Leckie and Behich are of the same ilk. I'm so glad they both scored crucial goals. Leckie was so tiresome with no end product. I get workload is an important factor but those who are better on the ball and at scoring are needed.
Well given that JBos and Farrell were injured for the last window and KBos was only starting to emerge, there weren't many options. Currently all three are training and I presume that so is Behich although I suspect he is being managed due to his age. If the Bosses and Farrel stay injury free and are getting game time, I cannot see Behich making the squad. Otherwise, he could well be as I can't think of another LB being at that level.
You are correct.
I don't think that's any reason to freeze Victoria out of National Team games.
Elder remains really unlucky not to have featured more.
Another issue that kept rejuvenation out was Arnold playing Rowles at left back. He didn't do poorly but it kept the next gen at bay. Iredale has since become much more of a LCB. Gersbach is handy but isn't being considered.
I live in QLD and have for awhile. Grew up in Vic. I think there is a dislike from quite a few. You get that tone to posts quite often.
Until someone can prove they are a better option ( which i don't think there is) Behich is number 1. Last world cup he was fantastic, this qualifying campaign he has been great and always solid. I don't get the notion just because someone is younger or has more promise gives them automatic team selection is wild. Now if Behich was underperforming that is a different answer
SOUTH Melbourne being a glaring omission eh?
Behich is a SAFE option, not a better one....
Watch the games and see how much Behich stifles attacks and loses duels. He's just lucky Bos and Farrell have been injured. This is the pitfall of leadership group immunity. Irvine and Behich needn't always start.
I do not dislike Victoria at all.
| Stadium | State | Needed | WC | Group | R16 | QF | SF | PO | Games | per State | % of games | per State | Seats | Per State | Per state |
| HBF | WA | Existing | 20500 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 8 | 12.50% | 12.50% | 164,000 | 164,000 | 6.98% | ||
| MRS | VIC | Existing | 30050 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 8 | 12.50% | 12.50% | 240,400 | 240,400 | 10.24% | ||
| Lang Park | QLD | Existing | 52500 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 9 | 17 | 14.06% | 26.56% | 472,500 | 672,500 | 28.64% | |
| Townsvile | QLD | Existing | 25000 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 12.50% | 200,000 | ||||||
| Coopers | SA | Existing | 16500 | 6 | 1 | 7 | 7 | 10.94% | 10.94% | 115,500 | 115,500 | 4.92% | |||
| Hobart | TAS | Build | 23000 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 8 | 12.50% | 12.50% | 184,000 | 184,000 | 7.84% | ||
| Newcastle | NSW | Existing | 34000 | 6 | 1 | 7 | 16 | 10.94% | 10.94% | 238,000 | 971,500 | 41.38% | |||
| Accor | NSW | Existing | 81500 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 9 | 14.06% | 14.06% | 733,500 | ||||
| 48 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 64 | 64 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 2,347,900 | 2,347,900 | 100.00% |
I'm just going to leave it as we disagree on this one
I think Bos has the same problem when he plays from LB in that he more often than not cuts inside when coming from deep and upsets the midfield, At least in the Popa system he is better suited as he will always be further forward to start with. That said - so should Behich.
City group football.
Generally true. I felt Bos and Goodwin smothered each other at the Asian Cup. I don't recall the formation but Bos was great against South Korea.
I wonder if Bos and McGree would be a better combination. Bos providing the width. McGree inverting or dropping into midfield in that chasm we often have centrally.
Like Japan, it's not about having the players. The issue now is the right combinations for the system. Bos McGree would likely work well.
Ok - try them for the Docklands or the MCG for 6 or 8 weeks. 4 weeks before the tournament and 2 to 4 weeks of the tournament If you believe that they will allow access then you kidding yourself. Seriously though - if Melbourne continues without a proper stadium they are only cutting themselves out and will continue to complain that the FA is Sydney-centric. It may well be - but Melbourne are giving them no choice (and the AFL is already laughing at them).