The Finals: Fans’ Say

We put the call out to Hyundai A-League fans watching their clubs in the finals series to have their say. Here are just a few of the responses of how they hope their team will go…

We put the call out to Hyundai A-League fans watching their clubs in the finals series to have their say. Here are just a few of the responses of how they hope their team will go…

Nathan Peach
This year is the same as last year – a poor record against Brisbane means that, as usual, the Mariners are unlikely to host the grand final. Though the team spirit is at an all time high, after a very hard couple of months due to a hectic schedule and players leaving the club, along with the insecure financial status.

Prediction for the Grand Final? If the Mariners can get the better of the Roar in the major semi, there is no reason why the Mariners can’t get rid of the grand final demons and secure the toilet seat.

Andrew Voerman, 20, Auckland, NZ
The Phoenix have a very good chance of winning this weekend, at home against Sydney FC.

With this being the first home finals game in two years, the people of Wellington and the Yellow Fever should rise to the occasion, and when they do, the players will be eager to reward them.

Given their recent shaky form, the game could begin as a very tense encounter, but look for the Phoenix to eventually post their fourth win over Sydney FC this season, albeit by a narrow margin.

Prediction for the Grand Final? My heart says the Phoenix beat Brisbane 1-0; my head says Brisbane beat Perth 2-1.

Teena, 50, from Woy Woy, NSW
I feel that this week, the Mariners will draw with Brisbane Roar, as it is an away game, and both sides have an ACL match during the week. The Mariners will want the away goals, but I feel Brisbane will match them.

Honestly I think the Mariners will struggle, due to the demands of the ACL,. But you can never rule the them out, they have in inner strength and fight to survive mentality.

Prediction for the Grand Final? I would like to see Mariners and Glory in the Grand final. I believe that Mariners will beat Roar this year, and also feel Glory will beat them.

I would like to say the Mariners will win the Grand Final, but sadly they seemed so jinxed and it doesn’t seem their destiny. With that in mind, I believe Glory will win.

Timothy Fisher, 17, Midland, WA
I Support the One and Only – Perth Glory, of course. I think the chances for Glory of winning this weekend are very high. Perth are the form team in the competition right now and we play very well at home and with a big crowd there to help the team they will get over the line.

The opportunity for Perth to play and possibly win a final here in Perth would be great for the club, and I believe that we are capable of making the Season Decider, and maybe winning it.

Prediction for the Grand Final? Brisbane Roar vs. Perth Glory. I believe the score line will be 2-2 (4-3) on penalties to the Roar

Conor McNeish, 17, Brisbane
I Support Brisbane Roar – COME ON THE ROAR!! I think we have a great chance against the Mariners this weekend, as was proved last season and this season. As long as our players keep focused and don’t get lazy then I’m confident of a result.

It was proved throughout this season that Brisbane can play great football – it’s just a matter of getting our rhythm and playing with the fluency that Ange has brought to the side.

Obviously we’re not the same team as last season with Matt McKay & Kosta Barbarouses gone but we acquired extremely capable players to fill those positions with Issey Nakajima-Farran & Besart Berisha, as well as the emergence of Mitch Nichols.

It has been clear that we’re definitely the team that everyone is scared of. It’ll definitely be a tough ask to win the finals series but I definitely think we’re capable.

Prediction for the Grand Final? Brisbane Roar v Central Coast at Suncorp, a repeat of last season please.