The Roar » Adrian Musolino http://www.theroar.com.au Your Sports Opinion Fri, 10 Feb 2012 06:35:50 +0000 en hourly 1 AdrianMusolinohttp://feedburner.google.com Midweek regional matches not hitting the mark http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/AdrianMusolino/~3/kasr-CFpR_E/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2012/02/10/midweek-regional-matches-not-hitting-the-mark/#comments Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:20:05 +0000 Adrian Musolino http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=67822 No midweek A-League this week? So accustomed have we become to Wednesday night football in the last two seasons, it just didn’t seem right having no live football to break up the week. Aside from the rescheduled Gold Coast United versus Central Coast Mariners match on Wednesday February 22, that’s it for midweek football in [...]

Article link: Midweek regional matches not hitting the mark. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> No midweek A-League this week? So accustomed have we become to Wednesday night football in the last two seasons, it just didn’t seem right having no live football to break up the week.

Aside from the rescheduled Gold Coast United versus Central Coast Mariners match on Wednesday February 22, that’s it for midweek football in season 2011-12.

After last season’s explosion of midweek matches that struggled for decent crowds, scheduling of Wednesday night matches was scaled back this season; condensed into the summer, school holiday period.

Smart move, yes, but scheduling the regional matches, new for this season, in the midweek slots was a mistake that needs to be readdressed if the concept is to work and if midweek matches are to pull their weight in terms of crowds.

Of the five regional matches, four were held on a Wednesday night. And when the likes of Melbourne and Sydney struggle to attract a strong crowd midweek, it’s not surprising to see regional centres unable to match the expectations set for them.

For example, Dunedin was tipped to get a crowd of 20,000 to see Wellington Phoenix versus Brisbane Roar based on previous strong crowds but only pulled 4628. Likewise in Tasmania, where the crowd of 5268 at Aurora Stadium, Launceston to see Melbourne Victory versus Gold Coast United fell well short of the 10,000 target and was the only regional round match to pull in excess of 5000.

The regional round has merit and should be retained. Not only does it help the continued campaign to link “new football” with the grassroots of the game, it takes the A-League to parts of the country beyond its current footprint at a time when expansion is justifiably on the back burner.

It is, after all, a tactic the leading codes like the AFL are using to strengthen their ties in the likes of Ballarat, Tasmania, Canberra and Darwin – places that, it seems, aren’t on the expansion agenda.

But for the concept to work for the A-League and have the desired effect, they need to be moved to weekends when the towns can truly embrace the concept by making it much easier for families to attend – Saturday and Sunday afternoons, creating a family day vibe around it – while also ensuring the host towns have a connection with visiting clubs (why Newcastle and Adelaide played in Bathurst, in the far west of Sydney, remains puzzling).

If they are dumped midweek as a way to cover unpopular timeslots for big cities, then what’s the point?

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Article link: Midweek regional matches not hitting the mark. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion


]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2012/02/10/midweek-regional-matches-not-hitting-the-mark/feed/ 37 http://www.theroar.com.au/2012/02/10/midweek-regional-matches-not-hitting-the-mark/ Lance Armstrong cleared, but questions remain http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/AdrianMusolino/~3/xmi9bcz0eJc/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2012/02/06/lance-armstrong-cleared-but-questions-remain/#comments Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:45:57 +0000 Adrian Musolino http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=67313 Seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong has avoided criminal charges after he was cleared following a 20-month federal investigation. But the doping question marks remain. The investigation focused on alleged doping by Armstrong’s U.S. Postal Service when it was receiving sponsorship from a government department, the postal service, during his Tour de France reign [...]

Article link: Lance Armstrong cleared, but questions remain. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> Seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong has avoided criminal charges after he was cleared following a 20-month federal investigation. But the doping question marks remain.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2012/02/06/lance-armstrong-cleared-but-questions-remain/feed/ 46 http://www.theroar.com.au/2012/02/06/lance-armstrong-cleared-but-questions-remain/ Does Tasmania have a case for A-League inclusion? http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/AdrianMusolino/~3/Tlu3TyXWH8A/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2012/02/02/does-tasmania-have-a-case-for-a-league-inclusion/#comments Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:07:49 +0000 Adrian Musolino http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=66632 “Turnout to prove case,” read the headline from The Mercury newspaper this week, referring to Tasmania hosting the A-League regional round between Melbourne Victory and Gold Coast United and whether the turnout would help justify a club representing the state in the competition. This was, after all, the first A-League home and away match to [...]

Article link: Does Tasmania have a case for A-League inclusion?. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> “Turnout to prove case,” read the headline from The Mercury newspaper this week, referring to Tasmania hosting the A-League regional round between Melbourne Victory and Gold Coast United and whether the turnout would help justify a club representing the state in the competition.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2012/02/02/does-tasmania-have-a-case-for-a-league-inclusion/feed/ 119 http://www.theroar.com.au/2012/02/02/does-tasmania-have-a-case-for-a-league-inclusion/ On the road with the Tour Down Under http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/AdrianMusolino/~3/unD4ZI69Ig8/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2012/01/19/a-day-on-the-road-with-cyclings-pro-tour/#comments Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:43:55 +0000 Adrian Musolino http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=64284 Yesterday, I was fortunate to be invited to ride in one of the VIP Skoda Tour Down Under race cars, to experience a stage of the event from on the course with the riders, their teams and the supporting cast. Yep, I was one of the lucky few on the road with the World Tour, [...]

Article link: On the road with the Tour Down Under. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> Yesterday, I was fortunate to be invited to ride in one of the VIP Skoda Tour Down Under race cars, to experience a stage of the event from on the course with the riders, their teams and the supporting cast.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2012/01/19/a-day-on-the-road-with-cyclings-pro-tour/feed/ 1 http://www.theroar.com.au/2012/01/19/a-day-on-the-road-with-cyclings-pro-tour/ Why GreenEDGE is the talking point of 2012 http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/AdrianMusolino/~3/fFoCKapqrnQ/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2012/01/17/why-greenedge-is-the-talking-point-of-2012/#comments Mon, 16 Jan 2012 19:24:49 +0000 Adrian Musolino http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=63940 Imagine if the Socceroos had guaranteed qualification to each World Cup, or the Wallabies awarded an automatic berth to the Rugby World Cup semis. That’s what Australian cycling has with its new pro team, GreenEDGE. GreenEDGE is the first top-level Australian cycling team to compete on the UCI’s World Tour, starting with the Tour Down [...]

Article link: Why GreenEDGE is the talking point of 2012. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> Imagine if the Socceroos had guaranteed qualification to each World Cup, or the Wallabies awarded an automatic berth to the Rugby World Cup semis. That’s what Australian cycling has with its new pro team, GreenEDGE.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2012/01/17/why-greenedge-is-the-talking-point-of-2012/feed/ 5 http://www.theroar.com.au/2012/01/17/why-greenedge-is-the-talking-point-of-2012/ Australian cycling set for its breakout year http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/AdrianMusolino/~3/RCXyAn0z04k/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2012/01/11/australian-cycling-set-for-its-breakout-year/#comments Tue, 10 Jan 2012 18:59:29 +0000 Adrian Musolino http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=63168 Australian cycling reached the summit with Cadel Evans’ win in the 2011 Tour de France – our country’s first in the grandest grand tour. But 2012 is the year in which the sport’s growth in this country could be cemented for generations to come. There is no doubt Evans’ victory combined with the growth of [...]

Article link: Australian cycling set for its breakout year. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> Australian cycling reached the summit with Cadel Evans’ win in the 2011 Tour de France – our country’s first in the grandest grand tour. But 2012 is the year in which the sport’s growth in this country could be cemented for generations to come.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2012/01/11/australian-cycling-set-for-its-breakout-year/feed/ 2 http://www.theroar.com.au/2012/01/11/australian-cycling-set-for-its-breakout-year/ What the Melbourne derby teaches us about the A-League http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/AdrianMusolino/~3/2WwHIVmwF1g/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2012/01/05/what-the-melbourne-derby-teaches-us-about-the-a-league/#comments Wed, 04 Jan 2012 17:35:20 +0000 Adrian Musolino http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=62508 The Melbourne derby is far and away the best thing to happen to the A-League over the last two seasons. And that’s saying something given the positive developments that came into force this season. In terms of atmosphere, traction and buzz, it already ranks alongside finals football, if not exceeds it – and the rivalry [...]

Article link: What the Melbourne derby teaches us about the A-League. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> The Melbourne derby is far and away the best thing to happen to the A-League over the last two seasons. And that’s saying something given the positive developments that came into force this season.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2012/01/05/what-the-melbourne-derby-teaches-us-about-the-a-league/feed/ 44 http://www.theroar.com.au/2012/01/05/what-the-melbourne-derby-teaches-us-about-the-a-league/ A-League too television-friendly for its own good http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/AdrianMusolino/~3/LsA3yjcc3-Q/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2012/01/03/a-league-too-television-friendly-for-its-own-good/#comments Mon, 02 Jan 2012 18:17:28 +0000 Adrian Musolino http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=62229 Sporting codes tread a very fine line in satisfying the often-conflicting demands of television with making sure their schedule is attendance-friendly. But looking at the A-League, there is a clear trend for television-friendly scheduling, rather than crowds. The five matches in a row scheduled for Wednesday the fourth of January is a case in point. [...]

Article link: A-League too television-friendly for its own good. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> Sporting codes tread a very fine line in satisfying the often-conflicting demands of television with making sure their schedule is attendance-friendly. But looking at the A-League, there is a clear trend for television-friendly scheduling, rather than crowds.

Read More...


]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2012/01/03/a-league-too-television-friendly-for-its-own-good/feed/ 39 http://www.theroar.com.au/2012/01/03/a-league-too-television-friendly-for-its-own-good/ Is A-League’s western Sydney dream a reality? http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/AdrianMusolino/~3/v_4SiXEmuDQ/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/12/22/is-a-leagues-western-sydney-dream-a-reality/#comments Wed, 21 Dec 2011 19:06:07 +0000 Adrian Musolino http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=60956 How do you pinpoint western Sydney? From the west of the central business district to beyond the Blue Mountains and everything in between, it seems. That sprawling landmass, which continues to grow as Sydney overspills, is, based on recent trends, fertile land for Australian sporting codes. Rugby league and round ball football’s supposed heartland, the [...]

Article link: Is A-League’s western Sydney dream a reality?. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> How do you pinpoint western Sydney? From the west of the central business district to beyond the Blue Mountains and everything in between, it seems.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/12/22/is-a-leagues-western-sydney-dream-a-reality/feed/ 95 http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/12/22/is-a-leagues-western-sydney-dream-a-reality/ A-League clubs running themselves into the ground http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/AdrianMusolino/~3/mvt1Yl4FPSA/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/12/20/a-league-clubs-running-themselves-into-the-ground/#comments Mon, 19 Dec 2011 18:26:06 +0000 Adrian Musolino http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=60700 At his recent re-election as Football Federation Australia chairman, Frank Lowy was keen to stress that A-League clubs must stand on their own two feet and not totally dependent on the governing body for financial support. “If you look at the figures we just can’t cope with that and clubs either need to be supported [...]

Article link: A-League clubs running themselves into the ground. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> At his recent re-election as Football Federation Australia chairman, Frank Lowy was keen to stress that A-League clubs must stand on their own two feet and not totally dependent on the governing body for financial support.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/12/20/a-league-clubs-running-themselves-into-the-ground/feed/ 58 http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/12/20/a-league-clubs-running-themselves-into-the-ground/ Let’s get real about promotion-relegation and B-League http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/AdrianMusolino/~3/WvsmFsZQbVw/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/12/08/lets-get-real-about-promotion-relegation-and-b-league/#comments Wed, 07 Dec 2011 16:18:56 +0000 Adrian Musolino http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=59279 One of the most common throwaway lines in Australian football is that Football Federation Australia needs to implement promotion-relegation between the A-League and a second tier competition (lumped with the name B-League, it seems). Sounds simple, doesn’t it? The latest proponent for the A-League getting in line with the majority of the football world is [...]

Article link: Let’s get real about promotion-relegation and B-League. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> One of the most common throwaway lines in Australian football is that Football Federation Australia needs to implement promotion-relegation between the A-League and a second tier competition (lumped with the name B-League, it seems). Sounds simple, doesn’t it?

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/12/08/lets-get-real-about-promotion-relegation-and-b-league/feed/ 68 http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/12/08/lets-get-real-about-promotion-relegation-and-b-league/ A-League’s television picture remains fuzzy http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/AdrianMusolino/~3/ocrrBEiDcgA/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/11/25/a-leagues-tv-picture-remains-fuzzy/#comments Thu, 24 Nov 2011 15:14:00 +0000 Adrian Musolino http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=57486 In a season of strong numbers for the A-League, the most important is arguably the television ratings increase; given the current television deal expires in mid-2013. According to a recent stat, Fox Sports’ A-League live average audience is up 62 percent on last season. As far as timing goes, given the recent setbacks for the [...]

Article link: A-League’s television picture remains fuzzy. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> In a season of strong numbers for the A-League, the most important is arguably the television ratings increase; given the current television deal expires in mid-2013.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/11/25/a-leagues-tv-picture-remains-fuzzy/feed/ 107 http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/11/25/a-leagues-tv-picture-remains-fuzzy/ Brisbane Roar under-appreciated greats http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/AdrianMusolino/~3/_PtC7PvmRD8/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/11/12/brisbane-roar-under-appreciated-greats/#comments Fri, 11 Nov 2011 18:02:07 +0000 Adrian Musolino http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=55874 Brisbane Roar rolls on and on to Australian sporting history – unbeaten in 33 games and 13 months. And yet we acknowledge their remarkable run, nod graciously, then focus more intently on other A-League sub-plots – Sydney FC’s revival, starlets Harry Kewell and Brett Emerton, Antony Golec’s tweets, Ben Williams’ cards, Gold Coast United’s crowds [...]

Article link: Brisbane Roar under-appreciated greats. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> Brisbane Roar rolls on and on to Australian sporting history – unbeaten in 33 games and 13 months. And yet we acknowledge their remarkable run, nod graciously, then focus more intently on other A-League sub-plots – Sydney FC’s revival, starlets Harry Kewell and Brett Emerton, Antony Golec’s tweets, Ben Williams’ cards, Gold Coast United’s crowds and more.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/11/12/brisbane-roar-under-appreciated-greats/feed/ 17 http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/11/12/brisbane-roar-under-appreciated-greats/ MotoGP severely hurt by loss of Marco Simoncelli http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/AdrianMusolino/~3/LgPYLbtjFNc/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/11/07/motogp-severely-hurt-by-loss-of-marco-simoncelli/#comments Sun, 06 Nov 2011 20:20:39 +0000 Adrian Musolino http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=54977 It took watching the Valencia MotoGP last night for the loss of Marco Simoncelli, killed at the preceding Malaysian Grand Prix, to really sink in. The difficulty in accepting Simoncelli’s death comes from many quarters. The finality of death never ceases to shock most – here one minute, gone forever the next. But at only [...]

Article link: MotoGP severely hurt by loss of Marco Simoncelli. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> It took watching the Valencia MotoGP last night for the loss of Marco Simoncelli, killed at the preceding Malaysian Grand Prix, to really sink in.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/11/07/motogp-severely-hurt-by-loss-of-marco-simoncelli/feed/ 9 http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/11/07/motogp-severely-hurt-by-loss-of-marco-simoncelli/ What’s been the difference for the A-League this season? http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/AdrianMusolino/~3/Axu_yaTUOAw/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/10/28/whats-been-the-difference-for-a-league-this-season/#comments Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:53:53 +0000 Adrian Musolino http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=53467 Football Federation Australia has every right to be very pleased with the start to the 2011/12 A-League season. After the doom and gloom of the last few seasons, the justified optimism heading into this season has translated into some very impressive figures three rounds in. They read: - Round 3 2011/11 total crowd of 87,508 [...]

Article link: What’s been the difference for the A-League this season?. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> Football Federation Australia has every right to be very pleased with the start to the 2011/12 A-League season. After the doom and gloom of the last few seasons, the justified optimism heading into this season has translated into some very impressive figures three rounds in.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/10/28/whats-been-the-difference-for-a-league-this-season/feed/ 39 http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/10/28/whats-been-the-difference-for-a-league-this-season/ Bubbling tensions real concern for A-League http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/AdrianMusolino/~3/7v29s7fHctA/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/10/17/bubbling-tensions-real-concern-for-a-league/#comments Sun, 16 Oct 2011 14:55:11 +0000 Adrian Musolino http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=52803 Something’s not right when 10 arrests at the Adelaide United versus Melbourne Victory match, described by South Australian police as a “pleasing result” given the crowd number and feeling amongst both sets of supporters, creates widespread negative headlines; fuelling “soccer hooligan” lines. But while supporters of the game are quick to blame what they perceive [...]

Article link: Bubbling tensions real concern for A-League. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> A-league crowds still a problem?Something’s not right when 10 arrests at the Adelaide United versus Melbourne Victory match, described by South Australian police as a “pleasing result” given the crowd number and feeling amongst both sets of supporters, creates widespread negative headlines; fuelling “soccer hooligan” lines.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/10/17/bubbling-tensions-real-concern-for-a-league/feed/ 37 http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/10/17/bubbling-tensions-real-concern-for-a-league/ Why A-League 2011-12 is a league in three http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/AdrianMusolino/~3/2GmjvKdEIm4/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/10/05/why-a-league-2011-12-is-a-league-in-three/#comments Tue, 04 Oct 2011 19:56:46 +0000 Adrian Musolino http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=51914 For last few weeks I’ve agonised over my 2011-2012 A-League predictions, trying to put the 10 clubs in order of how they’ll finish the home and away season, and picking the grand finalists and eventual winner. At one point or another Brisbane Roar, Central Coast Mariners, Adelaide United and Melbourne Victory have occupied top spot [...]

Article link: Why A-League 2011-12 is a league in three. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

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Harry Kewell

Melbourne Victory's Harry Kewell runs away with the ball against Aelaide United in a pre-season friendly in Adelaide (AAP Image/James Elsby)

For last few weeks I’ve agonised over my 2011-2012 A-League predictions, trying to put the 10 clubs in order of how they’ll finish the home and away season, and picking the grand finalists and eventual winner.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/10/05/why-a-league-2011-12-is-a-league-in-three/feed/ 59 http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/10/05/why-a-league-2011-12-is-a-league-in-three/ Harry Kewell’s impact will be bigger than expected http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/AdrianMusolino/~3/T50945JMU08/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/09/26/harry-kewells-impact-will-be-bigger-than-expected/#comments Sun, 25 Sep 2011 20:31:09 +0000 Adrian Musolino http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=51337 If what we saw at Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide Friday night translates into the 2011/12 A-League season, then Harry Kewell’s impact on domestic football in this country will far exceed the already lofty expectations around his arrival. In one half of football in a pre-season friendly against Adelaide United – his first match for Melbourne [...]

Article link: Harry Kewell’s impact will be bigger than expected. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]>
Harry Kewell

Melbourne Victory's Harry Kewell runs away with the ball against Aelaide United in a pre-season friendly in Adelaide (AAP Image/James Elsby)

If what we saw at Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide Friday night translates into the 2011/12 A-League season, then Harry Kewell’s impact on domestic football in this country will far exceed the already lofty expectations around his arrival.

Read More...


]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/09/26/harry-kewells-impact-will-be-bigger-than-expected/feed/ 44 http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/09/26/harry-kewells-impact-will-be-bigger-than-expected/ Rugby World Cup: Second most important in the world? http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/AdrianMusolino/~3/m6mxAxfNsOk/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/09/21/rugby-world-cup-second-most-important-in-the-world/#comments Tue, 20 Sep 2011 20:51:08 +0000 Adrian Musolino http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=50912 In a column earlier this year I asked which World Cup/world championship is the second most important after FIFA’s World Cup. I argued that with multiple and competitive representatives spread over six continents, and a tournament that is considered the ultimate prize within that sport, rugby’s World Cup deserved the silver medal. After all, basketball [...]

Article link: Rugby World Cup: Second most important in the world?. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

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nz-rwc-australia-ireland

Wallabies player Quade Cooper runs during the Rugby World Cup Pool C match between Australia and Ireland at Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)

In a column earlier this year I asked which World Cup/world championship is the second most important after FIFA’s World Cup. I argued that with multiple and competitive representatives spread over six continents, and a tournament that is considered the ultimate prize within that sport, rugby’s World Cup deserved the silver medal.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/09/21/rugby-world-cup-second-most-important-in-the-world/feed/ 208 http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/09/21/rugby-world-cup-second-most-important-in-the-world/ Australian football season still needs restructuring http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/AdrianMusolino/~3/BVIGFYlD8mk/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/09/07/australian-football-season-still-needs-restructuring/#comments Tue, 06 Sep 2011 18:55:52 +0000 Adrian Musolino http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=49808 And so we wait, even longer than we initially expected. It’s this time of the year that we’ve become accustomed to the A-League season starting. But in order to let the AFL and NRL, who suffocate air space for every other code, finish their seasons, we wait till October for domestic round ball football. Fair [...]

Article link: Australian football season still needs restructuring. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

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A-League Melbourne Grand Final fans

A-League Melbourne Grand Final fans

And so we wait, even longer than we initially expected. It’s this time of the year that we’ve become accustomed to the A-League season starting. But in order to let the AFL and NRL, who suffocate air space for every other code, finish their seasons, we wait till October for domestic round ball football.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/09/07/australian-football-season-still-needs-restructuring/feed/ 38 http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/09/07/australian-football-season-still-needs-restructuring/ Adelaide Oval the saviour of Port, South Aussie footy? http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/AdrianMusolino/~3/yCHG2QZTxG8/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/09/06/adelaide-oval-the-saviour-of-port-south-aussie-footy/#comments Mon, 05 Sep 2011 17:00:33 +0000 Adrian Musolino http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=49663 “Wanna go to the footy at Adelaide Oval this Sunday?” read the text message from a friend last week. “I don’t give a shit about the two teams, but it’ll be good to see footy at the Oval,” it continued. “Then we can stay in the city for some pints” – the final drawcard. That [...]

Article link: Adelaide Oval the saviour of Port, South Aussie footy?. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> Adelaide Oval“Wanna go to the footy at Adelaide Oval this Sunday?” read the text message from a friend last week. “I don’t give a shit about the two teams, but it’ll be good to see footy at the Oval,” it continued. “Then we can stay in the city for some pints” – the final drawcard.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/09/06/adelaide-oval-the-saviour-of-port-south-aussie-footy/feed/ 34 http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/09/06/adelaide-oval-the-saviour-of-port-south-aussie-footy/ Relocation, not just expansion, the real dilemma http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/AdrianMusolino/~3/rMf5Ls4VMjQ/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/08/30/relocation-not-expansion-the-real-dilemma-for-codes/#comments Mon, 29 Aug 2011 19:01:36 +0000 Adrian Musolino http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=49312 Focus all you like on the Gold Coast Suns, Greater Western Sydney Giants, Melbourne Storm and whoever else joins the NRL in its mooted expansion; the NRL and AFL have enough cash and invested interests to ensure they’ll survive and, eventually, flourish relative to their market, for they are too important to fail. It’s the [...]

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A general view of Etihad Stadium during an AFL match. Slattery Images.

A general view of Etihad Stadium during an AFL match. Slattery Images.

Focus all you like on the Gold Coast Suns, Greater Western Sydney Giants, Melbourne Storm and whoever else joins the NRL in its mooted expansion; the NRL and AFL have enough cash and invested interests to ensure they’ll survive and, eventually, flourish relative to their market, for they are too important to fail.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/08/30/relocation-not-expansion-the-real-dilemma-for-codes/feed/ 152 http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/08/30/relocation-not-expansion-the-real-dilemma-for-codes/ How A-League should’ve looked from day one http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/AdrianMusolino/~3/G8KCIjFXe4E/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/08/24/how-the-a-league-should%e2%80%99ve-looked-from-day-one/#comments Tue, 23 Aug 2011 17:25:21 +0000 Adrian Musolino http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=48907 Gold Coast United owner Clive Palmer’s recent reassurances have done little to change public opinion. He can claim over and over again that his club has a future in the A-League, but unless there is a drastic reversal in support, then their future appears bleak. Their plight, together with the collapse of North Queensland Fury, [...]

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Gold Coast United FC head coach and director of football, Miron Bleiberg (centre) celebrates with Football Federation Australia (FFA) CEO Ben Buckley (right) and Gold Coast United CEO Clive Mensink (left) at Skilled Park on the Gold Coast, Thursday, Aug. 28, 2008. AAP Image/Dave Hunt

Gold Coast United owner Clive Palmer’s recent reassurances have done little to change public opinion. He can claim over and over again that his club has a future in the A-League, but unless there is a drastic reversal in support, then their future appears bleak.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/08/24/how-the-a-league-should%e2%80%99ve-looked-from-day-one/feed/ 91 http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/08/24/how-the-a-league-should%e2%80%99ve-looked-from-day-one/ Harry Kewell the icing on the A-League’s cake http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/AdrianMusolino/~3/49fOCx4qQcY/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/08/20/harry-kewell-the-icing-on-the-a-leagues-cake/#comments Sat, 20 Aug 2011 04:59:20 +0000 Adrian Musolino http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=48766 Hear that noise? It’s the collective sigh of relief coming from the Australian football community upon hearing the news that, finally, Harry Kewell is coming to the A-League, having signed with Melbourne Victory for three seasons. The protracted saga over whether he would or wouldn’t come home to the A-League is over. Let the new [...]

Article link: Harry Kewell the icing on the A-League’s cake. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

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Harry Kewell scores

Australia's Harry Kewell, right, scores as Iraq's player Basem Abbas, left closes in during their AFC Asian Cup quarterfinal soccer match at Al Sadd Stadium, in Doha, Qatar, Saturday Jan. 22, 2011. Australia beat Iraq 1-0. (AP Photo/Tara Todras-Whitehill)

Hear that noise? It’s the collective sigh of relief coming from the Australian football community upon hearing the news that, finally, Harry Kewell is coming to the A-League, having signed with Melbourne Victory for three seasons.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/08/20/harry-kewell-the-icing-on-the-a-leagues-cake/feed/ 69 http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/08/20/harry-kewell-the-icing-on-the-a-leagues-cake/ Gold Coast a microcosm of the sporting landscape http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/AdrianMusolino/~3/a2FHdcyHydg/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/08/12/gold-coast-a-microcosm-of-the-sporting-landscape/#comments Thu, 11 Aug 2011 15:47:49 +0000 Adrian Musolino http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=48189 This wasn’t the season for the Gold Coast Titans to plummet from preliminary-finalists to wooden spoon favourites; not with the Gold Coast Suns, pumped up with the AFL’s millions, moving into their beachside playground. The Titans’ dip in performance has contributed to the Suns currently beating their more established neighbours in home crowd averages. The [...]

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Gary Ablett signs autographs for fans during the opening of Metricon Stadium, Gold Coast.

Gary Ablett signs autographs for fans during the opening of Metricon Stadium, Gold Coast.

This wasn’t the season for the Gold Coast Titans to plummet from preliminary-finalists to wooden spoon favourites; not with the Gold Coast Suns, pumped up with the AFL’s millions, moving into their beachside playground.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/08/12/gold-coast-a-microcosm-of-the-sporting-landscape/feed/ 145 http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/08/12/gold-coast-a-microcosm-of-the-sporting-landscape/ AFL’s inequitable draw is its unacceptable flaw http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/AdrianMusolino/~3/43rRxcAg0Jg/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/08/04/afls-inequitable-draw-is-its-unacceptable-flaw/#comments Wed, 03 Aug 2011 20:21:17 +0000 Adrian Musolino http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=47792 It’s been described as the elephant in the room for the AFL; an inequitable home and away season draw, distorted by two factors and exaggerated by the league’s maximising of its bottom line at the expense of a fairer competition. The two factors that condemn a truly fair AFL competition are: (i). With 18 teams [...]

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Dale Thomas of Collingwood marks over Daniel jackson of Richmond

Dale Thomas of Collingwood marks over Daniel jackson of Richmond during the AFL Round 04 match between the Richmond Tigers and the Collingwood Magpies at the MCG, Melbourne. Slattery Images

It’s been described as the elephant in the room for the AFL; an inequitable home and away season draw, distorted by two factors and exaggerated by the league’s maximising of its bottom line at the expense of a fairer competition.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/08/04/afls-inequitable-draw-is-its-unacceptable-flaw/feed/ 37 http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/08/04/afls-inequitable-draw-is-its-unacceptable-flaw/ Harry Kewell damaging his own brand, not A-League’s http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/AdrianMusolino/~3/iW_FtLgg8eI/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/07/05/harry-kewell-damaging-his-own-brand/#comments Mon, 04 Jul 2011 15:00:34 +0000 Adrian Musolino http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=46347 It’s officially a saga now. Harry Kewell’s career as a whole seems to have been one great saga, but nothing the 32-year-old has done previously has polarised Australian football fans like this current soap opera, which stars he and his manager, Bernie Mandic, as they negotiate a deal with the FFA to play at either [...]

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Socceroos' Harry Kewell during Asian Cup qualifier

Harry Kewell of Australia is challenged by Mohammed Addullah of Oman and team-mate Mohamed Rabia Jamaan Al Noobi during a FIFA Asian Cup qualifying match. AAP Image/Joe Castro

It’s officially a saga now. Harry Kewell’s career as a whole seems to have been one great saga, but nothing the 32-year-old has done previously has polarised Australian football fans like this current soap opera, which stars he and his manager, Bernie Mandic, as they negotiate a deal with the FFA to play at either Sydney FC or Melbourne Victory in the A-League.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/07/05/harry-kewell-damaging-his-own-brand/feed/ 190 http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/07/05/harry-kewell-damaging-his-own-brand/ Victoria ruling the AFL, but for how much longer? http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/AdrianMusolino/~3/cmwB3dnDvJs/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/07/04/victorian-clubs-ruling-the-afl-but-can-it-last/#comments Sun, 03 Jul 2011 20:16:27 +0000 Adrian Musolino http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=46276 There’s cause for optimism at AFL House, particularly coming off a round in which Collingwood, Carlton and Essendon – the traditional Melbourne powerhouses – enjoyed euphoric wins in front of big crowds at home. With Collingwood, Geelong, Hawthorn and Carlton top four contenders, followed by Western Bulldogs, St Kilda, Essendon, North Melbourne and Melbourne in [...]

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Essendon's Alwyn Davey, Ben Howlett and Jake Melksham celebrate their team's win after the AFL Round 15 match between the Essendon Bombers and the Geelong Cats

Essendon's Alwyn Davey, Ben Howlett and Jake Melksham celebrate their team's win after the AFL Round 15 match between the Essendon Bombers and the Geelong Cats at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne. Slattery Media Group.

There’s cause for optimism at AFL House, particularly coming off a round in which Collingwood, Carlton and Essendon – the traditional Melbourne powerhouses – enjoyed euphoric wins in front of big crowds at home.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/07/04/victorian-clubs-ruling-the-afl-but-can-it-last/feed/ 88 http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/07/04/victorian-clubs-ruling-the-afl-but-can-it-last/ Seven’s AFL exclusivity a boon for the NRL and co http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/AdrianMusolino/~3/kOQ9sBOtJAE/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/07/01/sevens-afl-exclusivity-a-boon-for-the-nrl-and-co/#comments Thu, 30 Jun 2011 16:28:44 +0000 Adrian Musolino http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=46121 With Channel Ten pulling out of negotiations with Channel Seven over buying some of its free-to-air AFL matches, and Channel Nine seemingly unable or unwilling to step in, the AFL will be on one free-to-air network come 2012, simplifying things for fans and opening the door for rival codes. For the NRL, it leaves a [...]

Article link: Seven’s AFL exclusivity a boon for the NRL and co. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> Can the NRL capitalise on AFL's Free-to-Air arrangements?

With Channel Ten pulling out of negotiations with Channel Seven over buying some of its free-to-air AFL matches, and Channel Nine seemingly unable or unwilling to step in, the AFL will be on one free-to-air network come 2012, simplifying things for fans and opening the door for rival codes.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/07/01/sevens-afl-exclusivity-a-boon-for-the-nrl-and-co/feed/ 190 http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/07/01/sevens-afl-exclusivity-a-boon-for-the-nrl-and-co/ Why AFL’s illicit drug policy is a farcical PR front http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/AdrianMusolino/~3/b8a-VGR8DJU/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/06/23/afls-illicit-drug-policy-a-farcical-pr-front/#comments Wed, 22 Jun 2011 17:00:48 +0000 Adrian Musolino http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=45706 “Remarkable, incredibly successful policy,” was how AFL operations manager Adrian Anderson described the code’s drug policy in the wake of six players testing positive for illicit drugs in 2010. Even if he was referring to a system which has seen a decrease in those numbers, there’s a paradox in the system being lauded for six [...]

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AFL 2011 Media - AFL Media Conference

AFL General Manager of Football Operations, Adrian Anderson, addresses the media during an AFL media conference, to detail the results of the competition's Illicit Drugs Policy, at AFL House in Melbourne.

“Remarkable, incredibly successful policy,” was how AFL operations manager Adrian Anderson described the code’s drug policy in the wake of six players testing positive for illicit drugs in 2010. Even if he was referring to a system which has seen a decrease in those numbers, there’s a paradox in the system being lauded for six positive tests that is quite concerning.

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