Starting XI
2.9K
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2.5K
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over 5 years
My Predictions
  1. Melbourne City.  (Proven Quality + Leckie)
  2. Melbourne Victory (Popa factor + great signings)
  3. Sydney FC  (Ageing but still gonna be hard to beat)
  4. West Sydney Wanderers  (To much quality even if the coach is average)
  5. Western United  (Prijovic will be the difference)
  6. Wellington Phoenix  (Slow start but solid after NZ return)
  7. Macarthur FC  ( second season dip. Milicic will be found out.)
  8. Adelaide United  (Just not quite as good/lucky as last year)
  9. Brisbane Roar  (Think they will struggle with-out Young and Gillespie)
  10. Newcastle Jets.  (Better than last year, but not that much better)
  11. Perth Glory. (No Castro, no joy.  Sturridge will be out injured more than in)
  12. Central Coast Mariners.  (Normal service resumes)
  • Premiers: Melbourne City
  • Champions: Melbourne City
  • FFA Cup Winners: Sydney FC
  • Wooden Spoon: Central Coast Mariners
  • Golden Boot: Prijovic. Closely run by Hemed.
  • Player of the Season: Chris Ikonomidis (thanks to good service from Brillante)
  • First Manager Sacking: Ante Milicic, only because Garcia will have the excuse of away games at start of season.

Marquee
3.7K
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5.8K
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almost 17 years
Just shows they just dont get it fans love the membership cards. Not that the club will listen but if people arnt happy about this tell them
Bananas
This probably seems dumb, but I am really gutted the membership cards have gone digital.

I really liked having my stack of membership cards as a keepsake, and was hoping to get one for my son born this year so he could have a card showing being a member from his birth.
Legend
8K
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14K
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over 16 years
I've emailed the club expressing my dissatisfaction with the membership offering. Doubly the price for very little improvement in what you get (if anything). The little trinkets are useless, a keyring worth $10, some other crappy merch which noone wants. Nothing worth the $240+ pass cost. Even the sky pass to see the games is worthless to me as a sky subscriber. A discount code would have been better.
Will be interesting to see if they respond....
Starting XI
2.3K
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3.1K
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over 11 years
theprof
I've emailed the club expressing my dissatisfaction with the membership offering. Doubly the price for very little improvement in what you get (if anything). The little trinkets are useless, a keyring worth $10, some other crappy merch which noone wants. Nothing worth the $240+ pass cost. Even the sky pass to see the games is worthless to me as a sky subscriber. A discount code would have been better.
Will be interesting to see if they respond....
What is the sky offering anyway?
Legend
8K
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14K
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over 16 years
Not totally sure but it look's like from the email regarding the memberships that you get 10 weeks access to the a-leagues via a sky pass. Which is utterly useless for those who already pay for sky and have access already. A discount code for the 4 months of the a-league would have been more useful.
Marquee
6.9K
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9.3K
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over 13 years
Doesn't mention anything about it in the membership email, hopefully they email me a voucher tomorrow sometime. I guess with my digital membership card.
RR
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Bossi Insider
9.2K
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33K
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over 15 years
number8
theprof
I've emailed the club expressing my dissatisfaction with the membership offering. Doubly the price for very little improvement in what you get (if anything). The little trinkets are useless, a keyring worth $10, some other crappy merch which noone wants. Nothing worth the $240+ pass cost. Even the sky pass to see the games is worthless to me as a sky subscriber. A discount code would have been better.
Will be interesting to see if they respond....
What is the sky offering anyway?

Access to a discounted 10-week Sky Sport Now Pass - to watch all A-League Men's and Women's matches while the 'Nix are in Australia - as a Member-exclusive offer. Note - extra payment required for this offer.

So it will be a discount code off Sky Sport Now, just like they offered last season. I used that on a year long deal, so unless the code is valid into next season, it is worthless for me also.
RR
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Bossi Insider
9.2K
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33K
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over 15 years
First Team Squad
2.1K
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1.4K
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about 3 years
coochiee
Superb read. Goddammit they just keep putting out good article after good article after good article. 
Marquee
3.7K
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5.8K
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almost 17 years
theprof
I've emailed the club expressing my dissatisfaction with the membership offering. Doubly the price for very little improvement in what you get (if anything). The little trinkets are useless, a keyring worth $10, some other crappy merch which noone wants. Nothing worth the $240+ pass cost. Even the sky pass to see the games is worthless to me as a sky subscriber. A discount code would have been better.
Will be interesting to see if they respond....
 I emailed them as well does seem at times as if they just dont get football fans. Im not expecting a reply based on other attempts to engage them. Not happy about there seemingly being no membership cards other than digital. Wonder what they will do with those people who dont use smart phones.
First Team Squad
1.2K
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1.2K
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over 9 years
and 1 other
Phoenix Academy
550
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360
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over 3 years
Personally don’t understand how he is capitan, as I wouldn’t have him in my best 11.. maybe Talay sees his leadership in the club, it will be a bit embarrassing if he gets dropped later in the season, which wouldn’t surprise me
Phoenix Academy
1.1K
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460
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over 2 years
I'm a bit surprised by the call. I understand he's been one of the longest serving players in the club but historically wouldn't have thought he had the temperament for the captains role. Will be happy to be proven wrong though.
Appiah without the pace
6.4K
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19K
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over 16 years
It amuses me that people get upset by these decisions as if they have knowledge of the inner workings of a team on and off the field. 
and 7 others
First Team Squad
2K
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1.3K
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over 5 years
Rock Hopper
I'm a bit surprised by the call. I understand he's been one of the longest serving players in the club but historically wouldn't have thought he had the temperament for the captains role. Will be happy to be proven wrong though.
I mean Durante was a bit of a hot head. The thing I don't understand with it is he's going to be fighting for his place most weeks but Payne, Ball, Sail are all nailed on starters who would be good captains too.
First Team Squad
2K
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1.3K
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over 5 years
2ndBest
It amuses me that people get upset by these decisions as if they have knowledge of the inner workings of a team on and off the field. 
 I feel like tho people are more upset about the player's quality rather than his actual leadership because no one can doubt when you see him on the pitch he seems to be quite vocal and a natural leader. But the main issue with Rufer is he may only start half the games not what you want from your captain. But then again who knows maybe Talay doesn't think Pennington or Prso are close to taking his starting spot.
and 2 others
First Team Squad
1.2K
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1.2K
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over 9 years
Payne's our senior defender now, and he's going to be working with a set of young players at the back - he needs to focus on organisation and work there.

Bally is heroic, and the fact he finished last season with his knee scaffolded so he could play might be a reason he's not got the armband this year. He might need some game management around it, so he doesn't end up very injured, but you want a captain to be an ever present.

If Rufer gets injured, or dropped, then Oli is there as VC to make the step up. We had similar with Uli last season - but I think Ufuk has picked Rufer as he's pretty consistent, and it allows Ball, Hoops, Payne etc to do their thing as experienced pros.


Legend
8K
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14K
·
over 16 years
how does Rufer get the captaincy??? technically the captain does nothing on the field etc, but seriously???
Marquee
2.7K
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7.2K
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almost 17 years
I think Rufer definitely does have the temperament and strength of character to be a captain. It is the skills he somewhat lacks... But let's be honest, the choice of Sail as VC is perfect as, barring injury, he should be playing every single game this year. So if Rufer gets dropped, Sail will easily deputise. 
Rufer has shown he is humble and hardworking, doesn't get involved in fights or shenanigans... And is a local boy. I'm very happy with his appointment. I hope his ability to speak with referees means he'll get booked a little bit less... Also it's time to score a goal!! This year he'll get 3. Mark my words! 
Legend
8K
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14K
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over 16 years
he's gotta be on the field to speak to the ref, I honestly dont see him being on the field that often.
WeeNix
380
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710
·
almost 7 years
Rufer's a bit like Ridenton - always looked like he would be decent but never lived up to his potential. I don't even see him as a starter this season, but maybe behind the scene's he's an important influence in the dressing room?
Marquee
3.7K
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5.4K
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over 11 years
Rufer will start and is a good captain choice... why?

90 games at A League level. Fights to the last minute, is a good professional and knows how to ignore detractors etc which can impact player confidence. A good leader for all our young pros to learn from.

And why does he start... Prso, hardly set the world alight at Newcastle, is not a stand out player demanding inclusion. Pennington, has played Serie C, hardly a high level, and been a good prospect is not the same as being the real deal - needs to earn his spot.

Lewis arguably does deserve to start, but if he plays like he did at the Olympics, then he should be on the bench by wk 3/4.

Rufer has a good passing range, uses his body well to draw fouls and is committed to the end. The only thing he really doesn't offer is goals.

Legend
8K
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14K
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over 16 years
I think you've been watching the wrong rufer.
Yeah he has heart, but he is reckless, tireless maybe, but its usually running in the wrong direction, passing a long ball - yeah he can kick the ball a long way, but it never finds a team mate. 
He's an ok a-league player and yes he's been at the club for ever, but much like Fenton, no-one is banging on the door to buy him either. Being captain requires leadership, which he may have, but for the last few seasons he has been a bench player with little to no chance to impact a game. The team may love him and he's probably a nix man for ever, but he's not the kind of player that is gonna lift a team with his onfield skills or presence. 
Sail I can see being a true leader, a real voice at the back. I would have rather Ball received the arm band - at least you know he's gonna start most games and work his ass off for the team.
WeeNix
730
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580
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over 4 years
Maybe Rufer has improved and re-captured the form he had under Rudan. 
First Team Squad
3.4K
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1.3K
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over 6 years
MetalLegNZ
Rufer will start and is a good captain choice... why?

90 games at A League level. Fights to the last minute, is a good professional and knows how to ignore detractors etc which can impact player confidence. A good leader for all our young pros to learn from.

And why does he start... Prso, hardly set the world alight at Newcastle, is not a stand out player demanding inclusion. Pennington, has played Serie C, hardly a high level, and been a good prospect is not the same as being the real deal - needs to earn his spot.

Lewis arguably does deserve to start, but if he plays like he did at the Olympics, then he should be on the bench by wk 3/4.

Rufer has a good passing range, uses his body well to draw fouls and is committed to the end. The only thing he really doesn't offer is goals.

Gotta remember that Devlin never impressed at Sydney and looked god awful in his first Nix preseason but ended up far surpassing Rufer, entirely possible that either or both of Pennington and Prso could do the same.
RR
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Bossi Insider
9.2K
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33K
·
over 15 years
Marquee
3.7K
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5.8K
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almost 17 years
So Talay has decided that he feels Rufer is the best to fill the job, yet the self entitled experts on here question his decision. Think i will trust Talay on this he has obviously seen something that he thinks will work for the team.  Great we have Kiwis in the top jobs and does it really matter if Rufer dosnt start every game. Think he is a good choice to lead the club and i wish him the best of luck.

and 1 other
Starting XI
2K
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4.7K
·
almost 17 years
Is it possible that Rufer ends up CLUB captain while Sail ends up TEAM captain?  

These two roles are common in the UK with the Club captain often being recognised for his commitment/leadership over the years but is acknowledged that he will not be a starter, so a team captain is chosen to lead the team on the field week in, week out 
WeeNix
500
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800
·
about 10 years
I am happy to go by Talay's judgement. During his time he has not consistently played the "Scapegoats" something that dogged previous coaches.
 I rate him highly, he had us third in the league then Covid struck and we were handicapped having to move to Aussie to play our games.
If he thinks Rufer is the best choice for Captain then I am OK with it.
LG
Legend
5.5K
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23K
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over 16 years
Fee. $269 for me and another $99 for each of the two Grandchildren. $467 for possibly 7 games + 2 in Covidland. Assuming Covid behaves. If not, this could all end up down the toilet. A pretty big ask. As I already have Sky Sports, I get no benefit from the "Special Deal" so that's a waste of time. I bet I am not the only fan in this position. What scares me even more, if we really had a full 16+ game season, how much would we have been ripped? I agree with digital cards. NOT every fan is into that. Quite a few core fans are not into the latest smart phones. Bring back the plastic.

Now for Rufer. Unless during the last 8 months he has undergone some serious self discipline courses, I cannot see this working. As a leading candidate for at least 1 yellow per game and often looking like a one tackle away from a red card per game performance, he may well be suspended. The boy is prone to rash from behind tackles, niggly interplay when he gets pressured and is most certainly on the A League match officials radar. After last season, they were just waiting for him to show his true colours and book him. He was lucky to get as many games as he got last season. Not much point in having a Captain who may well spend a fair bit of time on the side line. Still, being Captain, he is guaranteed at least a start in most games. Lots of passing backwards guaranteed. $467 to see that. Cool.
Legend
6.8K
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14K
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over 16 years
Rufer can pass. Was perhaps our best long passer of the ball, a season or so back. Switches the ball well and was a big weapon with aerial balls in behind the defense for Sotirio and others early on. 
Remember some of the recklessness was coach’s instructions! 
If Uffie thinks he’s the man, I’m happy. We’re something of an underdog team this year, with something to prove. Happy for the captain to be the same. As long we put in good performances I guess!
It will be the slow start or otherwise that will bother me. As Niche Cache said, if we don’t leave ourselves so much to catch up perhaps we can have a better end to the season. 

and 1 other
Starting XI
2.3K
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3.1K
·
over 11 years
I have no problem having Rufer as captain, but saying he’s a great passer is bit much. He brings energy, fighting spirit and plays at decent .\ league level. Maybe being captain stops him getting yellow and red cards.
RR
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Bossi Insider
9.2K
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33K
·
over 15 years
number8
I have no problem having Rufer as captain, but saying he’s a great passer is bit much. He brings energy, fighting spirit and plays at decent .\ league level. Maybe being captain stops him getting yellow and red cards.
Yellow cards come with the position, especially in Uffie's formation. Under Uffie:

Devlin = 224 mins
Matti = 228 mins
Lewis = 294 mins
Rufer = 304 mins  (1 every 237 mins career cuz of the Rudan season with 11 yellows)

He has only had 2 Red cards, one of which was that travesty at Macarthur last season. Not sure where this belief that he is a card magnet comes from tbh.
and 6 others
Trialist
48
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110
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over 4 years
Lonegunmen
Fee. $269 for me and another $99 for each of the two Grandchildren. $467 for possibly 7 games + 2 in Covidland. Assuming Covid behaves. If not, this could all end up down the toilet. A pretty big ask. As I already have Sky Sports, I get no benefit from the "Special Deal" so that's a waste of time. I bet I am not the only fan in this position. What scares me even more, if we really had a full 16+ game season, how much would we have been ripped? I agree with digital cards. NOT every fan is into that. Quite a few core fans are not into the latest smart phones. Bring back the plastic.

Now for Rufer. Unless during the last 8 months he has undergone some serious self discipline courses, I cannot see this working. As a leading candidate for at least 1 yellow per game and often looking like a one tackle away from a red card per game performance, he may well be suspended. The boy is prone to rash from behind tackles, niggly interplay when he gets pressured and is most certainly on the A League match officials radar. After last season, they were just waiting for him to show his true colours and book him. He was lucky to get as many games as he got last season. Not much point in having a Captain who may well spend a fair bit of time on the side line. Still, being Captain, he is guaranteed at least a start in most games. Lots of passing backwards guaranteed. $467 to see that. Cool.


The cards are cool, but I'm more sad about no scarves.

We're not renewing at $100 extra per person for just 7 games.  That's 3 memberships gone.  Silly move by the club.
LG
Legend
5.5K
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23K
·
over 16 years
RR
number8
I have no problem having Rufer as captain, but saying he’s a great passer is bit much. He brings energy, fighting spirit and plays at decent .\ league level. Maybe being captain stops him getting yellow and red cards.
Yellow cards come with the position, especially in Uffie's formation. Under Uffie:

Devlin = 224 mins
Matti = 228 mins
Lewis = 294 mins
Rufer = 304 mins  (1 every 237 mins career cuz of the Rudan season with 11 yellows)

He has only had 2 Red cards, one of which was that travesty at Macarthur last season. Not sure where this belief that he is a card magnet comes from tbh.
If you watch his tackling, there have been more than a few instances where he has warranted a card yellow or red and he's been lucky not to get them. But last season he was certainly on the radar. I do agree that red he got was a ridiculous call but that was because he was on that radar. We need a hard man to put in a shift but he needs to use his brain rather than his feet. 
Legend
8K
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14K
·
over 16 years
you only need to look at the first tackle attempt he made in game 1, massive sliding tackle that missed everything. Honestly I thought he was a kid on a slip 'n' slide. then he gets a yellow for an elbow to the back. His technique is horrid most of the times, he's often late and studs up.
Legend
6.8K
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14K
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over 16 years
Lonegunmen
RR
number8
I have no problem having Rufer as captain, but saying he’s a great passer is bit much. He brings energy, fighting spirit and plays at decent .\ league level. Maybe being captain stops him getting yellow and red cards.
Yellow cards come with the position, especially in Uffie's formation. Under Uffie:

Devlin = 224 mins
Matti = 228 mins
Lewis = 294 mins
Rufer = 304 mins  (1 every 237 mins career cuz of the Rudan season with 11 yellows)

He has only had 2 Red cards, one of which was that travesty at Macarthur last season. Not sure where this belief that he is a card magnet comes from tbh.
If you watch his tackling, there have been more than a few instances where he has warranted a card yellow or red and he's been lucky not to get them. But last season he was certainly on the radar. I do agree that red he got was a ridiculous call but that was because he was on that radar. We need a hard man to put in a shift but he needs to use his brain rather than his feet. 

That’s true.  Top quality DMs such as A Riera and Kante rarely go into the book except by choice. But we don’t have one of them currently. Cammy was combative as a feature of his play, which accounted for some of his cards. That and he had that NSW constant communication with the ref going on!
The other feature that those top players have is their mobility and anticipation imo. They’re never going to have a problem because the can get into position or recover faster than the opposition.
Rufer is no slouch, but isn’t Cammy levels of mobile. Also was a CF for awhile as a younger player! 
Anyway, perhaps the C is to make him take a bit more responsibility and to push him to the next level. It’s for the performances Uffie wants from him, perhaps?
Still we’ll see how it goes we’re a bit down in the mids and central defense, but if we can put away our chances we can get some ugly points and leave ourselves with a chance. 
We’ve got Uffie and as he said the team has been playing this formation for 3 seasons, so they know what to do. 
Enjoyed the feeling of vindication of the team coming right lad couple of seasons, but wouldn’t mind some earlier vindication this season. Let’s be honest though, we’re currently up against it in terms of money spent on squad overall, though we absolutely can get results. 

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