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2026 Australia Cup final rounds thread

Beretta said:
it wasnt a problem when the Australia cup started around 2014? There wasnt as many "cupsets" as there is now.

thats because the quality of the A-league isnt as what it once was, more youthful teams, no marquees etc and the NPL has managed to close that gap.

It's professional footballers vs semi professional footballers, the cupsets should be rare or a one off.
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The broadcasters want 'cupsets''.

Back in 2014 the ALM started a week earlier and the R32 of the cup started later on 29/7 not 14/7. i.e the ALM teams are now 3 weeks earlier in their preparations for the main season with many just starting their recruiting. Go back to the same schedule and i suspect "cupsets" would be less likely

Needs a rethink if you want a more realistic take on the various levels. Of course professionals will be stronger. But many semi-pros choose to be just that so that they can continue in their profession.
 
I suspect Adelaide have started pre season earlier than the other A league teams because of the ACL game they have in early August, so we will probably get mauled next week.
 
southmelb said:
I suspect Adelaide have started pre season earlier than the other A league teams because of the ACL game they have in early August, so we will probably get mauled next week.
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I think we started around the same time as everyone else. We’ve only played two friendlies so far, one was against a State League One side and the other was a 75 mins game against Playford.

We probably will be underdone but we still have most of our squad from last season.
 
patjennings said:
Back in 2014 the ALM started a week earlier and the R32 of the cup started later on 29/7 not 14/7. i.e the ALM teams are now 3 weeks earlier in their preparations for the main season with many just starting their recruiting. Go back to the same schedule and i suspect "cupsets" would be less likely
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This. years ago people were crying because they were getting pumped by a-league teams saying its unfair. Now they change it and suddenly a-league sucks lol

any NPl side from Vic or NSW (and a handful from other states) playing against an a-league side now should be drawing at minimum.
 
Yep ither either eh tsf.
It will always be unbalanced.
Closed comp Pros out of lonnng season and semi pros in season.
It will Never get balanced as is period though I think fair enough semi pro has the advantage for the spirit of the game otherwise who really would gaf from NPL perspective.
I sure wouldn’t.
Either correct the code properly or stfu I reckon.
 
Beretta said:
The Sydney kids have been good in the NPL this season, currently sitting 6th, their highest ever finish, so far.

So this result wasn't a surprise tbh.
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Except it wasn’t the NPL youth team. Nine first team players started including seven who played in the grand final.
 
plfc47fan said:
Just as an FYI to South fans, this Bonada "loan" is structured as such as to ensure that Bonada's visa situation is passed on to Preston and as safety net that om case this doesn't go through he will probably return to South. Unlikely though IMO, I see Bonada as being a perm transfer at the end of the year
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I cannot see Bonada returning to South and assume he will stay at Preston permanently.

He has transformed your forward line. Our stupidity is Preston's gain.
 
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