AusItalia.com welcome Queensland Roar captain Chad Gibson to the team.

Chad will be analysing and commenting on all things A-League, and begins with an insight into the mind of an A-League experienced professional.

Adelaide United Preview

Adelaide are minor premiers from last year. This season they should be just as strong. Most experienced team with probably the most potent attack in the competition, including Qu Shenqqing and Fernando Rech. With players like Ross Aloisi (brother of John) and Costanzo to steer the ship, United indeed have a formidable midfield.

Key Player – Qu Shenqqing(Chinese) Striker that has it all, deadly off both feet, creates and scores.

Central Coast Mariners Preview

Last seasons grand finalist which is built around a solid team foundation. A strong unit all over the park. The losses of Heffernan and Beauchamp will be sorely missed but the Mariners have been able to fill the void with Socceroo Tony Vidmar. I’m keenly awaiting the return of Nick Mrjrda in attack and we should expect plenty of goals from him.

Key Player - Tom Pondeljak. Plays in the hole, sharp and is the starting point of the Mariners attack, good eye for goal.

Melbourne Victory Preview

Will be looking for a big year this year to match their great crowd attendances. This seasons imports include 3 Brazilians (Fred, Claudinho, Alessandro) and a Scot (Grant Brebner) so expect some Latino flair with Kevin Muscat adding steel in defence.

Key Player - Archie Thompson – On Archie’s day he can win a game single handedly.

Newcastle United Jets Preview

The Jets have lost 3 key players (Zelic, Reddy and Milicic) which has marked the return of one of Australia’s greatest players – Paul Okon. The exit of English manager Richard Money sees the return of former N.S.L. coach Nick Theodorakopolis. It will be interesting to see which direction the club takes with all the changes being made.

Key Player – Paul Okon - Experience and ability will be vital in guiding the team through this transitional phase.

New Zealand Knights Preview

Vastly improved and have already shown in preseason that they will not be the easy-beats of last year. The Knights have signed a great coach in Paul Nevin (Fulham, England). New signings include Portugal, Richter and English combined with a rock solid midfield.

Key Player – Michael Turnbull – Former team mate with limitless ability. Great shot stopper. Been away for a few years in Europe and will be keen to prove himself in his first A League season.

Perth Glory Preview

Squad and coach finally settled and have acquired a master technician in Ron Smith, one of Australia’s premier coaches who will build towards making Perth the powerhouse it once was. The Glory have sustained a big loss in Nick Ward (QPR – England). No complaints can be made however with Stan Lazaridis coming back to ignite his home town fans.

Key Player – Simon Colosimo – Central Midfielder who needs to pull strings for Perth to dominate.

Queensland Roar Preview 

Queensland’s squad has been strengthened in all departments. We still have the nucleus of last years squad (number 1 defence in the league) and have added to this with the strike power and experience of Milicic, Lynch and Reinaldo. Roar fans should see plenty of goals this season. The team goal is nothing less than Finals football. Qld now has the squad and talent to achieve this.

Key Player – Ante Milicic – Out and out goalscorer. Started my career at Sydney United with him and is the best finisher I’ve ever seen.  

Sydney FC Preview

Sydney are the reigning A League champions and are the bench mark of the competition and are probably even stronger than last year. The return of Dwight Yorke will prove a massive boost as he is the class act of the league and Mark Milligan’s experience with the Socceroos at the World Cup will see him grow in stature. Definitely the team to beat.

Key Player – Alex Brosque – disappointed to see him leave the Roar. For me he is the greatest young talent in this country. Alex was born to be a footballer.