14/10/2024【HKJC Notice】Emile Hesley - AD1 pre-season analysis

Emile Heskey – AD1
Emile Heskey played for Leicester, Liverpool and Aston Villa in Premier League. And he also had a spell in AD1, playing for Newcastle Jets for two seasons.

City to top the league, but CCM to win the Grand Final
I’m really looking forward to the new season because huge names such as Douglas Costa and Juan Mata have moved to Australia so there’s a real buzz amongst the fans. It’s been a long time since clubs have brought players of this calibre, and I’d say it’s not since the days of Del Piero, Shinji Ono and me – more than 10 years ago – has there been this much hype, so there’s going to me a lot of eyes on the A-League!

Costa, Mata to excite Sydney crowds
For me, the biggest draw is Costa. He’s played at the highest level in Germany and Italy with Bayern and Juventus, so what a massive coup he is for Sydney FC. When Del Piero played for Sydney there was so much flare in the team – it was an exciting time and there was a terrific atmosphere, and I believe those times can return.

Last season their top scorers were Joe Lolley and Fabio (who’s now left) on 11 goals, but I think that number will be higher this time as Costa will create numerous chances. Defensively, they need to stay solid, which will be a big challenge, but I expect them to be fighting for titles this season.

Across the city, Juan Mata has signed for Western Sydney Wanderers. He’s had a great career but hasn’t played too much in recent seasons, so staying fit will be key. However, his experience will be invaluable, and I hope he gets enough game time to show his quality.

Melbourne giants aiming high
It was strange to see Melbourne City struggle last season, finishing sixth after winning the three previous league titles. For such a successful club, there’s always going to be pressure, but I see them being back up near the top again. They must replace Jamie Maclaren’s goals after he left in the off-season, but Marco Tilio will be key going forward and I’m expecting to see some exciting. youth players come through, while they also have a lot of quality experienced players.

After finishing third last season then losing the Grand Final, manager Tony Popovic left Melbourne Victory and has been replaced by former Melbourne City boss Patrick Kisnorbo. It’s a tough job at Victory but Kisnorbo won titles at City and I think he will aim for at least the top four. Winger Nishan Velupillay, who recently scored his first Australia goal, is my one to watch and I’m sure Bruno Fornaroli will keep banging the goals in.

Mariners to challenge, Jets target top six
Central Coast Mariners may not have the marquee players that some of the others do, but they’re well organised, disciplined and execute their game plan so efficiently.

Last season they conceded just 27 goals in 27 league games to win the league and then claim their second successive Grand Final after beating Melbourne Victory, so manager Mark Jackson deserves huge credit. They may not score too many, but they know how to defend so when they get a lead they more often than not hold on to it. And in Brazilian midfielder Mikael Doka, they boast one of the best players in the league, as well as striker Alou Kuol who will hope to be their biggest threat up front.

As for the Mariners’ big rivals, my former side Newcastle Jets, it’s going to be tough again. They don’t have the financial backing so struggle to attract the best players which leaves them relying on youth. The fans will get behind them though, and I think there is a small chance they can sneak into the top six.
Best of the rest
Auckland FC are the new side in the league, and I see them being the surprise package. They’re managed by my former teammate Steve Corica, who knows the league so well, and have signed ex-Japan international defender Hiroki Sakai who has great experience in Europe. Other teams won’t know what to expect from them, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see them near the top.

In the end, I’m tipping Melbourne City to win the league, with Central Coast Mariners and Sydney pushing them close. And I think the Mariners might just come out on top again in the Grand Final to make it three in a row!

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