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13/14 Expectations - Get Excited


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Not sure if its an expectation but one thing I want from Heart this year is to be able to change the course of a match.

All good sides in any sport have the ability to change the course of a match when things aren't going well. So often managing a result from the game.

All last season from Melbourne what we saw is that when we were being outplayed in a match there was no Plan B. Sure a lot of this stops with the Manager but players have to take a certain responsibility too.

Simply there were far to many matches last season when after 30 minutes the result was clear.

I'm looking forward to continuing good from at home AND bringing some points from our away games.

Finishing games strongly would be nice, not letting opposition run us down in the second half.

Most importantly if we try to park the bus after leaving 1:0 trying to hold onto a pathetic little lead like that, I will me mega pissed off

 

I agree. Really hope we can build on our away form. If we can win on the road and improve on a few home games we should be looking good come finals. All depends on injuries. But I guess that is the nature profesional sport anyway

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My expectations for the first and second home game crowds for season 2013/14

 

First and second home game crowds in season 2010/11

Round 1 Vs Central Coast - 11,050 (Loss 1-0)

Round 4 Vs Perth Glory FC - 5,848 (after 2 losses, 1 draw)

 
First and second home game crowds in season 2011/12

Round 2 Vs Perth Glory - 7,229 (Loss 1-2, after 3-2 loss to Newcastle)

Round 4 Vs Sydney FC - 5,666 (after 2 losses, 1 draw)

 
First and second home game crowds in season 2012/13

Round 2 Vs Well. Phoenix - 11,007 (Draw 1-1, after 2-1 win over Visitors)

Round 4 Vs Central Coast - 6,357 (after 1 win, 1 draw, 1 loss)

 

My expectation of our first and second home game crowds in season 2013/14

Round 2 Vs Central Coast - 13,050 (Win 2-1, after 4-2 win over Visitors :up: )

Round 5 Vs WSWanderers -10,500 (after 2 wins, 1 loss, 1 draw)

Edited by Red or Dead
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My expectation of our second home game crowd in season 2013/14

Round 2 Vs Central Coast - 13,050 (Win 2-1, after 4-2 win over Visitors :up: )

Round 5 Vs WSWanderers -10,500 (after 2 wins, 1 loss, 1 draw)

You're certainly an optimist aren't you! 

Half realist / half optimist!!

 

The big home crowd in Rd 2 is achievable if we beat the Visitards...plus, there's more hype this year.

The big home crowd in Rd 5 is achievable because it's against WSW and Mifsud's first home game!

 

Plus if we beat CCM in Rd 2 at home then that will give more supporters confidence of another home win in the "Big Red" so more of us will turn up!   ;)

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My expectation of our second home game crowd in season 2013/14

Round 2 Vs Central Coast - 13,050 (Win 2-1, after 4-2 win over Visitors :up: )

Round 5 Vs WSWanderers -10,500 (after 2 wins, 1 loss, 1 draw)

You're certainly an optimist aren't you!

Half realist / half optimist!!

 

The big home crowd in Rd 2 is achievable if we beat the Visitards...plus, there's more hype this year.

The big home crowd in Rd 5 is achievable because it's against WSW and Mifsud's first home game!

 

Plus if we beat CCM in Rd 2 at home then that will give more supporters confidence of another home win in the "Big Red" so more of us will turn up!   ;)

I like the way you think :-)

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Goal.com

 

Aloisi has put together a squad capable of challenging for a place in the finals YES :up: , but losing Engelaar appears to be a huge blow :angry: BULLSHIT. Whether their form away from home will improve  :lol:  OF COURSE IT WILL and if there is enough goals in their squad MIFSUD et al  also remains questionable RUBBISH :droy: , but in an even league, they could surprise YES WE WILL/CAN :clap: 

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My expectation of our second home game crowd in season 2013/14

Round 2 Vs Central Coast - 13,050 (Win 2-1, after 4-2 win over Visitors :up: )

Round 5 Vs WSWanderers -10,500 (after 2 wins, 1 loss, 1 draw)

You're certainly an optimist aren't you! 

Half realist / half optimist!!

 

The big home crowd in Rd 2 is achievable if we beat the Visitards...plus, there's more hype this year.

The big home crowd in Rd 5 is achievable because it's against WSW and Mifsud's first home game!

 

Plus if we beat CCM in Rd 2 at home then that will give more supporters confidence of another home win in the "Big Red" so more of us will turn up!   ;)

 

 

Anything can happen, we just have to win, and keep winning. 

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A-League team preview: John Aloisi's Melbourne Heart an unknown quantity in 2013-2014 

 

David Davutovic News Limited Network October 08, 2013 2:30PM

 

WITH a big turnover in players, including leaders Fred, Simon Colosimo, Matt Thompson and Clint Bolton, Melbourne Heart is an unknown quantity this season.

 

And while they couldn’t hang on to best and fairest winner Richard Garcia, the recruiting has been good, headlined by Harry Kewell and Michael Mifsud and the squad has plenty of depth even with marquee Orlando Engelaar ruled out until January.

 

X-FACTOR

The captaincy has been a curse at Heart but they are praying that will change this season. If Harry Kewell remains fit he could be a huge asset for Heart and the signs thus far are very positive. His quality has shone through in pre-season and with injury-ravaged Fred struggling to make an impact last season, Kewell’s influence in the number 10 position could be immense.

 

THE ROOKIE

Heart has given many youngsters an A-League debut but they take a far more experienced squad into this season. Winger Ben Garuccio and attacking midfielder Stefan Mauk are promising but and while they have plenty of competition in their spots, the Young Socceroos pair should impress if given the chance.

 

THE HEARTBEAT

Patrick Kisnorbo is an interesting acquisition for Heart. It’s unlikely John van’t Schip would’ve signed him during his time there, but he may just prove to be John Aloisi’s most important capture. Kisnorbo is a winner and he gives and provides a team that was far too nice last season some much-needed mongrel. 

 

THE GAFFER

Narrowly missing out on bottom place, Aloisi had a tough debut season as coach but he is confident in himself and his squad. He has pieced together probably the best squad in Heart’s brief history and with that comes higher expectations.

 

THE VERDICT

While Heart has most certainly improved, so has the rest of the competition. They will compete for a top six place but how well they do will depend on many factors. It may take them a while to settle so a good start would be priceless.

 

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/football/a-league-team-preview-frank-farina-has-the-squad-for-sydney-fc-to-challenge-for-silverware/story-fnibbvjo-1226734799798

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Aloisi dismisses 'away' Heart tremors

 

9 October 2013-AAP

 

Melbourne Heart coach John Aloisi said a radical overhaul of his A-League squad has consigned last season's terrible away record to history.

 

Heart gained just one point from 12 games outside Melbourne in Aloisi's first season in charge, finishing second last.

 

It prompted a major clean-out, with veterans Fred, Matt Thompson, Simon Colosimo, Clint Bolton, Jamie Coyne and Richard Garcia among those to have left.

 

"We had to improve on last season because there were times that we played really well, but there were other times away from home that we didn't get results that we wanted," Aloisi said.

 

"So we decided to move on quite a few of our experienced players."

 

The highest-profile replacement is Harry Kewell, but Aloisi is also excited about what the likes of experienced defender Patrick Kisnorbo, Malta striker Michael Mifsud, among a host of recruits, plus fit-again Mate Dugandzic can achieve.

 

Aloisi said the revamp meant problems of last season, such as the away record, didn't need to be directly addressed.

 

"Half of our squad is different and the players that we've brought in like Patrick Kisnorbo, Rob Wielaert, Harry - they're not going to shy away from a hard away trip," Aloisi said.

 

"They actually thrive on that."

 

Aloisi believes his squad now has the versatility to succeed playing varying styles at home and away, as needed.

 

He said Mifsud's pace complemented that of Dugandzic, Golgol Mebrahtu and Dave Williams, making Heart's speed on the counterattack a weapon, which would be particularly handy away.

 

Aloisi believes his side can handle a slower, possession-style game equally well.

 

"We've got players like Harry, Andrea Migliorini the Italian boy, Massimo Murdocca - they're all good on the ball," Aloisi said.

 

"So we can play whatever the game sort of pans out to be."

 

Heart starts its season with a derby match against Maelbourne Victory at Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

 

"We're sure it's going to be a tough game but these derbies are always tough," Aloisi said.

 

Heart will be without Mifsud, on international duty, with Victory skipper Mark Milligan missing for the same reason.

 

 

http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/news/1169777/Aloisi-dismisses-away-Heart-tremors

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GOALKEEPERS

1 Andrew Redmayne

Age: 24

Previous clubs: Central Coast, Brisbane

Starts the season as No.1 after displacing Clint Bolton midway through last campaign. Was solid in his 13 games.

20 Tando Velaphi

Age: 26

Previous clubs: Perth, Victory

The latest to cross from the blue side of Melbourne to the red. Despite impressive form for Victory was dropped once Nathan Coe was signed. Could challenge Redmayne.

DEFENDERS

2 Jeremy Walker

Age: 20

Previous clubs: Oakleigh

Converted from a right winger, the Tassie boy got his chance at right back when Michael Marrone left and took it with both hands. An attacking full back.

3 Rob Wielaert

Age: 34

Previous clubs: PSV Eindhoven, FC Twente, NEC, Ajax, Roda JC

An experienced, accomplished defender comfortable in playing out from the back. Signed by Marco van Basten and John van’t Schip at Ajax in 2009.

5 Sam Mitchinson

Age: 21

Previous clubs: Perth, Oakleigh

The preferred left back after Aziz Behich moved to Turkey last season and did the job. A stay-at-home type of full back.

6 Patrick Gerhardt

Age: 28

Previous clubs: Young Boys (Switzerland), Zeljeznicar (Bosnia)

Runner-up in last season’s best-and-fairest, providing Heart with much-needed aggression. A central defender last season but can play defensive midfield.

16 Aziz Behich

Age: 22

Previous clubs: Victory, Bursaspor (Turkey)

Was missed badly when he joined Bursaspor midway through last season. Returns on a season-long loan and his energy and overlap will be welcome.

17 Jason Hoffman

Age: 24

Previous clubs: Newcastle

Struggled to hold down a spot in three years at Heart and finds himself in a new position, right back. If he can improve his defensive game, it looms as the ideal fit.

18 David Vrankovic

Age: 19

Previous clubs: Bonnyrigg (NSW)

Played 13 games in his debut season and impressed. A solid all-round centre back who faces stiffer competition this season.

24 Patrick Kisnorbo

Age: 32

Previous clubs: South Melbourne, Hearts, Leicester, Leeds

Tough-as-teak defender. Another who will ensure Heart no longer gets bullied out of games. Capped 18 times by the Socceroos.

MIDFIELDERS

4 Orlando Engelaar

Age: 34

Previous clubs: Genk, Schalke, NAC Breda, FC Twente, PSV Eindhoven

Heart’s marquee player. Capped 14 times by the Netherlands, Engelaar has made his name as a tidy defensive midfielder with some of Europe’s top clubs. At 196cm, he will be a towering presence when he returns mid-season from a leg fracture.

7 Iain Ramsay

Age: 25

Previous clubs: Sydney FC, Adelaide

Signed to play left back but, after Behich’s return, more likely to play left wing. An attacking player with plenty of tricks.

8 Massimo Murdocca

Age: 29

Previous clubs: South Melbourne, Brisbane

Was Brisbane’s last remaining foundation player. Grew up in Bundoora and returns home after he was released at the end of last season. A high-energy box-to-box midfielder.

13 Jonatan Germano

Age: 25

Previous clubs: Estudiantes (Argentina), Rijeka (Croatia), Sportivo Luqueno (Paraguay)

An aggressive player who is mainly a midfielder but can play full back. Injuries are becoming a concern and he will miss the start of the season with a hamstring problem.

19 Ben Garuccio

Age: 18

Previous clubs: AIS

Injury prevented him from playing more than five games last season, but his talent is obvious. Young Socceroos commitments won’t help his cause, but he can play either wing so will feature.

21 Stefan Mauk

Age: 17

Previous clubs: AIS

Made his debut against Sydney FC last season and has immense potential, although he has Harry Kewell and Nick Kalmar to compete with. A tidy attacking midfielder and Young Socceroo.

22 Nick Kalmar

Age: 25

Previous clubs: Melbourne Knights, St Albans, Sunshine, Altona, Oakleigh

Kalmar showed some magic moments last season and appears ready to take the next step. Technically excellent, he may need to revert to his original position as a deep-lying midfielder.

25 Andrea Migliorini

Age: 25

Previous clubs: Livorno, SPAL, Venezia (Italy), Koper (Slovenia)

The Italian was spotted by former Heart player Vince Grella and signed as an injury replacement for Engelaar. A tidy and tactically savvy defensive midfielder capable of controlling the tempo of a match.

ATTACKERS

9 Dylan Macallister

Age: 31

Previous clubs: Brann, Lyn (Norway), Central Coast, Wellington, Gold Coast

Back-up for the departed Josip Tadic last season and will be competing with Michael Mifsud for the striker’s spot. A hard worker with decent feet.

10 Harry Kewell

Age: 35

Previous clubs: Leeds, Liverpool, Galatasaray, Victory, Al-Gharafa (Qatar)

A month-long stint in Qatar is the only football Kewell has played since leaving Victory in June 2012. Back to try to resurrect his Socceroos career. Likely to play attacking midfield.

11 Michael Mifsud

Age: 32

Previous clubs: Kaiserslautern (Germany), Lillestrom (Sweden), Coventry, Barnsley, Valletta (Malta)

A lightning quick and elusive striker who is always looking to get in behind the defence and is not afraid to shoot. About to win his 100th cap for Malta, having scored 37 international goals.

14 Golgol Mebrahtu

Age: 23

Previous clubs: Gold Coast

Quick and armed with an outrageous strike, he has an impressive highlights reel and could be a huge asset after a full pre-season. Prefers striker but has mainly played just behind or right wing.

15 David Williams

Age: 25

Previous clubs: Brondby (Denmark), Brisbane, North Queensland

A huge season for Williams, who is in the final year of his contract and has shown only flashes of his enormous potential. Likely to start on the left.

23 Mate Dugandzic

Age: 23

Previous clubs: Melbourne Knights, Lokomotiva (Croatia, Victory

The speedy winger missed most of last season with a foot injury. He’s back and should again be a key player. Dangerous from set-pieces.

Nice little summary of the Squad via Dave Davutovic

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/football/rundown-of-melbourne-heart-squad-ahead-of-201314-a-league-season/story-fnibbvjo-1226735997203

Plenty of exp. with an average age of 25.7, and plenty of quality pedigree.

 

With every man and his dog already writing us off, we could genuinely be a surprise packet if Aloisi struck some dumb luck. 

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GOALKEEPERS

1 Andrew Redmayne

Age: 24

Previous clubs: Central Coast, Brisbane

Starts the season as No.1 after displacing Clint Bolton midway through last campaign. Was solid in his 13 games.

20 Tando Velaphi

Age: 26

Previous clubs: Perth, Victory

The latest to cross from the blue side of Melbourne to the red. Despite impressive form for Victory was dropped once Nathan Coe was signed. Could challenge Redmayne.

DEFENDERS

2 Jeremy Walker

Age: 20

Previous clubs: Oakleigh

Converted from a right winger, the Tassie boy got his chance at right back when Michael Marrone left and took it with both hands. An attacking full back.

3 Rob Wielaert

Age: 34

Previous clubs: PSV Eindhoven, FC Twente, NEC, Ajax, Roda JC

An experienced, accomplished defender comfortable in playing out from the back. Signed by Marco van Basten and John van’t Schip at Ajax in 2009.

5 Sam Mitchinson

Age: 21

Previous clubs: Perth, Oakleigh

The preferred left back after Aziz Behich moved to Turkey last season and did the job. A stay-at-home type of full back.

6 Patrick Gerhardt

Age: 28

Previous clubs: Young Boys (Switzerland), Zeljeznicar (Bosnia)

Runner-up in last season’s best-and-fairest, providing Heart with much-needed aggression. A central defender last season but can play defensive midfield.

16 Aziz Behich

Age: 22

Previous clubs: Victory, Bursaspor (Turkey)

Was missed badly when he joined Bursaspor midway through last season. Returns on a season-long loan and his energy and overlap will be welcome.

17 Jason Hoffman

Age: 24

Previous clubs: Newcastle

Struggled to hold down a spot in three years at Heart and finds himself in a new position, right back. If he can improve his defensive game, it looms as the ideal fit.

18 David Vrankovic

Age: 19

Previous clubs: Bonnyrigg (NSW)

Played 13 games in his debut season and impressed. A solid all-round centre back who faces stiffer competition this season.

24 Patrick Kisnorbo

Age: 32

Previous clubs: South Melbourne, Hearts, Leicester, Leeds

Tough-as-teak defender. Another who will ensure Heart no longer gets bullied out of games. Capped 18 times by the Socceroos.

MIDFIELDERS

4 Orlando Engelaar

Age: 34

Previous clubs: Genk, Schalke, NAC Breda, FC Twente, PSV Eindhoven

Heart’s marquee player. Capped 14 times by the Netherlands, Engelaar has made his name as a tidy defensive midfielder with some of Europe’s top clubs. At 196cm, he will be a towering presence when he returns mid-season from a leg fracture.

7 Iain Ramsay

Age: 25

Previous clubs: Sydney FC, Adelaide

Signed to play left back but, after Behich’s return, more likely to play left wing. An attacking player with plenty of tricks.

8 Massimo Murdocca

Age: 29

Previous clubs: South Melbourne, Brisbane

Was Brisbane’s last remaining foundation player. Grew up in Bundoora and returns home after he was released at the end of last season. A high-energy box-to-box midfielder.

13 Jonatan Germano

Age: 25

Previous clubs: Estudiantes (Argentina), Rijeka (Croatia), Sportivo Luqueno (Paraguay)

An aggressive player who is mainly a midfielder but can play full back. Injuries are becoming a concern and he will miss the start of the season with a hamstring problem.

19 Ben Garuccio

Age: 18

Previous clubs: AIS

Injury prevented him from playing more than five games last season, but his talent is obvious. Young Socceroos commitments won’t help his cause, but he can play either wing so will feature.

21 Stefan Mauk

Age: 17

Previous clubs: AIS

Made his debut against Sydney FC last season and has immense potential, although he has Harry Kewell and Nick Kalmar to compete with. A tidy attacking midfielder and Young Socceroo.

22 Nick Kalmar

Age: 25

Previous clubs: Melbourne Knights, St Albans, Sunshine, Altona, Oakleigh

Kalmar showed some magic moments last season and appears ready to take the next step. Technically excellent, he may need to revert to his original position as a deep-lying midfielder.

25 Andrea Migliorini

Age: 25

Previous clubs: Livorno, SPAL, Venezia (Italy), Koper (Slovenia)

The Italian was spotted by former Heart player Vince Grella and signed as an injury replacement for Engelaar. A tidy and tactically savvy defensive midfielder capable of controlling the tempo of a match.

ATTACKERS

9 Dylan Macallister

Age: 31

Previous clubs: Brann, Lyn (Norway), Central Coast, Wellington, Gold Coast

Back-up for the departed Josip Tadic last season and will be competing with Michael Mifsud for the striker’s spot. A hard worker with decent feet.

10 Harry Kewell

Age: 35

Previous clubs: Leeds, Liverpool, Galatasaray, Victory, Al-Gharafa (Qatar)

A month-long stint in Qatar is the only football Kewell has played since leaving Victory in June 2012. Back to try to resurrect his Socceroos career. Likely to play attacking midfield.

11 Michael Mifsud

Age: 32

Previous clubs: Kaiserslautern (Germany), Lillestrom (Sweden), Coventry, Barnsley, Valletta (Malta)

A lightning quick and elusive striker who is always looking to get in behind the defence and is not afraid to shoot. About to win his 100th cap for Malta, having scored 37 international goals.

14 Golgol Mebrahtu

Age: 23

Previous clubs: Gold Coast

Quick and armed with an outrageous strike, he has an impressive highlights reel and could be a huge asset after a full pre-season. Prefers striker but has mainly played just behind or right wing.

15 David Williams

Age: 25

Previous clubs: Brondby (Denmark), Brisbane, North Queensland

A huge season for Williams, who is in the final year of his contract and has shown only flashes of his enormous potential. Likely to start on the left.

23 Mate Dugandzic

Age: 23

Previous clubs: Melbourne Knights, Lokomotiva (Croatia, Victory

The speedy winger missed most of last season with a foot injury. He’s back and should again be a key player. Dangerous from set-pieces.

Nice little summary of the Squad via Dave Davutovic

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/football/rundown-of-melbourne-heart-squad-ahead-of-201314-a-league-season/story-fnibbvjo-1226735997203

Plenty of exp. with an average age of 25.7, and plenty of quality pedigree.

 

With every man and his dog already writing us off, we could genuinely be a surprise packet if Aloisi struck some dumb luck. 

Been looking around the forums and we seem to be a bit of a dark horse. There is low expectations, but people seem a little wary.

Somehow Davutovic has Mifsud as the golden boot winner yet we finish 6th? He must think we are going to leak goals. But our defence wassnt that bad last season and this season we have a much stronger and deeper defence. We didnt lose a game by more than 2 goals

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I am seriously thinking of laying some money on Mifsud winning the Golden Boot myself FWIW.

Mifsud at $34 on Sportsbet.

With HK giving him the service it sounds like a steal! Maybe the bookies are taking his international commitments and Heart's notorious record with injuries into account  :hmm:

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I am seriously thinking of laying some money on Mifsud winning the Golden Boot myself FWIW.

Mifsud at $34 on Sportsbet.

With HK giving him the service it sounds like a steal! Maybe the bookies are taking his international commitments and Heart's notorious record with injuries into account  :hmm:

 

Might put a sneaky $20 on that.

 

Hopefully he doesnt go and play many rubbish friendlies for Malta

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It is ridiculous that Kewell is a shorter price than Mifsud to be our leading scorer.

Not really,

 

1. His taking penalties

2. He scored 8 goals in his one season of A League when he only got going halfway through the season.

(That would have one him highest scorer in S1 and S3 and seen him lose by one goal in S2).

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I am seriously thinking of laying some money on Mifsud winning the Golden Boot myself FWIW.

Mifsud at $34 on Sportsbet.

With HK giving him the service it sounds like a steal! Maybe the bookies are taking his international commitments and Heart's notorious record with injuries into account  :hmm:

 

Might put a sneaky $20 on that.

 

Hopefully he doesnt go and play many rubbish friendlies for Malta

 

You'd think that once he gets his tonne in the next two matches that he won't care too much about rubbish friendlies...it's like a cricketer who scores 100 and then starts whacking the shit out of the ball not caring whether he goes out or not!  ;)

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Somehow Davutovic has Mifsud as the golden boot winner yet we finish 6th?

.Where did you read this??

 

 

David Davutovic:

 

 

I think it's time to get off the fence, so here are my A-League predictions for 2013-14...

THE LADDER

1 Melbourne Victory

2 Western Sydney

3 Central Coast

4 Adelaide Utd

5 Brisbane Roar

6 Melbourne Heart

---------------

7 Perth Glory

8 Sydney FC

9 Newcastle Jets

10 Wellington Phoenix

WARREN MEDALLIST

Shinji Ono (Wanderers)

Took him a few months to get going last season but he will hit the ground running in 2013-14

U21 player of the year

Daniel De Silva (Glory)

At just 16 he won't play every game but by the end of the season he will have shown enough class and played sufficient games to claim the award

GOLDEN BOOT

Michael Mifsud (Heart)

A classic goalscorer whose pace will cause defences issues and should benefit from the service of Harry Kewell and co.

 

http://www.foxsports.com.au/football/a-league/studs-up-news-ltd-journalist-david-davutovic-blogs-about-the-kick-off-of-the-a-league-season/story-e6frf4gl-1226735301703

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I think we have a lot of players that Australian media was always going to underrate, like Mifsud, Wielaert and Kisnorbo, who aren't too well known in Australia (maybe Kisnorbo to a degree, but I don't think he's been rated highly enough).

 

And media commentators aren't talking up Kewell's impact on the pitch, because he hasn't played much football in recent times (despite everyone acknowledging he's a top class player, commentators haven't really said he'll have a big impact on the pitch). Given the full pre-season Kewell's had he looks certain IMO to be a big positive for us.

 

All the predictions made in the media have been very safe. They tip the Wanderers, the Mariners and Victory to be the strongest teams, just because they did well last year (and in Victory's case, because they have Postecoglou). A number of these lazy A-League predictions will be well off the mark, such as the predicted Mariners success, as IMO they clearly haven't replaced the loss of Matt Ryan, Ibini, Zwaanswijk, McBreen, Bozanic and Bojic.

 

 

It's better to be underrated than overrated, and I reckon Heart have a strong chance to be there or thereabouts this season.

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Walker: Anything but A-League title not good enough

By Donald Sutherland October 10, 2013

 

 

Melbourne Heart defender Jeremy Walker believes his side can go all the way to the final day in 2013/14, saying anything short of a Grand Final victory wouldn’t be good enough.

 

Speaking exclusively to MFootball at Heart’s launch of the the Heart College of Football, Walker said that the Grand Final goal has been something reiterated by the entire squad and coaching staff.

 

“[We want to] strive for the best, I guess,” the 20-year-old said.

 

“We want to be at the end of the season right up until the end and winning the Grand Final at the end of the season, so anything short of that isn’t good enough really, and that’s come from the head coach.

 

“That’s come from everyone – the players as well. From a season last year where we were all disappointed, [this] has definitely pushed us along even more.

 

“We’re striving to do the best we can; we’re looking to be there at the end of the season.”

 

Heart’s title ambitions start on Saturday against cross-town rivals Melbourne Victory, which the former Oakleigh Cannons man says he understands to be massive for all Red & White supporters.

 

“We see people at the family day, and that come to training and stuff, you can see it in their eyes that they’re just the same as we are – we’re ready to go for the season and they’re looking forward to it just as much as we are.

“It’s great to see they’re as passionate about it as we are as well.”

 

After the previous season, where he was promoted from Heart’s National Youth League side to make 13 appearance during the rest of the campaign, Walker says he’s genuinely excited about participating in his first Round One clash.

 

“It’s my first pre-season and build up to a first game of the season – everyone’s excited and we’ve had some good training sessions leading up to this weekend.

 

“The preparation altogether throughout pre-season has been fantastic and we’re just ready and pumped to kick off the season.”

 

 

http://www.mfootball.com.au/walker-anything-but-a-league-title-not-good-enough/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=walker-anything-but-a-league-title-not-good-enough

Edited by Murfy1
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Redmayne tips Heart to run hot

 

10 October 2013-SBS: Dave Lewis

 

Forget about simply making the finals, Melbourne Heart goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne believes John Aloisi’s team can go “all the way” in the A-League this season.

 

Buoyed by belief ahead of Saturday night’s sold-out derby against Melbourne Victory at Etihad Stadium, Redmayne has seen enough in pre-season and in training from coach John Aloisi’s re-fashioned side to make his bold proclamation.

 

Putting the under achievement of last season behind him, when a humdrum and disjointed Heart failed to win a game outside Melbourne as it limped to second last on the ladder only ahead of wooden-spooner Wellington Phoenix on goal difference, Redmayne is convinced the cavalry has arrived in the form of Harry Kewell, Aziz Behich, Iain Ramsay, Patrick Kisnorbo, Massimo Murdocca and Rob Wielaert.

 

“As far as I’m concerned it’s not just about us making the finals this season, I can seriously see us going all the way to the title,” announced Redmayne on the eve of his first full season as the No.1 at an A-League club.

 

“All the signs are good and with the squad we have we shouldn’t be satisfied with simply making the play-offs. I think we have a lot more going for us than just achieving that alone.

 

“There is so much quality in the team and we have recruited really well. People might think it will take time to gel but I feel we can hit the ground running.

 

“It’s not just having the likes of Harry Kewell in the team, it’s the depth of the squad where we have excellent cover for almost every position and I am really expecting big things from this team because we look stronger all over the park.”

 

Redmayne, 24, is ready for a breakout season himself after spending two years in the shadow of Danny Vukovic at Central Coast and two more as understudy to Michael Theo at Brisbane Roar before eclipsing the now-retired Clint Bolton as Heart’s first choice at the turn of the year.

 

He has made just 18 A-League appearances since 2008 and none more important than Saturday’s collision with Ange Posetcoglou’s talent-laden Victory team in the 10th edition of what has become a heated local rivalry.

 

Aptly, the protagonists are locked at three wins and three draws apiece as hostilities begin anew, though bragging rights went to Victory in the sides' past two meetings.

 

While Victory is without skipper Mark Milligan and striker Kosta Barbarouses (both on international duty) Heart is missing its key striker Michael Mifsud, who is representing Malta, there should still be plenty to admire, with Redmayne adding:

 

“It’s going to be pretty intense. These games always are.

 

“Obviously Melbourne have made their own signings and look to have strengthened but I am more concerned about us and what we have done and it’s looking very positive.

 

“These games are always close and I don’t think it will be any different on this occasion. But I fancy us to do well.”

Redymayne acknowledges that all eyes will be on him in 2013-2014 – not least those of his back-up, former Perth Glory and Victory keeper Tando Velaphi.

 

“He’s been training really well and I know that if I don’t perform he’ll be there to step in, so it’s a big year for both us,” added Redmayne. “It’s good to have the boss putting his faith in me – but I have to keep repaying that each week.”

 

While Aloisi suffered a tempestuous first year at the helm, Redmayne believes lessons learned from a brutal baptism will have been heeded.

 

“Obviously he’s got that season behind him now and will have picked up a lot and will want to put that into practice and show what he can achieve as a coach. I am sure he’ll do that this year.”

 

 

http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/news/1169897/Redmayne-tips-Heart-to-run-hot

Edited by Murfy1
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