Football Season Guide

Last season went surprisingly well for one of the A-League's most limited teams. They executed superb tactical discipline under Warren Moon, and were extremely hard to score against. However, time and time again they lacked finesse in front of goal. They've walked a transfer tightrope again in pre-season, losing far more quality than they guaranteed themselves with their signings. Their two strongest elements last season were their defensive structure and their pressing attack. Best CB Gillesphey left, as did other rotation options in defence. Danzaki and Wenzel-Halls were their best pressing attackers, who also left, as did star GK Young. They've made some good signings but some risky ones too. Mileusnic is a good dribbler but only with confidence, and he's very injury-prone. Steinmann is a brilliant holding midfielder. Ivanovic is a decent pressing forward but has a lot to prove at this level, although he's a more natural finisher than Wenzel-Halls. Lescano decent target man. Olsen promising. There's a lot more questions than answers in this squad. There's a lack of cohesion in a group that relies heavily on its organisation, which is not ideal. Still a strong defensive setup; they'll be hard to score against. Really lacking in natural creators and finishers, as per usual. Weakest in the competition there. Tactically astute, and extremely tenacious; just not efficient. Irreplaceable players - Steinmann, Aldred, O'Shea.