Football Season Guide

Sydney FC were runners-up last season largely because of a lack of competition after Central Coast Mariners' early surge was tempered by fatigue. The only reason they finished close to Melbourne City was because the eventual champions took their foot off the gas after having secured top spot. Sydney FC looked old last season, and relied on their defence too much as they had close to nothing on the break. They've made good changes pre-season, bringing in solid defender Donachie as McGowan's replacement. O'Toole is a good full-back, he'll do a good job of being the left-sided version of Grant i.e. responsible for delivering good crosses as one of the main wide outlets. Kamsoba is a poor finisher but brings great speed and determination, he'll be the counter threat that's introduced when they're winning to stop teams from overloading their defence. The only players of note that they lost were McGowan, who was replaced adequately, and Baumjohann, who was poor last season anyway. Strengths - lots of experienced winners. Very good at controlling games, and defending leads. Good finishers. Lots of patience, and more match-winners than most. An abundance of midfield playmakers. Weaknesses - old/slow. Cannot play too far up the pitch because of it. Lacks natural width; must rely on full-backs to masquerade as wingers when in possession. Forwards can only score from crosses or build-up; cannot get onto balls played in behind. Barbarouses is the only regular attacker with speed. Irreplaceable players - Le Fondre, Barbarbouses, Ninkovic, Grant.