Category Archives: Zone 229

Welcome to aussiezone 229

Welcome to another aussiezone, now our 229th. Another season is over and the journey begins again. Aussiezone 229 has been written by Rodrigoazul77, Pypedark, Therk and Myself.

There are no national team articles in this release, I’ll wait until the end of next season to bring you both the U/21 and Senior national team campaign reviews. Inside you’ll find football content on the A-League mid-season and end of season reviews. Competition winners for the Rowdon Medal, Bundy’s Boot, The Cuddly Sheet, The Waterland and internal A-League Club MVP awards.  A-League playoff reviews and Season 56 A-League preview. AIHL review and new season preview along with statistical analysis.

Then the biography special features on the Australian Legends, which will appear in the WFO of their final clubs. The legend games will take place next season once we have finalised the Australian tactics. Leave a comment in Australian Legends forum thread to vote on your preferred tactic options and line-up or suggest your own variation.

Our international collaborators are back with Rodrigoazul77 and Pypedark from the Chilean Zone contributing Elite Cup histories.

Enjoy the 229th edition of the aussiezone, cheers, Matt

A-League 55 mid season review

A League 55 rounds 1-11

  Team M W D L + = P Last 6
1 Amputees FC 11 9 2 0 21 6 15 29  
2 Crimson Eagles FC 11 8 1 2 31 15 16 25  
3 Shrewsbury Biscuits FC 11 7 2 2 35 13 22 23  
4 BONDI ICEBERGS 11 6 2 3 19 16 3 20  
5 Skoolage United 11 5 3 3 19 12 7 18  
6 Abbotsford FC 11 4 5 2 23 22 1 17  
7 City Water Motel 11 4 2 5 27 24 3 14  
8 Dunder Mifflin FC 11 4 1 6 16 32 -16 13  
9 Glasston 11 2 5 4 15 19 -4 11  
10 Melbourne Rockstars 11 2 2 7 18 31 -13 8  
11 SYDclub 11 2 0 9 11 22 -11 6  
12 Rodborough 11 0 1 10 10 33 -23 1  

It’s been quite the turnaround in fortunes for Amputees FC, this time last season they were 9th with 12 points from their 11 games. One season on the same players are undefeated in 1st, with only the addition of a new winger who shouldn’t be playing there. They’ve been working towards success for a long time, but the only real difference between now and then is a bit more experience across the board.

Below them Crimson Eagles, Shrewsbury and a surprise Bondi who despite selling up got some early luck and remain steady. The best of the promotion teams have done well, Skoolage, Abbotsford and City Water have pushed those who were in the same places last season into the bottom five. But it’s half way, so much is still to play for.

Round Commentary

Round 1

The new season begins tomorrow. For all the newcomers I’ll post a discussion thread for each round, where people can comment on results, that I’ll use in the A-League zone articles at the end of the season. I won’t do round predictions this season, but good luck all. Matt

City Water Motel 1-2 Skoolage United
Dunder Mifflin FC 0-3 Abbotsford FC
Amputees FC 4-2 Rodborough
Melbourne Rockstars 3-5 Crimson Eagles FC
SYDclub 1-2 BONDI ICEBERGS
Glasston 2-2 Shrewsbury Biscuits FC

damo11
Round predictions were the best part and I’m not even in the A-League

paulg7
good luck

senile_old_men
The real question is, will anybody manage to concede 400 goals this season

scruttino
Not a chance, that was some record. Though it could still be beaten as I had a 0-5 walkover victory in the first round. It’s a future landmark for a team selling up to conquer

dagriggstar
I suppose I’m handing my entire team its A-league debut, but especially notable is that I decided to start 20 year old defender Belton Withy. I’m not expecting big things, now that mzstats has updated I can tell you on value I have the 2nd worst squad and an average age almost a full year below the 3rd youngest squad (Obviously Bondi is the lowest by quite a margin).

scruttino
7 sides have an average age older than my youthful team, but they have the 2nd highest value for the best 11 players and 3rd in salary for the same players, so the quality is there to make a good fist of it. Rodborough stick out as the best promotion team and on those stats it should be close at the top between Crimson Eagles, Shrewsbury, Rodborough and my own Amputees

senile_old_men
Shaky start to the season to go down 3-1 in the first half. Lucky the boys rallied in the second half to bring home the win.

dagriggstar
Managed to grind out a 2-1 victory with both sides combining for a total of 40 shots on goal.

scruttino
Off to a good start, nice to see Bundy Jr scoring. Hopefully he can keep it up.

Only 3 sides played wings. A nice change of pace and good to see some tactical variety being used.

Round 2

It’s early in the season but we have our first top 3 clash between Abbotsford and the Amputees. Though all the games look promising on paper to be good contests. Thankfully we don’t have any real bunnies this season, but Bondi did pull an upset against SYD last round, so they’ll be looking to bounce back against Crimson Eagles. Glasston will be a good test to see just where Bondi are at.

Skoolage United 4-0 Dunder Mifflin FC
Abbotsford FC 1-2 Amputees FC
Rodborough 0-1 Melbourne Rockstars
Crimson Eagles FC 3-2 SYDclub
BONDI ICEBERGS 1-1 Glasston
Shrewsbury Biscuits FC 2-1 City Water Motel

scruttino
In the early hours of the morning the boys took out the season 31 cup final. Our breakthrough senior success domestic or international 6 years in the making. I’m crossing the fingers this form carries over into the regular season. But it feels good to finally win something besides an U/18 national cup. Hopefully the comparative youthfulness of the squad means a few season of success are in the making.

scruttino
We scored late, they equalised and then Bundy got his double in injury time to seal the win. A good win, to top a great morning

scruttino
That sets up another top 3 showdown next round with Skoolage who should go top of table with that win on goal difference.

dagriggstar
I’m pretty sure this is the first time I’ve ever been leading the A-league.

triffos
Common Rockstars,……………………………………………..
…. just trying to survive first time in a-league!!

Round 3

The match of the round is definitely skoolage vs amputees, not sure who’ll come out on top as both sides have relativity young and talented squads. Amputees enter as favourites, but not by much.

Other interesting games involve a rematch of last seasons senior national cup final between Bondi and City Water. Bondi have sold a few players, so City Water start favourites. Crimson Eagles and Glasston will also be close contest

Dunder Mifflin FC 1-10 Shrewsbury Biscuits FC
City Water Motel 1-2 BONDI ICEBERGS
Glasston 1-2 Crimson Eagles FC
SYDclub 2-0 Rodborough
Melbourne Rockstars 2-2 Abbotsford FC
Amputees FC 2-1 Skoolage United

scruttino
We’ve done what alluded us all last season and win 3 games in a row. Skoolage put up a good fight and we lucked out a late winner. That makes the Shrewsbury vs Amputees game a blockbuster in the next round

dagriggstar
Oh man, we conceded a penalty (and picked up a red card in the process) and even conceded a disallowed goal, but in the end we gave up the winner from a free kick….

scruttino
I have to admit I haven’t watched the game as I’m having problems with the home wifi. But I will once things get back to normal

Round 4

A big game for the top 3 as Shrewsbury host the Amputees. Crimson Eagles need to face down City Water who aren’t as bad as their league position suggests.

It could be a lack of interest, but Dunder Mifflin are firming as spoon favourites. Bondi have won games with the stats against them, but they should win this one comfortably.

Skoolage United 4-0 Melbourne Rockstars
Abbotsford FC 2-1 SYDclub
Rodborough 0-2 Glasston
Crimson Eagles FC 5-3 City Water Motel
BONDI ICEBERGS 4-1 Dunder Mifflin FC
Shrewsbury Biscuits FC 0-0 Amputees FC

scruttino
Ah, nothing like a 0-0 stalemate with both sides having 37 shots to leave fans perplexed. Not the worst result and our first clean sheet of the season. The top 3 opponents keep coming though as Bondi have surprised everyone to sit 2nd overall. Crimson Eagles go clear, but everyone is just warming up. It was good to get a close win over the rapidly improving Arrested Developers in the Seniors National Cup, we might escape the group of death yet.

Round 5

The game of the week this time is Bondi vs Amputees, not quite the showdown they were last season. But it will give Bondi their first serious challenge of the season.

There could be a couple of one sided results this round. Glasston vs Abbotsford will be a good scrap. City Water should break their duck against Rodborough and on form Skoolage should beat SYD.

Amputees FC 1-1 BONDI ICEBERGS
Melbourne Rockstars 3-2 Shrewsbury Biscuits FC
SYDclub 0-1 Skoolage United
Glasston 2-2 Abbotsford FC
City Water Motel 4-2 Rodborough
Dunder Mifflin FC 0-2 Crimson Eagles FC

scruttino
We dominated but couldn’t score more than 1 and it cost us when we concede a late equaliser. Bondi get lucky again

eric_the_eel
wtf… totally trolled!

Round 6

I can’t seem to avoid these matches of the round, this time it’s a title defining clash with Crimson Eagles. Can the Amputees put recent dissappointments behind and claw back some ground on the league leaders or will Crimson Eagles extend their lead.

Skoolage vs Glasston should also be close, City Water should beat Abbotsford but they’ve had a horrrid run of luck. Likewise Shrewsbury should beat SYD, though who knows with their up and down start. Will Bondi keep their run going, they should against the Rockstars.

Abbotsford FC 3-3 City Water Motel
Rodborough 0-2 Dunder Mifflin FC
Crimson Eagles FC 0-1 Amputees FC
BONDI ICEBERGS 3-0 Melbourne Rockstars
Shrewsbury Biscuits FC 2-1 SYDclub
Skoolage United 1-1 Glasston

scruttino
They pulled it back. Saved a penalty and held on against a strong push in the final 10 minutes to take a slim 1-0 victory. The title race has come alive again.

scruttino
So I’ve played every top 6 team and remain undefeated. It’s been a tough start to the season, but we’ve come through it well. It’ll mean an equally tough run home, but for now the games should begin to get easier. Cross the fingers and hope we don’t get simmed

dagriggstar
Fun fact – As of the last round of matches the 5th placed team has the best GD in the league. The second best GD belongs to 4th place.

Round 7

2 games stick out from the rest with Skoolage vs Shrewsbury and Bondi vs Crimson Eagles equal billing as dualling matches of the round. Depending on results their could be a lot of changes at the top of the table after this round.

The Amputees and Abbotsford should win against their opponents. With City Water vs Glasston and SYD vs the Rockstars counting towards who does and doesn’t escapes relegation.

Amputees FC 3-0 Dunder Mifflin FC
SYDclub 3-2 Melbourne Rockstars
City Water Motel 3-1 Glasston
Rodborough 1-3 Abbotsford FC
BONDI ICEBERGS 0-4 Crimson Eagles FC
Skoolage United 0-2 Shrewsbury Biscuits FC

scruttino
The best teams are beginning to rise to the top and title will go to one of the top 3. I’d be surprise if the Crimson Eagles, Amputees and Shrewsbury aren’t still there come the end of the season.

City Water and SYD both took a big step up the ladder. Sadly Bondi couldn’t keep the luck going, which leaves the Amputees as the only undefeated team left. How much longer can they hold off the inevitable loss remains to be seen, but it could be a while given their easier run of games over the next month.

Round 8

Match of the round is Crimson Eagles vs Skoolage, a danger game for the league leaders as Skoolage could win this. Glasston are likewise a dangerous opponent for the Amputees.

Quite a few games between teams in the bottom half and mid table clashes. Shrewsbury should beat Rodborough comfortably.

Dunder Mifflin FC 1-0 SYDclub
Melbourne Rockstars 3-4 City Water Motel
Glasston 0-2 Amputees FC
Abbotsford FC 3-0 BONDI ICEBERGS
Crimson Eagles FC 1-2 Skoolage United
Shrewsbury Biscuits FC 5-3 Rodborough

scruttino
Holy shit, Crimson Eagles lost to Skoolage by an injury time winner to Jeffray Harding, so the Amputees ascend to the top of the table. We’ve never been on top of the A-League, ever!!! Not sure how long this will last, but I’ll enjoy it while it last.

dagriggstar
Super sub !

Sets up some big games next round. With the top 2 expecting wins and 3rd vs 5th and 4th vs 6th probably two teams will drop out of title contention.

Round 9

Not many great games this round. Skoolage vs Bondi is the match of the round. We’ll see some one sided results, but as always expect a surprise or two.

City Water Motel 4-0 SYDclub
Amputees FC 3-1 Melbourne Rockstars
Glasston 1-4 Dunder Mifflin FC
Skoolage United 1-2 BONDI ICEBERGS
Rodborough 1-5 Crimson Eagles FC
Shrewsbury Biscuits FC 7-0 Abbotsford FC

scruttino
Bondi got the upper hand and allowed the top 3 to open a gap on the mid table. Most games went along the form guide, but Dunder Mifflin upset Glasston with a good win and get themselves out of the bottom 3 for the first time this season.

Round 10

HUGE game this round between Crimson Eagles and Shrewsbury. This match and it’s return fixture in round 13 will decide who’ll challenge for the title.

The Amputees should win this round, but have back to back danger games against City Water who beat them in the senior National Cup group stage in round 11 and 12.

Skoolage vs Abbotsford will be a good game. Glasston’s season has been a dissapointment so the Rockstars can challenge them. Bondi and City Water should win against their respective opponents.

Dunder Mifflin FC 3-3 City Water Motel
SYDclub 0-2 Amputees FC
Melbourne Rockstars 1-1 Glasston
Abbotsford FC 2-2 Skoolage United
BONDI ICEBERGS 4-0 Rodborough
Crimson Eagles FC 2-0 Shrewsbury Biscuits FC

scruttino
Crimson Eagles prevail in the NC vs NCA battle. Shrewsbury shelved the wings and made it a congested short passing contest of midfield pinball. Senile’s boys got the jump early, but try as they might Eric’s boys couldn’t find a goal.

The Amputees defence remains a stumbling block for opposing teams with another clean sheet to Duncan. In light of Skoolage conceding 2 goals to take their conceded tally to 11 in their draw with Abbotsford, that makes the Amputees the only side to have conceded less than 10 goals all season. They don’t score as frequently, but they concede less.

Glasston continue to descend into mediocrity and City Water felt the sting of a resurgent Dunder Mifflin to square out an entertaining 3-3 draw.

From predictions of spoon favouritism, Bondi have been the surprise of the season, riding their luck and being more efficient with their shots on goal.

Round 11

We’re half way there. Some interesting games right up and down the table. The top three all have games they should win, but a loss wouldn’t be unexpected. The Amputees have to play the free scoring City Water, Crimson Eagles take on Abbotsford and Shrewsbury face Bondi.

Skoolage get their freebie rounds back to back
against Rodborough. But SYD-Glasston and Dunder Mifflin-Rockstars will be crucial to how the playoffs take shape.

Amputees FC 1-0 City Water Motel
Dunder Mifflin FC 4-2 Melbourne Rockstars
SYDclub 1-3 Glasston
Rodborough 1-1 Skoolage United
Abbotsford FC 2-2 Crimson Eagles FC
BONDI ICEBERGS 0-3 Shrewsbury Biscuits FC

maccorosso
man you’re awesome only dag wrote on this board this season apart from you, and you keep doing what you have been doing since ever..
I’m just saying, thanks man I think you like it but thanks for doing it.

Now wtf does this mean?:
“The Amputees have to play the free scoring City Water”

scruttino
On the ‘free scoring’ your boys have been on the rampage in the seniors national cup. Thumped me 3-0 and your team is performing much better than your points column suggests.

Didn’t expect Crimson Eagles to draw and they were lucky not to lose scoring an equaliser with 10 men. Shrewsbury cut the margin and can go in front of them if they win in round 13.

maccorosso
That’s cause the NC (National Cup) started later than the league and I bought both my strikers just before NC started

scruttino
Well they’re kicking arse for you 🙂

Competitions

The Rowden Medal

Name Team Points
Remy Bundy Amputees FC 21
Nereo Ulizes Shrewsbury Biscuits FC 18
Josue Mesquita City Water Motel 14
Ricardo Cugat SYD Club 12
贺沙宽 Bondi Icebergs 12
Danny Brandie Abbotsford 11
Evaristo Monico Crimson Eagles FC 11
Randell Will Skoolage United 11
Randall Everett Melbourne Rockstars 10
Pete Nelson Abbotsford FC 10

With the lack of any stand out midfielders or wingers, it’s a shootout this season and the winner will be heavily tied in with Bundy’s Boot

Bundy’s Boot

  Player Team GP G YC RC
1  Nereo Ulizes  YUM 11 21 0 0
2  Remy Bundy  AFC 11 18 0 0
3  Evaristo Monico  EAGL 11 13 0 0
4  Randell Will  SKLD 11 13 0 0
5  Fortunato Alfonsi  EAGL 11 12 0 0
6  贺沙宽  BIG 11 12 0 0
7  Ricardo Cugat  SYD 11 11 1 0
8  Josué Mesquita  CITY 10 11 0 0
9  Danny Brandie  ABD 11 9 0 0
10  Randall Everett  MRSC 11 9 1 0
11  Uğur Araz  CITY 10 9 0 0
12  Pete Nelson  ABD 11 9 1 0
13  Ainar Reeder  DMFC 11 8 1 0
14  David Halipa  MRSC 11 8 1 0
15  Egon Spengler  DMFC 11 7 0 0
16  Ed Norman  GLN 11 7 1 0
17  Ernest Christian  YUM 11 6 0 0
18  Braedan Ross  CITY 11 6 0 0
19  Wen Sha Lin  EAGL 11 5 0 0
20  Tyler Boyd  YUM 11 5 0 0

So far it’s a race in 2 with Ulizes having the upper hand over Bundy at half season mark.

A Cuddly Sheet

Goalkeepers (Goals Against) Clubs Clean Sheets
Rob Duncan – (6) Amputees FC 6
Bleyd Renney – (13) Shrewsbury Biscuits FC 4
Rod Huther – (12) Skoolage United 3
Bruce Sinden – (15) Crimson Eagles FC 3
Caine Morey – (16) Bondi Icebergs 2
Kirk Dale – (22) Abbotsford FC 2
Evan Gillingwater – (32) Dunder Mifflin FC 2
Dale Barling – (19) Glasston 1
Oliver Beattie – (22) SYD Club 1
Ollie Fison – (24) City Water Motel 1
Arne Dowsing – (31) Melbourne Rockstars 1
Niles Fasey – (33) Rodborough 0

Having only conceded 6 goals in 11 games Duncan leads Renney by 2 clean sheets and less goals conceded.

The Waterland

Team Total Points
Amputees FC 52
Shrewbury Biscuits FC 42
City Water Motel 41
Skoolage United 39
Crimson Eagles FC 38
Glasston 35
Abbotsford FC 32
Bondi Icebergs 26
Syd Club 25
Melbourne Rockstars 25
Dunder Mifflin FC 24
Rodborough 16

The Amputees undefeated start to the season has them open up a 10 point lead on Shrewsbury, with City Water and Skoolage doing well.

Club MVP’s

Abbotsford FC Player Points
Danny Brandie 11
Pete Nelson 10
George Greenbank 2
Aleksey Petuhov 2
Byrne Beins 2
Lauder Brien 2
Concetto Rondinelli 2
Stan Quigley 1
 
  32
Amputees FC Player Points
Remy Bundy 21
Darley Fitton 7
Joao Mumbach 7
Rob Duncan 6
Herbert Nelson 3
Lewis Benton 3
Shane McGowan 2
Ian Kilmister 1
Kalin Lungarov 1
Savas Pnevmatikatos 1
 
  52
Bondi Icebergs Player Points
贺沙宽 12
Caine Morey 9
Ned Zelic 1
Mark Milligan 1
Herbert Wright 1
Steve Greenan 1
Filip 1
 
  26
City Water Motel Player Points
Josue Mesquita 14
Ugur Araz 7
Justino Eufrasio 5
Francesco Di Palma 5
Kris Wang 4
Bradford Edwards 3
Braedan Ross 3
 
  41
Crimson Eagles FC Player Points
Evaristo Monico 11
Diogo Pacheco 8
Emil Andberg 7
Fortunato Alfonsi 6
Bruce Sinden 3
Wen Sha Lin 3
 
  38
Dunder Mifflin FC Player Points
Egon Spengler 9
Ainar Reeder 7
Mustafa Numan Yigit 4
Carleton Loch 3
Manol Nichev 1
 
  24
Glasston Player Points
John Bennett 8
Cisco Radaban 5
Ed Norman 5
Henrik Dahlberg 4
Benney Lamb 3
Ed Norman 3
Haldun Iltemiz 3
Keith Callaghan 2
Jordan Wayland 2
 
  35
Melbourne Rockstars Player Points
Randall Everett 10
David Halipa 6
Luck Wakefield 3
Vinny Jones 2
Bath Odonahoo 2
Ollie Hodson 2
 
  25
Rodborough Player Points
Jack Sobczak 4
Stewart Finden 3
Arne Dowsing 3
Gregg Whatley 2
Klement Jurgiel 2
Duffield Duffield 1
Dylan Grimes 1
 
  16
Shrewsbury Biscuits FC Player Points
Nereo Ulizes 18
Conner Hunn 5
Mateo Arraya 4
Bernard Feutrill 4
Tyler Boyd 3
Jamese Glover 3
Rex Weeks 2
Ernest Christian 2
Lei Zhen Jun 1
 
  42
Skoolage United Player Points
Randell Will 11
Edwardo Rowdon 9
Arne Nolan 6
Rod Huther 6
Paul Freeman 5
Bryce Brennan 2
 
  39
SYD Club Player Points
Ricardo Cugat 12
Zbyszko Lanczak 5
Case Stageman 3
Oliver Beattie 3
Adolph Sperling 1
Yaar Maa 1
 
  25

The half-time pixel special

In honour to the rise in graphic quality, increased focus on the stories and interactive features being implemented into the gaming world servers. This season’s half-time show avoids them all through making the game easier to play and reducing the interactions required between managers in the game. It’s a double edged sword, on one hand great, the other not so much. But to those who have stuck around and are still reading, thank you, you’re awesome.

Cheers, Matt

A-League season 55 end of season review

A League 55 end of season review

  Team M W D L + = P Last 6
1 Amputees FC 22 17 4 1 51 17 34 55
2 Shrewsbury Biscuits FC 22 14 5 3 63 24 39 47
3 Crimson Eagles FC 22 15 1 6 66 30 36 46
4 City Water Motel 22 11 3 8 54 42 12 36
5 Abbotsford FC 22 8 8 6 45 42 3 32
6 Glasston 22 8 7 7 44 33 11 31
7 BONDI ICEBERGS 22 9 4 9 31 44 -13 31
8 Skoolage United 22 9 3 10 43 41 2 30
9 SYDclub 22 5 4 13 30 43 -13 19
10 Dunder Mifflin FC 22 6 1 15 25 65 -40 19
11 Melbourne Rockstars 22 5 3 14 36 65 -29 18
12 Rodborough 22 2 3 17 24 66 -42 9

By the end of the season Amputees FC had cleared out to win their first A-League title. Hard-nosed defence, experienced keeping with Remy Bundy leading the attack covered the lack of a decent winger. They had enough roster variety to run both short passing and wing tactics, providing flexibility to avoid being predictable. Having never finished higher than 4th, the season was a break out success with them capturing the League/Cup senior double.

Shrewsbury and Crimson Eagles have conducted a battle for the minor places for 2 straight seasons. With a bit of luck the title could have gone to either of them, but results in key games went against them and a few others got away. City Water got on a roll in the back end of the season, doing a similar rise from relegation danger to upper mid-table safety the Amputees did the season before. Abbotsford, Glasston and Bondi just edged an unlucky Skoolage into the relegation playoffs.

SYD are hanging on by a thread. Dunder Mifflin have left us, while the Rockstars and Rodborough weren’t up to the A-League standard. But they’re not the first teams to drop back to division 1 after their first A-League season.

There will be change at the top again as Amputees FC have sold up, allowing Crimson Eagles and Shrewsbury the chance to dual for the title.

Round Commentary

Round 12

The second half of the season begins and we have the return fixtures from round 11. City Water have the home ground advantage this time round against the Amputees and I’d be surprised if Abbotsford beat Crimson Eagles again. But you never know, they matched up well.

City Water Motel 1-3 Amputees FC
Melbourne Rockstars 0-2 Dunder Mifflin FC
Glasston 1-1 SYDclub
Skoolage United 5-0 Rodborough
Crimson Eagles FC 5-0 Abbotsford FC
Shrewsbury Biscuits FC 0-0 BONDI ICEBERGS

scruttino
Nice to put 2 wins against City Water behind me. Shrewsbury were stopped in their tracks by Bondi keeper Morey, that puts them at a severe disadvantage for the title 8 points adrift of the Amputees with a do or die match against Crimson Eagles next round. In the context of the season if Shrewsbury were to win, both the Crimson Eagles and Shrewsbury would be more than 2 games behind the Amputees. Best case scenario for the title race is Crimson Eagles win and remain 4 points behind, but the gaps are beginning to widen at the top.

Round 13

It’s time for the return fixture showdown between Crimson Eagles and Shrewsbury. Given he hasn’t changed his tactic in five seasons it’s safe to assume Senile will stick to short passing. Shrewsbury tried to match them last time and it back fired badly, so it likely they’ll change things up. But will it be short passing defence with wing attack or their standard wing formation, we’ll have to wait and see.

Down the bottom the Rockstar face a must win game against Glasston to have any chance of avoiding automatic demotion back to Division 1. Likewise Dunder Mifflin vs City Water will give one team a boost to avoiding the playoffs.

City Water Motel 1-4 Dunder Mifflin FC
Amputees FC 2-2 SYDclub
Glasston 5-1 Melbourne Rockstars
Skoolage United 2-3 Abbotsford FC
Rodborough 1-2 BONDI ICEBERGS
Shrewsbury Biscuits FC 4-2 Crimson Eagles FC

troyh65
I notice you’ve given up predicting the Icebergs results. Think simming. Then use a calculation of 75% probability that a simming will occur and multiply it by a 85% Iceberg Mz gods smile upon thee luck factor, which should not only allow you to know who will win but by how many goals as well.

scruttino
Haha. Even accounting for the simming percentages, you should beat Rodborough

scruttino
Ah McGowan, why did you get a red card with the last play of game and give away a penalty. Should have won by more, but we keep our unbeaten record in tack.

Shrewsbury got the upper hand with a red card to Fordham when the scores was 2-2 in the 60th minute and they took the game 4-2. That make it tough for Crimson Eagles as a 5 point gap is a lot at this stage of of the season.

The bottom 3 have been settled on, the order may change though. Dunder Mifflin keep their run of form going, City Water will be disappointed and Glasston stay in touch.

Round 14

No really big games that will impact the top 3 this round, at least they shouldn’t.

Match of the round falls to Skoolage vs Bondi. This could go either way, but no matter the result it will be entertaining.

The other match of note involves SYD and City Water. It’s SYD’s last chance to give themselves a fools hope of avoiding relegation.

SYDclub 2-0 City Water Motel
Melbourne Rockstars 0-3 Amputees FC
Dunder Mifflin FC 0-3 Glasston
BONDI ICEBERGS 1-4 Skoolage United
Crimson Eagles FC 5-0 Rodborough
Abbotsford FC 0-1 Shrewsbury Biscuits FC

scruttino
Shrewsbury ground out a 1-0 victory, Abbotsford are proving to be a competitive team. SYD gave themselves a fools chance. While Skoolage scored 3 goals, Bondi got a red card and the match ended 4-1. Not sure what to think of that one.

Round 15

Match of the round is Skoolage-Crimson Eagles. The Eagles need to keep winning to ensure the 5 point gap between themselves and the Amputees doesn’t increase. Skoolage are capable of winning, but Crimson Eagles start favourites.

Glasston can be enigmatic so the Amputees need to take the game seriously. SYD face another must win game and City Water will want to arrest their form slump soon, they should win but on current form they won’t.

SYDclub 3-0 Dunder Mifflin FC
City Water Motel 1-1 Melbourne Rockstars
Amputees FC 1-2 Glasston
BONDI ICEBERGS 1-1 Abbotsford FC
Skoolage United 0-5 Crimson Eagles FC
Rodborough 1-4 Shrewsbury Biscuits FC

scruttino
Oh crikey, the sim didn’t like me today and ruined our unbeaten season. That’s breathed some life back in to the title race

senile_old_men
🙂 go Glasston! Well deserved victory 😉

scruttino
Haha. I’ve managed to avoid this kind of result or get out with a draw at worst, but we all knew it was bound to happen at some point. Round 17 and 19 heavyweight title deciders here we come

Round 16

2-5 play each other this round. Given the points gap that has emerged it’s unlikely that Skoolage and Bondi will topple their more fancy opponents, but these are danger games for Crimson Eagles and Shrewsbury.

Having dug themselves out of a deep hole City Water could fall back in should SYD beat the Rockstars and Glasston continue their good form.

The National Cup finalists have been decided. Home ground advantage is yet to be determined, but Crimson Eagles and Amputees will face off for the claret jug. Before their equally important league fixture the next day.

Dunder Mifflin FC 1-5 Amputees FC
Melbourne Rockstars 3-1 SYDclub
Glasston 0-3 City Water Motel
Abbotsford FC 2-2 Rodborough
Crimson Eagles FC 2-0 BONDI ICEBERGS
Shrewsbury Biscuits FC 3-0 Skoolage United

scruttino
All remains steady at the top, with the points gap really stretching out now. Down the bottom the automatic relegation spots are firming in the betting market SYD lost an important game. City Water won and Glasston lost to keep things tight.

Round 17

It’s showdown time between Crimson Eagles and the Amputees. Could go either way so predicting the result is futile. Before their league match we’ll know the result of the National cup final to be played tonight, I’m looking forward to both matches.

Lots of mid table match-ups with Abbotsford-City Water and Glasston-Skoolage the pick of the bunch.

City Water Motel 5-4 Abbotsford FC
Dunder Mifflin FC 0-4 Rodborough
Amputees FC 1-0 Crimson Eagles FC
Melbourne Rockstars 3-2 BONDI ICEBERGS
SYDclub 2-2 Shrewsbury Biscuits FC
Glasston 4-2 Skoolage United

scruttino
We took out our first National Cup Final with a close 3-2 win against Crimson Eagles. We’ve made the final before, but SYD took the title on that occasion, this time was different. Well played boys!!!

senile_old_men
Congrats mate. I continue to dominate the Uxx cups but can’t seem to get the seniors across the line.

scruttino
Well done at the U/18 and U/21 level. Running a lean squad I’ve given up on them, seems you pay more in salaries than returns in prize money.

senile_old_men
I find its not too bad if your u21s can win u23s as well. But it’s expensive paying for FLs to maintain form when you’re too lazy to do it with friendlies

scruttino
You actually changed your formation. Should have won it to but Duncan played a blinder. Shrewsbury drew as well so the gap at the top goes back out to a healthy 5 points

senile_old_men
Oh well. Experiment over. Back to no changes ever lol

Round 18

No major battles this round. Amputees-Bondi and Abbotsford-Glasston are the pick of the games. Bondi still surprise everyone to be 4th with a negative goal difference. Who knows what will happen there.

One can’t help but anticipate the Amputees-Shrewsbury return fixture next round, but we’ve 6 games to get therough before then.

BONDI ICEBERGS 2-3 Amputees FC
Shrewsbury Biscuits FC 4-2 Melbourne Rockstars
Skoolage United 1-2 SYDclub
Abbotsford FC 1-1 Glasston
Rodborough 0-2 City Water Motel
Crimson Eagles FC 2-1 Dunder Mifflin FC

scruttino
The only surprise this round was SYD upsetting Skoolage to keep giving themselves a chance of making the playoffs. It will be at the expense of Dunder Mifflin if they do, but they’ve playing better of late..

Round 19

Two big games this round. The last chance any side has of reducing the margin at the top and preventing the Amputees from taking the title, will be a Shrewsbury Biscuits victory tomorrow.

In conjunction to this clash Crimson Eagles face the talented if eratic City Water, who could easily win the clash.

Depending on the results of both these games the Amputees could be 8, 5, 3 or 2 points clear, with a game against Skoolage in the next round, before Abbotsford and Rodborough. They would be favourites to win them all, but a loss against Shrewsbury would make the Skoolage game very interesting.

Down the bottom both SYD and Dunder Mifflin need the points as their battle for the last playoff spot continues.

Melbourne Rockstars 1-4 Skoolage United
SYDclub 1-2 Abbotsford FC
Glasston 2-3 Rodborough
City Water Motel 3-2 Crimson Eagles FC
Dunder Mifflin FC 0-2 BONDI ICEBERGS
Amputees FC 1-1 Shrewsbury Biscuits FC

damo11
Just as a heads up, Kuhny told me in person that he left the game as he went inactive for a few weeks and his team went bankrupt. Since then he can’t reclaim his team an has no interest in returning if he has no club history and has to start again.

A bit of a shame really that we’ve lost another Aus manager for a shitty reason (even if it may have been his fault) that can’t be changed.

scruttino
That’s unfortunate damo.

Amputees and Shrewsbury play out another draw. At least they scored this time, one early, the other late to salvage a draw. Crimson Eagles lost though, leaving them 6 points back. The title is the Amputees to lose from here.

Round 20

Some good games are on Skoolage vs Amputees, Crimson Eagles vs Glasston and Bondi vs City Water.

Crimson Eagles and Shrewsbury will be hoping Skoolage can upset the Amputees and give them some hope in the final 2 rounds

Shrewsbury Biscuits FC 6-0 Dunder Mifflin FC
BONDI ICEBERGS 0-4 City Water Motel
Crimson Eagles FC 1-2 Glasston
Rodborough 2-2 SYDclub
Abbotsford FC 6-0 Melbourne Rockstars
Skoolage United 1-5 Amputees FC

scruttino
3 became 2 as Crimson Eagles lose their second game in a row. But with Abbotsford and Rodborough to go the Amputees become a better than money bet to take the title with a 5 point lead. But they’ll have to put the champagne on ice until their first A-League title can be confirmed. Abbotsford have improved as the season has progressed with good tactical changes so it’ll be interesting to see what both sides play.

Bundy’s Boot and the Rowdon Medal MVP remains a close contest between Bundy and Ulizes. Either could still win both, so the goals scored in the final two round remain important.

scruttino
Mid-table 4th to 8th is becoming very congested

scruttino
Not sure how I won 1-5 with my winger make 42% of his 26 passes. Darley has got to be the worst player in my starting XI and he’s my starting winger. But I can’t afford to buy a good winger until next off season. Everything in my tactic revolves around getting the ball back when his passes go astray.

scruttino
I’ve been experimenting with other wingers and none of them come close to the amount of overall passes Darley attempts, they may have a slightly higher percentage of success, but Darley gets through where others fail. I don’t understand it myself, he’ll never play for the national team with 7 AP, he’s not that fast with 8 speed, but his 10 stamina and BC mean he can run all day, evade more tackles and hold on to the ball longer to allow us to edge the possession count. He’s an enigma that’s for sure.

Round 21

Will the Amputees secure the title with a round to spare. Abbotsford will try their best to prevent it, but a win to City Water over Shrewsbury will void any result in the Amputees-Abbotsford match.

Glasston-Bondi and Skoolage-Dunder Mifflin loom as a crucial matches for the mid-table and relegation battle. But given how close it is between 4th and 8th, and 9th and 10th. I’m still leaning toward not knowing the teams ending up in the relegation playoffs until after the final round of results.

Dunder Mifflin FC 1-5 Skoolage United
Amputees FC 2-1 Abbotsford FC
Melbourne Rockstars 5-1 Rodborough
SYDclub 2-6 Crimson Eagles FC
Glasston 9-0 BONDI ICEBERGS
City Water Motel 3-2 Shrewsbury Biscuits FC

dagriggstar
Earlier this season I handed then 20 year old wonderkid Belton Withy his A-league debut, who impressively went on to represent Australia in the U21’s. Now that we are approaching the end of the season, I have a new wonderkid, who plays the same position !

Biggs Kepert who at the age of 14 escaped the oppressive regime of his homeland, Werrkaterrbaburrrrrrr where all players are forced to become goalkeepers, to pursue his dream of not being allowed to use his hands in a game of soccer (Random trivia, there is a law in Werrkaterrbaburrrrrrr where all players must have the last name “Keeper”, upon arrival to Australia Biggs slightly changed his last name so no-one would ever think to put him in goals again). Finally able to roam the open field, Biggs has already become the (equal) fastest player in the game, all those years of running away from goal keeping gloves having paid off.

How will he play today in his A-league debut, well we are going to find out soon enough!

scruttino
Thanks maccorosso, the best result possible. It’s starting to blow out at top with the Amputees securing their first A-League title with a game to spare and increasing their points lead to 8. But the big question is what happen to Bondi? A huge loss to a rampant Glasston.

senile_old_men
Congrats on the breakthrough title mate. Well deserved after a consistent season

scruttino
Thanks

scruttino
League/Cup double too, I have to say I’m surprised by the consistency of the season. I’ve never finished higher than 4th before, not sure how I’ll go in the elite cups next season, hopefully I can get out of the group phase in at least one of them.

senile_old_men
I managed to get past the group stages in top teams cup before getting smashed in the first knockout round this season. At least you’ll be able to have 9 foreigners to compete 😉

scruttino
Can’t afford that many foreigners, I’ve got 5 right now, though only 3 start. Think I’ll save my cash until next off-season, should have 6-7 million by then.

Round 22

The Amputees secured the title last round, but the order of 2nd and 3rd is still up for grabs as Glasston have upset many this season and will give Shrewsbury a contest.

City Water and Glasston are safe, while everyone from Skoolage down to Melbourne Rockstars could end up in the relegation playoffs. The Rockstars are unlikely facing Crimson Eagles with matches between Skoolage-City Water, Abbotsford-Dunder Mifflin and Bondi-SYD.

Rodborough have improved in recent weeks, but their start to the season was a long hard slog well into the second half of the season. The Spoon was theirs quite a way out from the finish of the season.

Skoolage United 0-4 City Water Motel
Abbotsford FC 2-0 Dunder Mifflin FC
Rodborough 0-4 Amputees FC
Crimson Eagles FC 5-2 Melbourne Rockstars
BONDI ICEBERGS 2-1 SYDclub
Shrewsbury Biscuits FC 1-0 Glasston

dagriggstar
Can’t be too disappointed to end up in the relegation playoffs given at the start of the season was expecting to be part of the bottom 3…

scruttino
Given I’ve never finished higher than 4th, this seasons success has been unexpected. My mixture of international rejects that I’ve trained myself, more quality purchases, one loyal player and 3-4 years of internal youth to senior development have finally paid off.

I’m thinking 2 more seasons then sell up and rebuild while the players are still worth something with enough funds to afford 9 quality foreigners and keep their ages all within 2-3 seasons of each other. Yet I’m aware of the limits my current players have, so the next squad I build will have the intention of being world class and being able to win an elite competition. But in the meantime I’ll ride their success wherever it goes as they’ve done it the hard way and deserve the success they’ll achieve. (I changed my mind soon after saying this and sold up for 50 million)

Competitions

The Rowden Medal

Name Team Points
Remy Bundy Amputees FC 38
Nereo Ulizes Shrewsbury Biscuits FC 35
Josue Mesquita City Water Motel 33
Fortunato Alfonsi Crimson Eagles FC 28
Randell Will Skoolage United 26
Ricardo Cugat SYD Club 22
Randall Everett Melbourne Rockstars 22
贺沙宽 Bondi Icebergs 21
Pete Nelson Abbotsford FC 20
Joao Mumbach Amputees FC 17

Bundy took the A-League by storm with solid form from the beginning to the end securing his first MVP award at the young age of 25. Just pipping Ulizes and a surging Mesquita in the second half of the season.

Bundy’s Boot

  Player Team GP G YC RC
1  Remy Bundy  AFC 22 40 2 0
2  Nereo Ulizes  YUM 22 35 0 0
3  Fortunato Alfonsi  EAGL 22 35 0 0
4  Josué Mesquita  CITY 21 28 0 0
5  Randell Will  SKLD 22 24 0 0
6  Pete Nelson  ABD 22 24 2 0
7  Ricardo Cugat  SYD 22 23 1 0
8  He Sha Kuan  BIG 22 23 0 0
9  Randall Everett  MRSC 22 22 1 0
10  Haldun İltemiz  GLN 18 20 0 0
11  Ernest Christian  YUM 22 19 2 0
12  Evaristo Monico  EAGL 22 19 0 0
13  Ainar Reeder  DMFC 22 15 1 0
14  Uğur Araz  CITY 21 15 0 0
15  Ed Norman  GLN 22 14 2 0
16  Danny Brandie  ABD 22 13 1 0
17  Duffield Duffield  ROH 22 11 1 0
18  David Halipa  MRSC 22 11 2 0
19  Egon Spengler  DMFC 22 9 2 0
20  Wen Sha Lin  EAGL 22 9 0 0

It’s a double for Bundy to go with his MVP award, Ulizes has to settle for being runner up in both with the same goal tally as Alfonsi.

A Cuddly Sheet

Goalkeepers (Goals Against) Clubs Clean Sheets
Rob Duncan – (17) Amputees FC 9
Bleyd Renney – (24) Shrewsbury Biscuits FC 9
Bruce Sinden – (30) Crimson Eagles FC 7
Rod Huther – (41) Skoolage United 4
Kirk Dale – (42) Abbotsford FC 4
Caine Morey – (44) Bondi Icebergs 4
Dale Barling – (33) Glasston 3
Oliver Beattie – (43) SYD Club 3
Evan Gillingwater – (65) Dunder Mifflin FC 3
Ollie Fison – (15 games – 28) City Water Motel 3
Arne Dowsing – (66) Rodborough 2
Bongbong User – (7 games – 14) City Water Motel 2

Renney had a strong second half of the season to claw back a 2 clean sheet deficit to lose out on goals conceded to fellow national team keeper Rob Duncan. Duncan’s stella season conceding less than a goal a game was a major reason the Amputees took the title and gives him his first A-League Cuddly sheet to throw over his bed.

The Waterland

Team Total Points
Amputees FC 102
Crimson Eagles FC 84
City Water Motel 83
Shrewbury Biscuits FC 80
Glasston 78
Skoolage United 72
Abbotsford FC 64
Syd Club 55
Melbourne Rockstars 48
Bondi Icebergs 45
Rodborough 40
Dunder Mifflin FC 39

It really was the Amputees season, they won every award on offer

Club MVP’s

Abbotsford FC Player Points
Pete Nelson 20
Danny Brandie 14
Lauder Brien 7
Concetto Rondinelli 5
Bill Sawbridge 5
Byrne Beins 4
Boruc Mockiewicz 3
Stan Quigley 3
George Greenbank 2
Aleksey Petuhov 2
 
  64
Amputees FC Player Points
Remy Bundy 38
Joao Mumbach 17
Rob Duncan 10
Darley Fitton 9
Kalin Lungarov 9
Herbert Nelson 6
Lewis Benton 5
Shane McGowan 5
Savas Pnevmatikatos 2
Ian Kilmister 1
 
  102
Bondi Icebergs Player Points
贺沙宽 21
Caine Morey 12
He Sha Kuan 5
Steve Greenan 2
Filip 1
Stasio Limanowski 1
Ned Zelic 1
Mark Milligan 1
Herbert Wright 1
 
  45
City Water Motel Player Points
Josue Mesquita 33
Ugur Araz 13
Bradford Edwards 8
Adam Carroll 7
Francesco Di Palma 6
Kris Wang 6
Justino Eufrasio 5
Braedan Ross 3
Evan Cuddihy 2
 
  83
Crimson Eagles FC Player Points
Fortunato Alfonsi 28
Diogo Pacheco 14
Evaristo Monico 13
Emil Andberg 11
Wen Sha Lin 7
Bruce Sinden 5
Clarke Riley 4
Mido Fielden 2
 
  84
Dunder Mifflin FC Player Points
Ainar Reeder 12
Egon Spengler 9
Mustafa Numan Yigit 8
Carleton Loch 5
Manol Nichev 2
Loud Dowsing 2
Evan Gillingwater 1
 
  39
Glasston Player Points
Haldun Iltemiz 15
John Bennett 10
Cisco Radaban 9
Ed Norman 8
Dale Barling 6
Paulino Maju 5
Keith Callaghan 5
Henrik Dahlberg 5
Benney Lamb 5
Ed Norman 5
Benjamin Stgaeman 3
Jordan Wayland 2
 
  78
Melbourne Rockstars Player Points
Randall Everett 22
David Halipa 9
Ollie Hodson 8
Luck Wakefield 3
Myles Tupman 2
Vinny Jones 2
Bath Odonahoo 2
 
  48
Rodborough Player Points
Duffield Duffield 11
Stewart Finden 5
Gregg Whatley 5
Jack Sobczak 4
Arne Dowsing 4
Dylan Grimes 3
Steve Dorrell 3
Danny Eaton 3
Klement Jurgiel 2
 
  40
Shrewsbury Biscuits FC Player Points
Nereo Ulizes 35
Conner Hunn 10
Ernest Christian 8
Mateo Arraya 6
Bernard Feutrill 4
Tyler Boyd 4
Jamese Glover 4
Rex Weeks 4
Bleyd Renney 2
Matthews Groves 2
Lei Zhen Jun 1
 
  80
Skoolage United Player Points
Randell Will 26
Edwardo Rowdon 14
Arne Nolan 7
Rod Huther 6
Paul Freeman 6
Bryce Brennan 6
Laurence Pegler 2
Laurence Quigley 2
Bud Pound 2
Jeffray Harding 1
 
  72
SYD Club Player Points
Ricardo Cugat 22
Adolph Sperling 7
Zbyszko Lanczak 5
Oliver Beattie 5
Larkins Ziliotto 4
Case Stageman 3
Xurxo Placencia 3
Antonia Sparrow 3

尤斌峰

1
Yaar Maa 1
Jonathon Azulay 1
 
  55

Refresh

It was the season I had been waiting for yet never knew when it would happen, eventually the years of skills training, experience and luck went my way and we achieved everything we wanted to. After thinking about it, it seemed only fitting to sell up at our peak and begin again. The current Amputees squad could have kept going, instead I made a long term decision and will come back bigger and better. I’ll wait until a good batch of youth come through similar to the golden season when Bundy, McGowan and Kilmister all walked through the clubs doors.

Until then enjoy the battle and keep fighting the good fight

Cheers, Matt

 

A-League Playoffs Season 55

Group 1.1

Round 1

Team M W D L + = P
Red Devils United div1.3 1 1 0 0 4 0 4 3
Skoolage United A-League 1 1 0 0 4 2 2 3
Narraweena Azzurri div1.1 1 0 0 1 2 4 -2 0
Brisbane Roar div1.2 1 0 0 1 0 4 -4 0
Skoolage United – Narraweena Azzurri   4-2

Skoolage were clearly the better team with twice as many shots and a higher percentage of passes and tackles. Narraweena will have to keep waiting until they return to the A-League.

Brisbane Roar – Red Devils United   0-4

Red Devils United were the better side as Brisbane Roar remain favourites to finish last in their group once again. Teddy Sheringham bagged a hat-trick along the way to a comfortable win for the Red Devils.

Round 2

Team M W D L + = P
Red Devils United div1.3 2 2 0 0 7 2 5 6
Skoolage United A-League 2 1 0 1 5 4 1 3
Brisbane Roar div1.2 2 1 0 1 2 5 -3 3
Narraweena Azzurri div1.1 2 0 0 2 4 7 -3 0
Skoolage United – Brisbane Roar   1-2

This was a scratch your head and wonder game. Brisbane Roar had no right to win as they were outplayed in all aspects of the game except a slightly better possession count and Munroe Ashwin who won them the match with 16 saves. A dagger to Skoolage’s chances at retaining the A-League status.

Narraweena Azzurri – Red Devils United                                                                                2-3

This was close, Teddy Sheringham was the difference up front with a brace, to deny the 16 save made by Narraweena keeper Goodward from salvaging a draw, with the last kick of the game. Red Devils got the luck.

Round 3

Team M W D L + = P
Red Devils United div1.3 3 2 1 0 9 4 5 7
Skoolage United A-League 3 1 1 1 7 6 1 4
Narraweena Azzurri div1.1 3 1 0 2 6 7 -1 3
Brisbane Roar div1.2 3 1 0 2 2 7 -5 3

Skoolage United – Red Devils United                                                                                     2-2

Sheringham and Gray, the front and the back of Red Devils prevented the better team Skoolage from gaining the win. Skoolage required a win by 3 goals to save there A-League spot and statistically it was on the cards, but this has not been their playoff series and Red Devils United achieve their first promotion to the A-League.

Narraweena Azzurri – Brisbane Roar                                                                                      2-0

Narraweena didn’t score until late in the second half, but they dominated this game and put Brisbane Roar in their familiar place of last in their playoff group.

Group 1.2

Round 1

Team M W D L + = P
SYDclub A-League 1 1 0 0 2 0 2 3
The Smoking Tree div1.3 1 1 0 0 2 0 2 3
Hop Skip Jump div1.1 1 0 0 1 0 2 -2 0
Kangaroos div1.2 1 0 0 1 0 2 -2 0
Hop Skip Jump – SYDclub   0-2

A very close game that SYD won through Beattie conceding no goals and Cugat scoring 2 goals. Shots, possession, tackles and saves were all close, Hop Skip Jump were unlucky not to score, but they will reach the A-League soon if they keep on their current course.

The Smoking Tree -Kangaroos   2-0

A convincing win for the Smoking Tree. Twice as many shots, more possession, better passing and tackling percentages. Kangaroos assume spoon favouritism.

Round 2

Team M W D L + = P
The Smoking Tree div1.3 2 2 0 0 5 0 5 6
SYDclub A-League 2 2 0 0 4 0 4 6
Kangaroos div1.2 2 0 0 2 0 4 -4 0
Hop Skip Jump div1.1 2 0 0 2 0 5 -5 0
Kangaroos – SYDclub   0-2

Kangaroos did slightly better than against the Smoking Tree, but they were still outplayed by SYD across the board.

The Smoking Tree – Hop Skip Jump   3-0

Closer than it appeared on the scoreboard, but a failure from Hop Skip Jump to convert their chances made them slump to a heavy defeat and end their promotion chances. With The Smoking Tree setting up a 3rd round showdown with SYD on who will reach the A-League.

Round 3

Team M W D L + = P
SYDclub A-League 3 3 0 0 7 1 6 9
The Smoking Tree div1.3 3 2 0 1 6 3 3 6
Hop Skip Jump div1.1 3 1 0 2 7 5 2 3
Kangaroos div1.2 3 0 0 3 0 11 -11 0
The Smoking Tree – SYDclub   1-3

I’m not sure if they had an off day, because the Smoking Tree were much better in their previous games. Yet here they were outplayed by SYD who had twice as many shots, better passing and much higher tackling percentages. They won their A-League spot back by a mile in the end.

Hop Skip Jump – Kangaroos   7-0

After disappointing results in their first 2 games, Hop Skip Jump were desperate not to finish last and they blew Kangaroos off the park with 4 players scoring and Barreto securing a hat-trick. They scored so heavily that they turned round a -5 goal difference into +2, I’ve a feeling they’ll be back again next season.

Written by Scruttino

A-League 56 Preview

 

  Team M W D L + = P Last 6
1 Abbotsford FC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 Amputees FC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 BONDI ICEBERGS 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 Brooklyn Youth FC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5 City Water Motel 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
6 Crimson Eagles FC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
7 Glasston 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
8 HASSELHOFF BABES 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
9 Myrtou FC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
10 Red Devils United 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
11 SYDclub 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
12 Shrewsbury Biscuits FC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Having sold up the Amputees dominance of last season will be forgotten as teams run rampant against their youth team. Brooklyn Youth won’t be much better either, so there will be two sides to beat up all season long.

Myrtou should never have been demoted and will be a strong team, City Water are rebuilding on the run and it remains to be seen how consistent their results will be. Red Devils United got through the Playoffs with a bit of luck and guile, they’re about the same strength as Abbotsford.

We welcome two new managers playing their first A-League seasons in jhndos – Brooklyn Youth and diesel-7 – Red Devils United. Back for more pain, frustration and delight are steady eddie frankiejhoffa and anvisco. It’ll be a lot of pain for Brooklyn Youth and Amputees FC. A little less of Hasslehoff Babes but not much.

Words from the Managers

Senile Old Men – Crimson Eagles FC
The biggest factor next season is going to be who has the biggest warchest to take advantage of the extra work permits. I’m going to offload some 29/30 year olds soon so hoping I can replace them in time for the season

Scruttino – Amputees FC

For the Amputees this season will be a battle with Brooklyn youth for the spoon as I refresh and begin again. The game is changing and I’ll give it a year to sort itself out while developing youth.

Ladder Prediction

Spoon contenders – Amputees, Brooklyn Youth

Rebuilding on the run – SYDclub, City Water

The old man’s garage – Glasston

It’s a young man’s game – Bondi Icebergs, Hasslehoff Babes

Somewhere in the middle – Abbotsford, Red Devils United

More towards the top – Myrtou

The title contenders – Crimson Eagles, Shrewsbury

There is a huge range of average squad ages across the 12 sides. Meaning we’ll see more one sided games this season compared to the last. Crimson Eagles, Shrewsbury and Myrtou are the title favourites, but mid-table will still be guessing game. Those with older players on the transfer market will have to lower their prices if they want to sell them. It’ll be interesting to see who sells up when next season is over, somehow Glasston just keep going, deteriorations and retirements don’t phase them, they just are.

Written by Scruttino

AIHL Season 47 Review and Season 48 Preview

  Team M W D L + = P Status
1 Warringah Wizards 22 19 3 0 105 31 74 60
2 Finlandia HC 22 18 1 3 112 31 81 55
3 Relaxmore 22 14 3 5 105 42 63 45
4 Auckland Anvils 22 14 3 5 84 37 47 45
5 The Jugular Vein 22 11 4 7 84 49 35 37
6 Caboonbah 22 10 2 10 64 64 0 32
7 Polar Bear Club 22 10 1 11 74 73 1 31
8 Brisbane Roar HC 22 8 2 12 68 53 15 26  div1.1
9 Monegeeta 22 8 2 12 57 47 10 26  div1.1
10 Kangaroo Crusaders 22 7 1 14 56 84 -28 22  div1.3
11 Wodonga Ice Vikings 22 2 0 20 17 205 -188 6  div1.1
12 Dunedin Thunderbirds HC 22 0 0 22 0 110 -110 0  div1.2

In Season 47 it was again Warringah Wizards that dominated the competition. Congratulations to N Av. However the competition is closing in. Another team, Dunedin Thunderbirds HC, have closed doors and dropped out of the league. Kangaroo Crusaders and Wodonga Ice Vikings didn’t make the cut and drop down a division.

Most impressive were new comers Auckland Anvils finishing a creditable 4th behind Relaxmore who had a better season. The Jugular Vein, Caboonbah and Polar bear club played well to stay above the cut.

Brisbane Roar HC and Monegeeta failed in their playoff matches and head down a division. Which brings in 5 news teams to the Australian Ice Hockey League.  Arawata, Slap Bang Wallop and Telita. Welcome to the show guys and welcome back to GRATEFUL DEAD and Yaroona.

Some interesting facts

  • 3 teams score more than 100 goals this season. Finlandia HC (112), Warringah Wizards (105) and Relaxmore (105)
  • Two teams tied for least goals conceded Warringah Wizards (31) and Finlandia HC (31).
  • Biggest stadium. Finlandia with 12,000 seats.
  • Largest team value. Warringah Wizards with 32 184 174 AUD.
  • Largest Salary Bill. Warringah Wizards with 526 586 AUD

Now for my favourite part Statistics.

Player Points

How do you rate a player just add his goals and asissts. Findlandia’s Skirmantas Ulčinas and Relaxmore’s  Edmund Kenack tie for first. Ulčinas get though on goals.

Player Team GP G A P +/- PIM FOW FOL S Sft TOI
1  Skirmantas Ulčinas  FHC 22 15 4 19 24 2 0 0 52 153 330
2  Edmund Kenack  RELX 22 11 8 19 24 0 117 57 32 164 395
3  Jones Porteus  FHC 22 10 8 18 30 0 92 63 36 157 344
4  Steve Morris  WIZ 22 6 11 17 17 4 96 36 25 121 273
5  Brent Ross  WIZ 22 10 6 16 15 2 88 74 30 148 367

Goals scored

Skirmantas Ulčinas of FinLandia take the golden stick award this season with 15 goals and a 2 goal advantage over 2nd placed Bray Erwin.

Player Team G
1  Skirmantas Ulčinas  FHC 15
2  Bray Erwin  PBC 13
3  Nichol Shipman  FHC 12
4  Edmund Kenack  RELX 11
5  Randall Weeks  WIZ 11
6  Matthews Kiel  RELX 11

Assists

Every shooter needs someone to supply the puck and it’s no other than Andrew Bridson of Polar Bear Club that is the most helpful player in the Australian Ice Hockey League. 12 Assists for the season.

Player Team A
1  Andrew Bridson  PBC 12
2  Steve Morris  WIZ 11
3  Boguslaw Rasiak  MOA 9
4  Emiliano Ursini  IMHC 9

The tough guys

Every team needs someone to stand up to the opposition to stamp their authority on the match. The Enforcer of the league is the tough Billy Murphy with 8 penalty minutes.

There were plenty on 6 mins so here is the top 5.

Player Team PIM
1  Billy Murphy  PBC 8
2  Randell Duggan  A A 6
3  Chu Fan Jian  A A 6
4  Alfred Egel  RELX 6
5  Matthews Kiel  RELX 6

Face off Win Percentage

Winning the puck is one of keys to the game. The game stats don’t reflect how overall successful a player is as a percentage. Here they are for your viewing pleasure. The Wizards Steve Morris is key in the league with 72%. Well in front of Relaxmore’s Edmund Kenack on 67%. The fired Tekin Kaçan must feel a bit jaded as he placed third with 66%.

Player Team FOW FOL FOW%
1  Steve Morris  WIZ 96 36 72.73%
2  Edmund Kenack  RELX 117 57 67.24%
3  Tekin Kaçan 129 66 66.15%
4  Kenneth Monson  RELX 88 55 61.54%
5  Emiliano Ursini  IMHC 93 59 61.18%

Shooting Percentage

Goals win matches so feed the puck to the player who has the best ability. Relaxmore’s Edmund Kenack and Polar Bear Club’s Bray Erwin are the picks of the league with an average of 1 goal for every 3 shots.

Player Team G S Goal%
1  Edmund Kenack  RELX 11 32 34.38%
2  Bray Erwin  PBC 13 39 33.33%
3  Matthews Kiel  RELX 11 36 30.56%
4  Skirmantas Ulčinas  FHC 15 52 28.85%
5  Belton Missen  FHC 9 32 28.13%

Time on Ice

“Work hard, play hard” sounds like fun but not for these guys. The maximum ‘Time-On-Ice’ for the season is 1320 minutes. The off season couldn’t come soon enough for Boguslaw Rasiak of Monegeeta as he played 62% of all playable minutes.

Player Team TOI
1  Boguslaw Rasiak  MOA 817
2  Andon Hadzhililov  MOA 780
3  Hubert Engbers  MOA 763
4  Nicodim Paulescu  MOA 664
5  Andrew Bridson  PBC 658

That brings us to the end of season 47. Next season will be quite interesting as 5 new team come into the league. Ones to watch out for are the respective division one winners. Congrats on your trophy guys.

1.1 GRATEFUL DEAD

1.2 Yaroona

1.3 Arawata

Of note the runners up from Div 1.2, Slap Bang Wallop and Telita also join the show.

New Season Table

  Team M W D L + = P Last 6
1 Arawata 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 Auckland Anvils 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 Caboonbah 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 Finlandia HC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5 GRATEFUL DEAD 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
6 Polar Bear Club 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
7 Relaxmore 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
8 Slap Bang Wallop 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
9 Telita 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
10 The Jugular Vein 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
11 Warringah Wizards 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
12 Yaroona 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Cheers and good luck to next season

Therk

 

 

 

Seniors National Cup Season 55

Final


Amputees FC – Crimson Eagles FC
3 – 2

Crimson Eagles achieved a mythical 81% passing efficiency, yet overall shots were 15-15 and shots on target were level as well at 11-11. Both forward lines worked well and score 2 goals each from their strikers, with never more than a goal in it for the whole game. Lungarov opened for the Amputees, then Alfonsi equalised. Amputees central defender Coleman came forward on a corner and surprised everyone when he scraped a rare defenders goal from a loose ball, giving the advantage back the home side. Alfonsi again levelled the scores before in the dying minutes Bundy’s 87th minute strike gave Amputees FC the title and cemented his name in the honour board of the club forever. Allowing them to lift their first National Cup trophy and gave them a chance at the League/Cup double.

3rd Place Playoff


Glasston – Shrewsbury Biscuits FC
2 – 4

With almost an 80% passed completion rate Shrewsbury were near unstoppable, on such days Ulizes is a hard man to stop and here he scored 4. Glasston tried their best and 2 goals was just reward for effort, but this wasn’t their day, the Biscuit tin picked up 3rd place.

Semi Finals


Crimson Eagles FC – Shrewsbury Biscuits FC
2 – 0

A heavyweight show down between the eventual 2nd and 3rd placed A-League teams. Here the biscuits tried to wing the 3 man Eagles defence yet Silva had a day out as he chased down and tackled everything that moved. By the end Crimson Eagles had 26 shots to Shrewsbury’s 13, Monico and Alfonsi shared the goals and the Eagles made the final.


Amputees FC – Glasston
4 – 1

The scoreboard doesn’t reflect how close the game was. Glasston more than matched the Amputees and had more shots, they just struggled to score as Rob Duncan was a wall in goals, with Bundy and Co. taking their chances. Still a great game to watch, Amputees through to the final.

Quarter Finals


Crimson Eagles FC – Red Devils United
3 – 0

Crimson Eagles turned this into a game of 11 vs 9, the result was never in doubt as they went straight down the middle carving the Red Devils up.


Shrewsbury Biscuits FC – Narraweena Azzurri
2 – 1

The Biscuits pulled through by the skin of their teeth as Narraweena took it right up to them, yet the 2-0 deficit was more than they could pull back in the end it finished 2-1.


The Smoking Tree – Amputees FC
0 – 4

 Amputees FC had a day out, it was like watch a professional team have a run at the park on Sunday against the local XI, Bundy grabbed a hat-trick as The Smoking Tree didn’t look like scoring.


Telita – Glasston
1 – 3

Telita scored first, but Glasston clawed them back and then went in front. Once they did, Telita had no answer and Glasston took the win.

Group Stages

Group 1

Team M W D L + = P
1 Shrewsbury Biscuits FC 18 14 3 1 90 13 77 45
2 Amputees FC 18 14 3 1 79 14 65 45
3 City Water Motel 18 13 4 1 105 16 89 43
4 Arrested Developers 18 11 3 4 55 26 29 36
5 Brooklyn Youth FC 18 10 0 8 49 39 10 30
6 Tugun Jets FC 18 6 2 10 45 50 -5 20
7 Dewrang Lions 18 5 3 10 24 59 -35 18
8 MXW Finance FC 18 4 2 12 12 79 -67 14
9 Polar Express FC 18 2 1 15 13 80 -67 7
10 Rangers – Real Madrid 18 0 1 17 6 102 -96 1

This was the group of death, 3 strong A-league teams with Arrested Developers putting the rebuilding to the test. The top 3 all finished top 4 by the end  of the A-League season. City Water scored heavily but lost out in the final couple of rounds to allow Shrewsbury and Amputees through.

Group 2

Team M W D L + = P
1 Glasston 16 15 1 0 93 15 78 46
2 The Smoking Tree 16 12 1 3 78 17 61 37
3 Abbotsford FC 16 10 2 4 92 16 76 32
4 Skoolage United 16 10 1 5 77 31 46 31
5 F.C.Ailsa 16 7 2 7 69 31 38 23
6 Mustard Tigers 16 6 1 9 43 73 -30 19
7 Crystal Phallus FC 16 5 2 9 57 68 -11 17
8 Gunyah 16 2 0 14 20 90 -70 6
9 Grantow 16 0 0 16 2 190 -188 0

Despite average A-League form Glasston took the group by storm to be undefeated. The larger surprise was The Smoking Tree beating Abbotsford and Skoolage into 2nd and claiming the last playoffs spot.

Group 3

Team M W D L + = P
1 Narraweena Azzurri 16 14 0 2 84 14 70 42
2 Telita 16 10 2 4 54 18 36 32
3 SYDclub 16 10 1 5 49 12 37 31
4 Hop Skip Jump 16 9 3 4 55 25 30 30
5 Darwin Saville FC 16 7 4 5 21 20 1 25
6 HASSELHOFF BABES 16 6 1 9 29 31 -2 19
7 Ghinnighi 16 5 3 8 28 37 -9 18
8 Dead Dodos 16 3 2 11 30 50 -20 11
9 Brisbane Roar FC 16 0 0 16 1 144 -143 0

Narraweena ran riot without any strong A-League teams in the group, SYD struggled to beat Telita who eventually claim 2nd and Hop Skip Jump finished 4th.

Group 4

Team M W D L + = P
1 Crimson Eagles FC 16 15 1 0 97 4 93 46
2 Red Devils United 16 11 2 3 61 15 46 35
3 BONDI ICEBERGS 16 11 2 3 57 24 33 35
4 Melbourne Rockstars 16 9 2 5 48 23 25 29
5 Ayreon 16 7 3 6 49 45 4 24
6 Joachim Wiking 16 4 1 11 25 74 -49 13
7 Relaxmore FC 16 4 1 11 21 70 -49 13
8 AMICI 16 2 2 12 11 70 -59 8
9 Sandhurst 16 1 2 13 9 53 -44 5

 Crimson Eagles were almost locked into to 1st before a game was played. Red Devils United were the surprise as their steady improvement allowed them to beat out Bondi through goal difference for 2nd.

Top Scorers

Player Team GP G YC RC
1  Nereo Ulizes  YUM 21 78 1 0
2  Haldun İltemiz  GLN 17 70 0 0
3  Pete Nelson  ABD 16 66 0 0
4  Remy Bundy  AFC 21 64 1 0
5  Fortunato Alfonsi  EAGL 18 58 0 0
6  Josué Mesquita  CITY 18 57 0 0
7  Albert Gledden  AZZ 17 50 0 0
8  Ricardo Cugat  SYD 16 44 0 0
9  Giorgos Sakelariou  TST 17 44 0 0
10  Randell Will  SKLD 16 39 0 0
11  Cheng Yun Bin  TEA 16 38 1 0
12  Tor Byström  CRY 15 38 2 0
13  Uğur Araz  CITY 18 35 0 0
14  Nilmar Barreto  QLD 16 34 0 0
15  Teddy Sheringham  RDU 17 34 0 0
16  Kristiyan Shoshorov 16 31 1 0
17  Randall Everett  MRSC 16 31 2 0
18  Justin Holdsworth  TJFC 18 30 1 0
19  He Sha Kuan  BIG 16 30 1 0
20  Tord Kihlberg  AIA 16 29 2 0

 Written by Scruttino

U/23 National Cup Season 55

Final


The Smoking Tree – SYDclub
6 – 1

This game was over long before Placencia for SYD was sent off in the 60th minute. By then The Smoking Tree were 5 nil up, Jens-Erik Persson score twice and Larkins McVey a hat-trick to crown The Smoking Tree U/23 domestic champions in season 55.

3rd Place Playoff


Crimson Eagles FC – BONDI ICEBERGS
2 – 1

Crimson Eagles reversed the shooting form from their semi-final loss to SYD. The overall score was 2-1 but shots wise it was 15-20 with Markwell scoring both Crimson Eagles goals to give them the win.

Semi Finals


SYDclub – Crimson Eagles FC
3 – 2

It’s rare for a player to score 3 goals and not be awarded man of the match honours, but so began the semi-finals as both games went into extra time. Here Hollis bagged his third goal in the second period of extra time. Crimson Eagles had more shots, but it was SYD that converted better and so they progressed into the final.


BONDI ICEBERGS – The Smoking Tree
2 – 3

Full-time came and went with the score locked up at 2-2 all, extra time was looking like a stalemate until with the last possession before penalties began Burns Venz for The Smoking Tree scored the goal to send them into the final.

Quarter Finals


Crimson Eagles FC – Arrested Developers
5 – 0

This was when Arrested Developers sold up, so a walkover to Crimson eagles.


Skoolage United – SYDclub
2 – 3

Skoolage got trolled here, they had 63% of possession and had twice as many shots, yet lost. SYD got seriously lucky as they scored twice in the last 10 minutes of the game.


The Smoking Tree – Shrewsbury Biscuits FC
4 – 0

Shrewsbury were taken apart, in the end The Smoking Tree had amasses 30 shots to the Biscuits 8. Larkins McVey had a field day, but he’ll do that to most sides at this level of competition.


BONDI ICEBERGS – F.C.Ailsa
5 – 0

Not as one sided as the score line suggests, but still a convincing win as Bondi forward Diguiseppe bagged 4.

Group Stages

Group 1

Team M W D L + = P
1 Arrested Developers 16 14 0 2 61 16 45 42
2 F.C.Ailsa 16 13 0 3 68 15 53 39
3 Telita 16 10 1 5 63 28 35 31
4 Rangers – Real Madrid 16 8 1 7 52 23 29 25
5 MXW Finance FC 16 7 2 7 29 36 -7 21
6 Tugun Jets FC 16 6 3 7 32 38 -6 18
7 AMICI 16 6 0 10 27 63 -36 18
8 Sandhurst 16 3 1 12 20 63 -43 9
9 Relaxmore FC 16 0 2 14 0 70 -70 0

Before they left the game Arrested Developers rebuild was well under way, only FC Alisa could stay close. Telita tried but they were quite a way off when things finished.

Group 2

Team M W D L + = P
1 Crimson Eagles FC 16 13 3 0 86 11 75 42
2 Shrewsbury Biscuits FC 16 13 3 0 70 8 62 42
3 Red Devils United 16 11 2 3 68 12 56 35
4 Narraweena Azzurri 16 10 1 5 53 30 23 31
5 Gunyah 16 5 2 9 20 33 -13 17
6 Polar Express FC 16 4 2 10 20 56 -36 14
7 Hop Skip Jump 16 4 1 11 32 81 -49 13
8 Dead Dodos 16 4 0 12 23 56 -33 12
9 Grantow 16 1 0 15 8 93 -85 3

 

It’s unusual for 2 sides to go through the group phase undefeated, but that what happen for Crimson Eagles and Shrewsbury as they played out 2 draws against each other and 1 more with another side along the way.

Group 3

Team M W D L + = P
1 SYDclub 14 12 1 1 53 12 41 37
2 Skoolage United 14 11 1 2 67 10 57 34
3 Abbotsford FC 14 9 2 3 68 14 54 29
4 Joachim Wiking 14 8 4 2 65 16 49 28
5 Amputees FC 14 6 0 8 39 36 3 18
6 Ghinnighi 14 3 0 11 13 89 -76 9
7 Brisbane Roar FC 14 2 0 12 11 74 -63 6
8 Ayreon 14 1 0 13 10 75 -65 3

The top 4 were quite evenly matched, with the random nature of evenly matched games playing a larger role than usual. SYD and Skoolage got the results required to proceed.

Group 4

Team M W D L + = P
1 The Smoking Tree 14 12 1 1 70 12 58 37
2 BONDI ICEBERGS 14 11 1 2 83 9 74 34
3 HASSELHOFF BABES 14 10 2 2 66 9 57 32
4 Mustard Tigers 14 7 0 7 44 46 -2 21
5 Glasston 14 5 2 7 34 54 -20 17
6 Dewrang Lions 14 3 2 9 26 57 -31 11
7 City Water Motel 14 2 2 10 14 91 -77 8
8 Perthians 14 0 2 12 10 69 -59 2

It’s strange to say it, but the Hasslehoff Babes can feel hard done by to finish 3rd. Bondi should have finished 1st, but The Smoking Tree got the results when they mattered.

Top Scorers

  Player Team GP G YC RC
1  Fortunato Alfonsi  EAGL 19 53 0 0
2  He Sha Kuan  BIG 17 52 1 0
3  Larkins Mcvey  TST 17 42 0 0
4  Teddy Sheringham  RDU 16 39 1 0
5  Boyd Claringbold  AZZ 16 36 1 0
6  Edwardo Markou  ABD 14 36 0 0
7  Jeffray Harding  SKLD 15 33 0 0
8  Bradley Markwell  GHI 19 29 1 0
9  Steve Hollis  SYD 17 29 0 0
10  Carleton Kenack  YUM 16 28 2 0
11  Falcão Terra  JW 14 26 0 0
12  Herman Ross  SKLD 15 25 1 0
13  Daníel Cappello  SYR 16 25 0 0
14  Jesus Beltza  海南队 14 23 2 0
15  Jens-Erik Persson  TST 11 21 0 0
16  Barry Goodwin  PFC 14 21 0 0
17  Ed Norman  GLN 14 20 1 0
18  Brian Benton  RFC 16 19 1 0
19  Justin Holdsworth  TJFC 16 19 0 0
20  Asan Fučkan  MOY 15 19 2 0

Written by Scruttino

U/21 National Cup Season 55

Final


Crimson Eagles FC – The Smoking Tree
2 – 0

Even with Jordan Duncan being given his second yellow card and off the field in the 40th minute, Crimson Eagles shut The Smoking Tree out of the game. Scoring their second goal with 10 men on the park and lifting another U/21 domestic trophy.

3rd Place Final


Joachim Wiking – BONDI ICEBERGS
3 – 2

Considering they were playing with 10 men from the 19th minute, Bondi did well to pull themselves back from the brink. Joachim were 2-0 up at half time and cruising. The second half was Bondi’s as they levelled the game before conceding the winner 5 minutes from time. Still pretty good for 10 men.

Semi Finals


Crimson Eagles FC – Joachim Wiking
3 – 2

All the way to extra time when man of the hour Duncan kept his nerve and scored in the 103rd minute. Before that it had been an even contest with Joachim going 1-0 up, then Crimson Eagles score twice to take the lead before an 80th minute equaliser to Beverley had regulation time ending all square. Crimson Eagles once more make the U/21 final.


The Smoking Tree – BONDI ICEBERGS
3 – 1

Not much in this game. The stats were all even, but The Smoking Tree scored steadily and Bondi struggled in front of goal. Strangely no blow out in either of the Semi’s, should mean the finals will be competitive as well.

Group Stages

Group 1

Team M W D L + = P
1 The Smoking Tree 16 15 0 1 84 12 72 45
2 Joachim Wiking 16 12 0 4 64 17 47 36
3 Narraweena Azzurri 16 10 2 4 59 28 31 32
4 SYDclub 16 9 1 6 81 31 50 28
5 Rangers – Real Madrid 16 7 3 6 48 30 18 24
6 Shrewsbury Biscuits FC 16 7 3 6 42 27 15 24
7 Hop Skip Jump 16 4 1 11 31 69 -38 13
8 Grantow 16 2 1 13 7 97 -90 7
9 Sandhurst 16 0 1 15 2 107 -105 1

 The Smoking Tree cleared house with Joachim Wiking the best of the rest in second. SYD scored heavily but were fragile defensively.

Group 2

Team M W D L + = P
1 Crimson Eagles FC 14 12 2 0 61 9 52 38
2 BONDI ICEBERGS 14 10 3 1 61 12 49 32
3 Mustard Tigers 14 9 1 4 41 27 14 27
4 Skoolage United 14 7 1 6 31 22 9 22
5 HASSELHOFF BABES 14 5 2 7 26 33 -7 17
6 F.C.Ailsa 14 5 1 8 36 59 -23 16
7 Amputees FC 14 2 2 10 23 47 -24 8
8 Tugun Jets FC 14 0 0 14 0 70 -70 0

A-League and familiar U/xx rivals Bondi and Crimson Eagles again went through to the playoffs at the U/21 level. Offensively and defensively no other team was close.

Top Scorers

Player Team GP G YC RC
1  Arthur Beale 18 47 0 0
2  Bradley Markwell  GHI 15 37 2 0
3  Steve Hollis  SYD 16 36 1 0
4  Angus Cochrane  JW 18 31 0 0
5  Cregan Boserio  SYD 16 30 0 0
6  Mark Milligan  BIG 10 28 0 0
7  Gregory Lingwoodock  AZZ 16 22 0 0
8  Berkeley Rhoades  AZZ 15 21 3 0
9  Irving Andrews 16 19 1 0
10  Braedan Block  JW 5 18 2 0
11  Carleton Kenack  YUM 16 17 1 0
12  Remington Cubit  CON 17 15 3 0
13  Cole Hanlen  MTS 13 14 1 0
14  Ercan Sargınal  LLUL 12 12 1 0
15  Artie Duggan  RM 15 12 2 0
16  Angelo Warren  TST 9 11 0 0
17  Carman Rennie  HOF 13 9 4 0
18  Brandes Hayward  WKS 8 9 0 0
19  Carter Best  QLD 15 9 3 0
20  Iggy Mckinley  QLD 16 9 1 0

Written by Scruttino

U/18 National Cup Season 55

The Final


Crimson Eagles FC – BONDI ICEBERGS
2 – 1

Bondi were on the defensive for the majority of the game, they only had 43% of possession, but made it count when they had the ball. Crimson Eagles have consistently averaged better passing percentages than any other team, this allowed them to keep the ball away from their opponents and control games.

At 1-1 all with 30 minutes to play, it was the competitions top scorer Handley Howard who poached the winning goal. The games stats are interestingly split, Crimson Eagles had more interceptions, Bondi a better tackling percentage. Shots on goal were 8-7 in Crimson Eagles favour.

Overall Bondi’s defence worked well but they broke down in midfield giving the ball up with wayward passing which allowed Crimson Eagles to methodically work the ball around until they got a good shot. Crimson Eagles deserved to win the U/18 trophy.

3rd Place Playoff


Skoolage United – Hop Skip Jump
3 – 2

Stanley Tencer gave Hop Skip Jump the early initiative with a double brace in the 9th and 14th minute. Yet from here Skoolage worked their way back into the contest with a goal each to Collins and Lorenz to level the scores before halftime.

The contest remained even in the second half, with both sides ending with 11 attempts on goal. Skoolage were 11 from 11 for shots on goal compared to Hop Skip Jump’s 7, so it was appropriate that Vaisey for Skoolage slotted the winning goal in the 85th minute. If Hop Skip Jump had played a standard 6 man triangle defence, they may have won.

Semi Finals


Skoolage United – Crimson Eagles FC
3 – 4

The first playoff game to go to extra time, was sealed when Handley Howard equalised in the 90th minute for Crimson Eagles and then scored the golden goal in the 107th to give him a hat-trick and send Crimson Eagles into the final.


BONDI ICEBERGS – Hop Skip Jump
7 – 2

The shooting boots were on for Bondi, as they tore through the middle of Hop Skip Jump wing defence, then converted with 7 goals from 14 shots. Giving both Haslett and Clack a hat-trick in the process. Hop Skip Jump had 11 shots of their own, but playing with their wing defenders rendered useless made it hard for themselves once again.

Quarter Finals


Shrewsbury Biscuits FC – Skoolage United
0 – 1

Skoolage did the impossible to score after getting a red card and then prevent Shrewsbury from scoring at all. The stats of the match were quite even suggesting either Skoolage had the better team or they got lucky, perhaps a bit of both.


Crimson Eagles FC – Rangers – Real Madrid
1 – 0

The scoreline looks close, but the game itself wasn’t. Crimson Eagles passing percentage was much higher generating more shots which they failed to put in the net.


BONDI ICEBERGS – F.C.Ailsa
2 – 1

A 9th minute red card to FC Alisa player Jasmine Barugh put them on the defensive from the outset. Bondi’s steady pressure built a 2 goal lead before a late concelation to FC Alisa, but by then the game was over.


Hop Skip Jump – City Water Motel
3 – 1

Despite Hop Skip Jump playing a formation that meant turning the game against them 9 on 11, they held strong in defence and took their chances to win an even contest.

Group Stages

Group 1

  Team M W D L + = P
1 Hop Skip Jump 14 12 1 1 65 10 55 37
2 Rangers – Real Madrid 14 12 0 2 57 10 47 36
3 SYDclub 14 8 3 3 45 23 22 27
4 Joachim Wiking 14 6 2 6 30 39 -9 20
5 Ayreon 14 6 1 7 30 25 5 19
6 Ghinnighi 14 3 3 8 16 39 -23 9
7 Brisbane Roar FC 14 1 3 10 8 50 -42 4
8 Relaxmore FC 14 0 3 11 0 55 -55 0

 Two clearly superior teams as Hop Skip Jump and Rangers – Real Madrid had only each other to beat for top spot.

Group 2

  Team M W D L + = P
1 Crimson Eagles FC 14 13 0 1 66 8 58 39
2 BONDI ICEBERGS 14 12 0 2 54 11 43 36
3 Arrested Developers 14 10 0 4 40 18 22 30
4 Grantow 14 9 0 5 40 17 23 27
5 Polar Express FC 14 4 1 9 23 40 -17 12
6 MXW Finance FC 14 3 1 10 15 42 -27 9
7 Sandhurst 14 2 1 11 12 59 -47 6
8 Tugun Jets FC 14 0 3 11 0 55 -55 0

Arrested Developers and Grantow gave Bondi and Crimson Eagles a challenged, but they fell short of qualifying for the playoffs.

Group 3

  Team M W D L + = P
1 F.C.Ailsa 14 11 3 0 45 8 37 36
2 Shrewsbury Biscuits FC 14 9 1 4 29 10 19 28
3 Abbotsford FC 14 8 2 4 28 13 15 26
4 Amputees FC 14 8 1 5 42 17 25 25
5 Narraweena Azzurri 14 8 0 6 36 19 17 24
6 Dewrang Lions 14 6 1 7 29 32 -3 19
7 Mustard Tigers 14 2 0 12 11 51 -40 6
8 AMICI 14 0 0 14 0 70 -70 0

FC Alisa took all before them to go unbeaten through the group phase. Below them the battle for 2nd was tough. Shrewsbury just pipped Abbotsford, Amputees and Narraweena in a really tight contest.

Group 4

  Team M W D L + = P
1 City Water Motel 14 11 3 0 47 8 39 36
2 Skoolage United 14 8 3 3 33 14 19 27
3 Glasston 14 9 0 5 34 17 17 27
4 The Smoking Tree 14 9 0 5 30 21 9 27
5 Telita 14 5 1 8 24 29 -5 16
6 Red Devils United 14 5 1 8 21 29 -8 16
7 HASSELHOFF BABES 14 4 2 8 22 23 -1 14
8 Dead Dodos 14 0 0 14 0 70 -70 0

It was City Water and then a rare battle of goal difference. Skoolage edged Glasston and The Smoking Tree by 2 and 10 apiece.

Top Scorers

  Player Team GP G YC RC
1  Handley Howard  EAGL 17 28 1 0
2  Stanley Tencer  QLD 15 22 5 0
3  Ian Bunworth  AFC 13 22 3 0
4  Edmonds Mcvicar 15 20 1 0
5  Roland Fitzsimmons  QLD 13 18 1 0
6  Evan Haslett  BIG 17 17 1 0
7  Mario Plumber  EAGL 16 17 2 0
8  Rex Huther  RM 15 15 0 0
9  Dwight Howard  YUM 14 14 2 0
10  Blake Norman 13 14 2 0
11  Eliot Weeks 9 14 0 0
12  Martyon Marcola  SKLD 16 13 2 0
13  Rudy Fenwick  SYD 7 13 0 0
14  Justin Day  RM 14 12 0 0
15  Curtis Crapp 14 10 1 0
16  Bryan Weatherby  BIG 16 9 3 0
17  Darell Barclay  TST 11 9 0 0
18  Bickford Schoenke  DLFC 14 8 0 0
19  Dane Clack  BIG 16 8 0 0
20  Logan Askew  TEA 14 8 1 0

Written by Scruttino