Another week, another Monday-evening time slot for the Jets. Has your columnist offended in a previous life?
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Fortunately there has been enough going on in the world of football to prompt some analysis.
If there is reincarnation, and punishment for sins committed in prior existence, the ringleaders of the proposed European Super League are surely facing "the next phase" with a large dollop of trepidation, given their selfish attempt to hijack an even bigger slice of the massive football revenue pie.
Regardless of the fact that the concept folded faster than Mal Meninga's political career, and all potential rebels were accepted back into the various folds without official sanction, what the hell were the powerbrokers thinking?
"About making themselves richer, Lowey," you reply with incredulity and haste in equal measure. And of course that is correct. The lack of consideration for colleagues, for fans, for the livelihoods of countless thousands of others who love the game just as much, if not more, is the thing that astounded most.
The condemnation was instantaneous, wide-reaching, and scathing, and the fans were quick to remind the "suits" just who owns the game. Perhaps during 15 or so COVID-ravaged months, where empty stadiums became the norm, some perspectives were clouded, and distorted?
The cat is well and truly back in the bag, perhaps in a jointly sponsored FIFA and UEFA straitjacket as well, and the eyes of those in football governance surely on high alert.
Well it wouldn't happen here, would it? If only we could ask Kerry, Rupert and Arko!
To be fair in those cases, players benefited across a wide spectrum, in time, and saw full-time careers evolve in this nation's major codes, as well as providing great TV content. The VFL went to AFL in that era as well, and our sportspeople became full-time professionals.
Some could point to the beginning of the A- League, as a time when some very proud clubs were almost euthanised in an attempt to de-ethnasise and de-politicise the code's premier competition. Many devoted football lovers felt disenfranchised from the sport they had been immersed in all their lives, but the demise of some came in the interests of broadening its appeal by enacting the recommendations of a government commissioned, independent inquiry.
Whether all facets of the change have been a success is open to debate, but no one can deny, I think, that players aren't better treated, remunerated and represented than they were in the days of olde.
A change with noble intent, but mixed results perhaps? A far cry from the aim of the renegade brigade in plush boardrooms across Europe in recent days, anyhow.
Back to reality now, and the Jets face a difficult week. Western United last night, then Melbourne City on a short back-up Thursday, both in Victoria, in their quest to avoid the wooden spoon.
Craig Deans may have some reinforcements back to strengthen the squad, and with draws in their past two matches, confidence has been restored somewhat.
Recent results across the competition have made tipping a health hazard, with a lot of late, late twists, goals beyond the 95-minute mark, and few dominant performances.
I'm hoping the Jets play well in both fixtures, get at least one clean sheet, and their share of luck. They will provide the requisite effort and endeavour.
The title is well and truly up for grab, as indeed are several top six positions, and though the Jets won't be featuring, for the kinda neutral, the finish should be interesting and exciting. But for the record, Sydney FC will beat Melbourne City in the grand final courtesy of a goal from Adam le Fondre!
You heard it here on April 27.