' making their punts so I'm interested to see what we think the final table is gonna look like.
I generally think its gonna be damn tight with all the player and coach movement - but here's my crack:
1st Central Coast Mariners
Haven't really lost anyone apart from Wilkinson, and I think Montgomery is gonna be a fantastic player. Very settled unit and if Ibini can keep firing I expect them to be up there. No real big changes in the off-season so I expect more of the same.
2nd Brisbane Roar
The change in management will be very interesting, but they have resigned all their key players from last year plus brought in a Halloran and a couple of young asian players. Also younger players like Fitzgerald, Jurman and Brattan all look very solid.
3rd Melbourne Victory
Probably the most interesting team to watch for me, Ange has got a huge task to turn these guys into champions and I cant see it all going smoothly from day 1, but with Flores and Finkler, I think they are gonna have some creative firepower to burn. Getting the defensive unit right might be the issue - but Milligan and Traore both fit into Ange's style.
4th Perth Glory
Another side with not too many drastic changes to the side. They look to have added a lot of depth to the squad, and the addition of Thwaite was a great piece of business. Smeltz will still bang in the goals, and hopefully Miller can continue his good form.
5th Wellington Phoenix
Have added a lot of attacking talent, which is quite untested at this level. Loss of Brown may be bigger than anticipated. Lots of injuries to key players and late additions may mean the team hasn't had quite as full a preseason as we think. Lots of ageing players who will be relied on heavily but the addition of youth and the way they step up may be the difference.
6th Sydney FC
With Del Piero on board, I expect the whole side to lift. I expect a completely different outfit from previous seasons. A lot of changes in the offseason and loss of Carle shouldn't be underestimated. Think how their defense operates is going to be key to their season as they seem to have used their import spots further up the pitch
7th Adelaide United
After a poor season last year, they have seemed to pick up in the champions league and get some good results. Still a few concerns all over the park including an unsettled Sergio Van Dijk who really needs to fire in order for the team to get the goals. Otherwise, Djite is going to have to really step it up for these guys to push into the top 6
8th Newcastle Jets
Seem to have added a lot of youth but not added enough proven A-League quality players. Heskey will be an interesting fit into Van Egmond's game. I can see them doing well but also falling over a few times throughout the season.
9th West Sydney Wanderers
The new team to the league is gonna be really competitive for the wooden spoon this year. They havent really picked up enough quality to be anywhere near the top. Although Mooy and Ono could be dangerous. Also depends on how well their new imports go.
10th Melbourne Heart
For me, Heart are gonna pick up the spoon this year. A new unproven coach has been given a pretty horrible task in my eyes. They havent really picked up any one of note apart from Richard Garcia who has always been hit and miss. But they lost a lot of their young stars like Good, Hamill, Babalj, Zahra, Goodwin etc.
I actually have no clue who is gonna win this one or even do well? That top 6 for me is pretty much a stab in the dark based on nothing
"Phoenix till they lose"