“DON’T tell me we don’t have great players coming through the system,” said Joeys head coach Alistair Edwards. He sounded like he was up for this interview and I think I may have hit a nerve.

I don’t like to comment on matches I don’t watch, but Australia only winning 1-0 against Hong Kong leads me to declare I am somewhat unimpressed. Really, could Osieck have not just fielded a full team in which every outfield player has spent a portion of their career as a centre back? Have a go, Holger, or are you as big a coward as that imposter Pim Verbeek?

Australia’s revamped domestic competition has encompassed some turbulent times in its short history, however there’s an overwhelming feeling of excitement and optimism amongst A-League clubs and the football community in recent times. The product on the pitch is seemingly improving each season; crowds and television rating continue to escalate, while the new $160 million, four-year deal with Fox Sports and SBS will aid the game’s growth and underpin football into its next stage of development.