I would rather sign Kosta on a 1 + 1 deal but given his form I wouldn't be upset with a 2 year deal and I'm sure thats what he's targeting. My only concern is his age catches up in the future seasons and we have another Ball situation but if hes not on super high wages like an import would be, it'll probs be worth the risk.
Think Ball’s situation also relates to him playing on one foot with injections when we needed it. No sauce, but just a hunch. That and he’s been decent for us, needing leadership etc etc.
Think Ball’s situation also relates to him playing on one foot with injections when we needed it. No sauce, but just a hunch. That and he’s been decent for us, needing leadership etc etc.
yeah, he may have come to the Nix as a striker but he's been played deeper and on the wing since he's beeen here. I dont think his record has ever been prolific but I think his impact for the team is way beyond scoring goals.
Think Ball’s situation also relates to him playing on one foot with injections when we needed it. No sauce, but just a hunch. That and he’s been decent for us, needing leadership etc etc.
yeah, he may have come to the Nix as a striker but he's been played deeper and on the wing since he's beeen here. I dont think his record has ever been prolific but I think his impact for the team is way beyond scoring goals.
Getting a bit off topic I know, but I've been on a stats binge all day. You're spot on about his impact. I feel like in other leagues assists stats are talked about way more than here, but they're just as important as scoring. Across his time with us, David Ball has 33 direct goal involvements in the league (18 assists, 15 goals). Only Ifill (20) and Bertos (19) have more assists ever for the club, and David is also in 3rd for most direct goal involvements behind Krishna (62) and Ifill (53). Regardless of what happens going forwards, David Ball is a certified Nix legend.
I just remember all the haters before the season had even started. I wonder what flavour of humble pie they're eating?
Yeah but remember there were also plenty who were slagging off about the squad and the lack of signings even some questioning Chiefs appointment. Seems as if all those have been on board all along and its just a figment of our imagination that there was any criticism at all
Think Ball’s situation also relates to him playing on one foot with injections when we needed it. No sauce, but just a hunch. That and he’s been decent for us, needing leadership etc etc.
Ball said at the time that he asked the Phoenix for a long contract because he sacrificed a lot to be with them over covid.
But, as has been shown in the Ball thread, Ball is contributing a lot of goal activities, just not scoring, so it's not like he's a passenger, and even if he was Kosta is a kiwi so won't be using an inport slot. The issue isn't whether or not Ball is A-League quality as he gets older, it's whether or not he warrants an import slot.
Think Ball’s situation also relates to him playing on one foot with injections when we needed it. No sauce, but just a hunch. That and he’s been decent for us, needing leadership etc etc.
Ball said at the time that he asked the Phoenix for a long contract because he sacrificed a lot to be with them over covid.
But, as has been shown in the Ball thread, Ball is contributing a lot of goal activities, just not scoring, so it's not like he's a passenger, and even if he was Kosta is a kiwi so won't be using an inport slot. The issue isn't whether or not Ball is A-League quality as he gets older, it's whether or not he warrants an import slot.
Really hope he and INZ can get his citizenship sorted. I want to see the guy retire here on his own terms, but I’d also love to see us pick up a couple extra imports.
Think Ball’s situation also relates to him playing on one foot with injections when we needed it. No sauce, but just a hunch. That and he’s been decent for us, needing leadership etc etc.
Ball said at the time that he asked the Phoenix for a long contract because he sacrificed a lot to be with them over covid.
But, as has been shown in the Ball thread, Ball is contributing a lot of goal activities, just not scoring, so it's not like he's a passenger, and even if he was Kosta is a kiwi so won't be using an inport slot. The issue isn't whether or not Ball is A-League quality as he gets older, it's whether or not he warrants an import slot.
Really hope he and INZ can get his citizenship sorted. I want to see the guy retire here on his own terms, but I’d also love to see us pick up a couple extra imports.
You'd think that's the intention, at least from the club and David's side of things. I doubt he would have set up his football coaching/academy side hustle if he expected to be leaving in six months
I just remember all the haters before the season had even started. I wonder what flavour of humble pie they're eating?
Yeah but remember there were also plenty who were slagging off about the squad and the lack of signings even some questioning Chiefs appointment. Seems as if all those have been on board all along and its just a figment of our imagination that there was any criticism at all
The funny thing was that those people were all saying how much better the women's side was going to be
I was definitely cynical but quietly a little optimistic because we didn't lose anyone. I was one of the people much more optimistic about the women's team.
For me, the humble pie is a nice slice of apple with a dollop of vanilla ice cream and it is deeelicious.
We are top of the league, we are top of the league!
Sunday: Scores a match-winning brace ➡️ Monday: Celebrates his 34th birthday ➡️ Wednesday: Takes out his second consecutive Isuzu UTE A-League Fan Player of the Month award 🏆
Kosta seems to be relishing leading the line instead of playing second fiddle to higher profile imports as he usually was with MV, Sydney and Roar. Even though he had impressive stats with all those clubs he often seemed to go through periods when he lost his confidence and form. This season he's obviously enjoying having the responsibility on his shoulders of scoring and making goals, yet he is first and foremost a team man. No ego there at all.
Can't be many current ALM players who have had longer careers than him either. Vukovic, Broxham, maybe Rhyan Grant, they are the only ones that spring to mind.
Has anyone ever won the league with four different clubs? Has anyone else even done it with three?
Edit: He was the first to win the title with three clubs when he won with Sydney FC in 2020, and I’m pretty sure nobody has joined the club since then, so he’d beat his own record if he managed to claim a fourth.
The commentators were making a lot about the fact that Barbarouses has scored doubles after every game we've lost this season. Well, the streak's kinda alive after scoring one and forcing the oggie.
Here's hoping he'll only need to score one per game from here on out! (or maybe a hatty vs CCM!)
IMO Kosta is a better player now than he was at the start of the season. I think he's probably better now than he's ever been (but I don't know that). The reason I say it is because at the start of the season, balls coming over his shoulder seemed awkward for him. Now he takes them in his stride. Absolutely amazing player. We will win the league. A brace a game now to the end 🤞
Would like to hear we have resigned him for next season, or the next two soon. Negotiations have been going on for a while now - so a little disappointing that they have not been finalised as of yet.
Sure some announcement that we have Kosta for next season and maybe one more would be great. But I imagine those conversations are linked to the ones that are going on with Zawada. Ideally the club would want both, Kosta's price will be on the rise where I'd suspect Zawada's might be dropping a bit.
Or seriously, do they let Zawada go and get someone in that is less injury prone?. Will depend a lot on if Zawada can actually get fit this season and make an impact. At 34 Kosta will need motivation to keep going at the level he is at. Maybe a 1+1 with performance / appearance conditions