Yesterday (Sunday) was further proof that Melbourne's soccer fans will turn up when the offering is worthwhile. Like last year when the sun was out and the match ended 4-4, the 12,800 or so that went yesterday left the ground virtually speechless.
THIS is what the NSL should be about. The game wasn't a classic, per se, but the atmosphere was thick with tension as the neutrals sided with Carlton and gave the home crowd as much as they copped. I was (un?)lucky enough to be surrounded by Carlton supporters (and officials!!) in the outer when Marth scored the winner and I think I know now how much it meant for Carlton to beat South.
And for South to lose to Carlton....
After the match I spent some time in the bar and spoke to a few of the regulars. I asked an ashen-faced ex-General Manager Peter Filopoulos whether this was worse than losing the Johnnie Walker semi final to Collingwood at BJS a few years back and he mumbled back "Maaate, it's much worse..."
Okay, so I may have added an "a" or two too many, but his tone was consistent with the mood amongst officials. The national champion is a shadow of the team that won back-to-back with four toes in the air and the goalkeeping problem is by no means the biggest problem.
With Trimboli absent again, the three man midfield of Goutzioulis, Panopoulos and Clarkson just lacked the vision to create anything for JA or Curcija. Panop produced a gem for Curicja, but if Trimboli relapses in South America then they have a disaster on their hands.
I know others will disagree but I have doubts over Iosifidis at sweeper and maybe after Brazil it will be time to seriously rethink the playing staff. Time to say bye-bye to the likes of De Amicis, John Anas, Clarkson, Orlic, AND maybe even Lozanovski. Honestly, his petulant display yesterday is the EXACT reason he doesn't get considered for representative duty anymore. (Then again, Tiatto still gets selected ;-))
It is time to give greater responsibility to Magnacca, Coveny, and above all, get the (cheque) book out! Oh, and ring Michael Petkovic?