Football Season Guide

Won the Grand Final against Victory last season, which was a deserved outcome following a splendid season in which they also won the AFC Cup - Asia's answer to the Europa League. Should be able to start their campaign really strongly, having already played in the Asian Champions League before the A-League begins. The early signs are that they won't make the next round of the Asian Champions League but time will tell. Whilst in the competition though, they'll find fixture congestion tough to deal with, as all semi-pro teams would. It could well force rotation and thus cause surprise results. Priority is likely to be the Asian Champions League for boss Jackson though, just as the AFC Cup was last season. The reigning champions don't have any obvious weaknesses this season. They've been a bit rusty in recent times whilst integrating newcomers but have generally looked disciplined, motivated, and creative. They've only lacked a bit of cohesion at the back (2 new defenders in a back 4 is always going to produce this at the start) and some clinical finishing, which will come with time. In terms of actual arrivals/departures, Mauragis can replace Farrell well enough, Sainsbury is a step up from Hall, McCalmont should be a good deputy for Balard in due course. They do feel Balard's absence, of course - he was phenomenal last season - but again, he can be replaced in due course. The signing of Vitor Feijão suggests that Torres - whether found guilty of his alleged crime or not - will not remain at the club, not that anything official has been said so it's logical to assume he is still employed by Central Coast Mariners. Normally someone like that would be a big loss but they've done a sterling job of replacing him thus far. The sole area that might be a problem is in goal with seasoned shot-stopper Vukovic having hung up his boots. Pavlesic is ready for first-team football though, and is a good goalkeeper. It remains to be seen as to how good he can be, and he could make mistakes at the start but will be fine in time. It's not likely to be an issue, but it's something to be aware of. All in all, this looks a very complete squad, laden with match-winners. They should compete for major honours again this season. Likely key players - Kaltak, Sainsbury, Kuol, Doka.