The business end of the Hyundai A-League season kicks-off this weekend when the 2009 Finals Series gets underway courtesy of FOXTEL.
Central Coast Mariners meet Queensland Roar in the minor semi-final at Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford, on Friday while Adelaide United host Melbourne Victory at Adelaide’s Hindmarsh Stadium on Saturday.
“We’re expecting six very exciting matches from these four teams,” said Football Federation Australia (FFA) CEO, Ben Buckley.
“Between them, they have scored 141 goals games this season at more than 3.3 goals per game so I am sure all fans will be hoping for more of the same.”
Buckley said that the Finals Series culminates with the Hyundai A-League 2009 Grand Final on Saturday 28 February and a substantial prize on offer.
“The champions gain entry in the 2010 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League along with premiers Melbourne Victory,” Buckley said.
“Adelaide United showed in 2008 just how exciting the AFC Champions League is and it’s a great incentive for players, clubs and their fans – along with the thrill of winning!”
Melbourne Victory coach, Ernie Merrick, agreed.
“We’re hoping to make it a perfect record in 2008/09 after already winning the Pre-Season Cup and the Premiers Plate.
“But the ultimate prize is the championship and we enjoy the pressure of the competition,” Merrick said.
Queensland Roar coach, Frank Farina, believes form leading into the Finals Series is meaningless.
“It counts for virtually nothing in the finals,” Farina said.
“It’s whether you turn up in the next 3-4 weeks with your ‘A’ game that counts.”
Lawrie McKinna, coach of Central Coast Mariners, agrees.
“There’s two games to get through and, if you do, there’s a one-off. And then if you get through that, there’s another one-off.
“You need to play the perfect match three to four times,” added McKinna.
Aurelio Vidmar, Adelaide United coach, believes that any team could win the title.
“It’s going to be tough, it’s going to be exciting. On the day I think anyone can win it.”
Tickets for the Hyundai A-League Finals Series are available from Ticketek. All games will be broadcast live and exclusive on FOX SPORTS.
Hyundai A-League 2009 Semi Finals – 1st Leg
Minor Semi Final: Friday 6 February – Central Coast Mariners v Queensland Roar – Bluetongue Stadium, kick off 8.00pm AEDT
Major Semi Final: Saturday 7 February – Adelaide United v Melbourne Victory – Hindmarsh Stadium, kick off 6.30pm local time (7.00pm AEDT)
Hyundai A-League 2009 Semi Finals – 2nd Leg
Minor Semi Final: Friday 13 February – Queensland Roar v Central Coast Mariners -Suncorp Stadium, kick off 7.30pm local time (8.30pm AEDT)
Major Semi Final: Saturday 14 February – Melbourne Victory v Adelaide United – Telstra Dome, kick off 7.30pm AEDT
Click here for all your Ticketing information
FOX SPORTS will broadcast every Hyundai A-League 2009 Finals Series match live and exclusive.
