This post was originally posted by Manny on his own blog
Despite a big week at work the prospect of watching the opening match of the season, doubling as a potential NST preview, proved too much to deny, so I made the last minute decision to go to Lakeside.
Despite the obvious attraction of the match I can’t help but feel the early season kick off sucked a bit of the energy out of the fixture. Although I had a few mates going down, I had others who didn’t realise the season had even started.
To avoid the notorious canteen lines we grabbed a bite on Clarendon Street ahead of the game. This proved to be a great choice. When we did enter the social club, the place was pumping, but you also could hear impatient patrons arguing with the kitchen about food wait times.
I didn’t sit near the Clarendon Corner this week and was content to watch the game rather than participating in the chants. There was a decent active turnout overall with the Knights fans also occupying a small section near the Lake end of the ground. It does make for a better atmosphere with two sets of dedicated fans, and I can’t wait for more of this in NST games. Even last night with the Knights fans relatively quiet, just knowing they’re there makes the game feel a little more meaningful.
The night itself was absolutely beautiful, and a perfect night for Lakeside. The view from the grandstand were near their best and the weather was perfect for football. Despite this the the crowd seemed sparse when I got there and filled out less than I expected after kick off. There were probably about 2k there, which is fantastic for this level, but I did expect more.
The game itself was a pretty simple affair. South scored early through Harrison Sawyer. It was a great way to kick off the season for South’s main man who was actually awarded the captaincy this year after returning from a brief stint in India and Finland.
After Sawyer’s goal, South never really felt out of control and the game was pretty choppy. South did manage to start the second half well with a few clear cut chances but after the that the Knights kept the majority of the possession. Despite holding the ball the Knights never really looked threatening and South proved too hard to break down.
It’s a good early result for South to start the season, remembering that Knights are coming off a finals appearance last year. I am hoping to see some more fluid play from the boys as the season progresses, this performance had pre-season cobwebs in a few too many places.
NPL on Youtube again
After the collapse of ClutchTV, the NPLVIC’s former streaming provider, the league is again being broadcast on YouTube, and may I say, thank-you! I did have the old NPLTV app, but found myself watching less football last season, mostly because the app would freeze or I would forget my password.
The accessibility of YouTube is unmatched, no log in, quality streaming and easy search. I do wonder how this will impact crowds throughout the season but if the numbers last night are any indication (12k views) than the league is better placed for a further reach and better sponsor exposure value. That said, one of the reasons I nearly didn’t go was because I would have been able to watch the game at home on TV easily.
Youth League
Interesting development too the other day. It looks like there has been a last minute change to Football Victoria rules which would allow NST teams to compete in the VPL2.
I guess the one club one team principle doesn’t hold Australia is firming on the Spanish Style system of reserve teams in the lower leagues. Does this mean the Y-League is also actually dead? I suppose there’s a chance to run some sort of Frankenstein A-League / NST youth league but this wouldn’t run in line with both seasons. Seems like there will be a bit of administrative movement until the NST starts.
NST News
Brisbane United is officially out of the race. The partnership was between a a number of Brisbane clubs and was always going to be tough to manage. It also faced administrative questions from Football Queensland, about its multiple senior teams, promotion and relegation. After Brisbane Strikers removed themselves from the partnership, United effectively lost their planned ground access which was pivotal to their bid.
With no real alternative in Brisbane, that’s effectively lights out for the bid. There is a chance now that Australia could have two professional leagues in 2025 and only one team from its Olympic city. A farce at all levels.