As the A-league currently has it when the top for play off the the semi finals etc, why can't we replace that with a proper knockout competition consisting of all teams?
It can run inbetween the premiership matches and of cause have the final the last match of the season.
I read somewhere that the A-League wanted to create a proper cup with the lower leagues etc but I don't think this would work as there's no promotion and relegation system.
Thoughts?
Michael2008-06-02 23:09:01
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I don't like the playoff system either. I think the winner of the league should be recognised as the supreme champion. But as the league is at the moment, it is a way to keep punters interested and turning up at the latter stage of the league when their team has no chance of winning the league, but is vying for a top 4 spot.
I can't see them doing away with it until the league is significantly expanded (in terms of following, as well as teams).
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Clearly need a larger league in order to get away from the playoff scenario, with only 8 teams the current system is really the only way. Would be cool to see it develop into an EPL style though.
Queenslander 3x a year.
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The reality is that Mr. true-blue Aussie sports fan loves his play-oofs. There is very little chance, no matter how big the league gets that the FFA will remove either the revenue from a finals series, or the emotional attachment to finals football in the general Aus populace.
Football people may not want it, but dedicated football people aren't the difference between 10k crowds and 30k crowds.
Football people may not want it, but dedicated football people aren't the difference between 10k crowds and 30k crowds.
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It's such a crap system, and I wonna see good upsets plus it would extend the season.
Fair points though.
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Yeah,the revenue and attention gained from a grand final is far too much to do away with it. They sure do love their playoffs...Though hopefully down the track your idea will come into place...like way way down the track when there is 2 tiers and many more teams...otherwise no.
Down the track i suppose the grand final could be replaced with a cup final...but then you have the problem of midtable teams not playing for anything (except maybe a place in the ACL...would this be enough to keep typical aussie fans interested?)
Allegedly
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We need to appreciate where we (Australasia) are now, and where we have been over the last 20yrs...
We're a long long long long long (insert long ad nauseum) way from any sort of comparison to the EPL, or any other top Euro or even Sth American and some Asian leagues and any attempt in doing so at this stage is fruitless (and no, I'm not saying aspirations are unhealthy at all - but we need to be realistic) and it's easy to get carried away and think about what and where the A-League could (and will) be in 15-20 yrs time.
Whilst we would all love to have the EPL/FA Cup, or an equivalent on our doorstep, the only way we'll achieve that is to fly, swim, or sit our way to the alternative hemisphere. The more immediate focus needs to be on creating a successful and sustainable league (and franchises within it) to the benefit of football and the communities involved... and thats what the FFA and the A-League are focusing on!
One step at a time... (insert Rachel Hunter quote as applicable).
I think
We're a long long long long long (insert long ad nauseum) way from any sort of comparison to the EPL, or any other top Euro or even Sth American and some Asian leagues and any attempt in doing so at this stage is fruitless (and no, I'm not saying aspirations are unhealthy at all - but we need to be realistic) and it's easy to get carried away and think about what and where the A-League could (and will) be in 15-20 yrs time.
Whilst we would all love to have the EPL/FA Cup, or an equivalent on our doorstep, the only way we'll achieve that is to fly, swim, or sit our way to the alternative hemisphere. The more immediate focus needs to be on creating a successful and sustainable league (and franchises within it) to the benefit of football and the communities involved... and thats what the FFA and the A-League are focusing on!
One step at a time... (insert Rachel Hunter quote as applicable).
I think
E + R + O
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