On Friday, a new chapter of the Australian League is ushered in. Melbourne City lost the title for the second consecutive year after last season's glory, but unexpectedly lost to the Mid Coast Mariners in the playoff final. However, this season, they vowed to make a comeback, and with the rise of strong teams such as the Central Coast Mariners, FC Sydney and Adelaide United, the battle for the title is getting hotter and hotter.
● Upgraded lineup and unabated ambition to win the title
Melbourne City dominated the regular season last season, but lost 1-6 to the Central Coast Mariners in the playoff final. This summer, the team has actively attracted reinforcements, bringing in wing forward Rio Nadir from the Barclays Premier League and signing former Udinese midfielder Torquay Aslan, which has greatly increased their strength, and they are aiming to win both the regular season and the playoffs in the new season. Melbourne City (last season's regular season ranking: 1)
● With the Major at the helm, the future is a mystery
Although the Mid Coast Mariners won the championship last season, Nicky Montgomery suddenly left the team, and the team urgently hired England's young manager Mike Jackson. The 46-year-old coach has only served as the leader of Leeds United U23 and Milton Keynes, and it is doubtful whether he can maintain the team's good performance. Central Coast Mariners (last season's regular season ranking: 2)
:: The strength of the famous youth training school is extraordinary
Adelaide United signed England's Ryan Tuan Nikifu, a 30-year-old midfielder who comes from Manchester United's youth system and has a lot of experience. Together with the retained starters Chavez Rubis, Yosi Ibusuki and Clough, the team's overall strength has been steadily improving. Adelaide United (last season's regular season ranking: 3)
:: Aim higher with new recruits
Western Sydney Wanderers kept their goal scorer Banton Boriello and signed Swedish striker Magus Andersen from Saudi Arabia United, whose performance in the AFC Cup was impressive. With the solid performance of goalkeeper Laurence Thomas, the team is expected to make a step up in the new season. Western Sydney Wanderers (last season's regular season ranking: 4)
●The firepower is not diminished, the challenger should not be underestimated
FC Sydney has lost midfielder Anthony Kasharis and goal scorer Fonzou, but with the loan of center forward Fabio Gomes, whose AFC Cup performance was eye-catching, the team still possesses a strong attacking force.FC Sydney (last season's regular season ranking: 5)
:: The starter is sitting pretty and is solidly in place
Wellington Phoenix, under the leadership of new manager Idalianu, have made few changes to their lineup, with players such as starters Oscar Sahuada, Babaloussis and Clariff still in the lineup, keeping their strength intact. Wellington Phoenix (last season regular season ranking: 6)
:: Inactive troop reinforcements, a worrisome prospect
Western Union, coached by Australian star Ailes, signed Daniel Peña from Korea this summer, but has not made any active reinforcements for the time being. With the retirement of Italian veteran Diavendi, the team's prospect is not optimistic. Western Union (last season's regular season ranking: 7)
● Former teaching assistants take over and adapt quickly
The Brisbane Lions have brought in former assistant coach Ross Ayres to take over as head coach. He is familiar with the team's operations and is expected to adapt quickly and identify the team's shortcomings for improvement. Brisbane Lions (last season's regular season ranking: 8)
:: Financial difficulties and change of commanders, the future is not clear
Perth Glory changed management at the end of last season and was plagued by financial troubles, failing to make any significant reinforcements. The performance of striker Adam Taggart will determine whether the team can enter the playoffs or not. Perth Glory (last season's regular season ranking: 9)
:: Top scorer leaves, firepower compromised
With the departure of Newcastle Jets' top scorers Mikodadis and Suderio, the team's offense has been greatly affected. Despite the signing of midfielder Jaime Becomea, the attacking end may not be improved. Newcastle Jets (last season's regular season ranking: 10)
:: Powerful new recruits with a promising future
Melbourne Victory signed French midfielder Machage, who has played for Toulouse, Marseille and Napoli, and his strength is not bad. Whether he can save the team remains to be seen. Melbourne Victory (last season regular season ranking: 11)
● Xie Ming integrates quickly, the key is in the data
