Samuel Green

5 years ago

Wellington’s cheeky response to Western United FC’s classy act

The Hyundai A-League may have seen some heroic moments on the field during Round 1 but now it’s time to catch up with all of the action on social media.

We cover everything which may have flown under the radar around the Hyundai A-League as 10 our 11 teams got their season’s under way.

Here’s the moments you may have missed from Round 1.

Featured image courtesy of Western United on Twitter

Perfectly-timed photo on Rudan’s return

Former Wellington Phoenix coach Mark Rudan admitted in advance of Western United’s first ever Hyundai A-League match that he expected a frosty reception when he returned to New Zealand.

And, his facial expression in this image looked to be perfectly-timed! 

Mark Rudan on his return to Wellington Phoenix

Western United building bridges

It was always unlikely that Rudan and company would make many new friends in the Kiwi capital as Western United kicked off their inaugural campaign with a historic 1-0 win.

The Victorians did their best to win over the Westpac Stadium cleaners by leaving the away change rooms spotless after Besart Berisha’s match-winner. 

A classy move like tidying up your own mess earns the newcomers some brownie points, although a humble brag on social media definitely takes a few of those away!

Wellington responded to their brand new rivals in the only way they could:

Where heroes are made

TEAM OF THE WEEK: Four Western United players in Round 1 XI
GALLERY: 20 defining images from the Hyundai A-League opening weekend 

Babbel plays a blinder

Speaking of classy, one man was out to impress as Western Sydney Wanderers strutted into Bankwest Stadium for the first time in the Hyundai A-League.

That man, was head coach Markus Babbel.

A eagle-eyed content producer from FOX Sports spotted exactly where the German tactician got  his inspiration — British crime drama, Peaky Blinders. 

The homecoming party was only just getting started when Babbel revealed his fresh swag. Mitch Duke’s double pumped up the volume and the captain led by example during the celebrations.

Check out Duke throwing his freshest shapes from an even jauntier angle…

For many, it’s time to leave a housewarming bash when somebody cracks the karaoke out. That must have been Daniel Georgievski’s fear when teammate Vedran Janjetovic grabbed the mic.

DEBUTS TO REMEMBER: The standout Round 1 displays from Hyundai A-League newcomers
NEWS: Outcome of independent Match Review Panel – Round 1, Hyundai A-League 2019/20

Watch Hyundai A-League Live and Free on ABC and iView

Silvera: young prospect turned coach?

Exciting Central Coast teenager Sam Silvera might still be perfecting his own game but it turns out his talent extends way beyond his explosive pace and tricky feet.

Central Coast keeper Mark Birighitti could not save the day for the Mariners in Western Sydney as Duke converted the match-winning penalty. 

If only Birighitti was able to see this new technique innovated by Perth Glory’s mascot, Rocco, he may have stood a chance.

The Glory’s season started on the front foot when Chris Ikonomidis fired Tony Popovic’s men ahead at HBF Park.

The Aussie attacker even stopped to enjoy an imaginary cuppa, although he was not the first goalscorer to put the kettle on.

Ola the TV reviewer

From a civilised celebration to a no nonsense reaction, Melbourne Victory’s captain Ola Toivonen was not mixing his words when asked about Mark Bosnich and Robbie Slater’s analysis.

What’s going on, Marco?

Maybe Toivonen got some of that course language from his head coach.

There was quite a barney going down on the Melbourne Victory touch line between Marco Kurz and City assitant Patrick Kisnorbo. Can you imagine what was being said here!?

HOW TO WATCH: Don’t miss a kick of Round 2
CATCH UP: Watch all the Mini Matches from Round 1

 

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