Future All Stars and club friendlies discussion thread

[HonestSpursFan]

Since the Sydney Super Cup and Calcio Italiano are now done I thought I might make a new thread for discussing potential future matches.

Personally I think the All Stars game is a great idea and should be an annual thing rather than biannual for both the men’s and women’s teams (maybe even as a double header). A lot of other leagues in Asia and North America do them as well.

Any thoughts on potential new friendlies or teams we should bring down?

 

[melbcityguy]

I'm sort of undecided on the concept. I don't think a allstar team really works in football because there's a lot of tactics and things that make a team click.

But picking a team of superstars is always going to be fun for fans

 

[HonestSpursFan]

I'm sort of undecided on the concept. I don't think a allstar team really works in football because there's a lot of tactics and things that make a team click.

But picking a team of superstars is always going to be fun for fans

It definitely gives the other team an advantage unfortunately but I think it’s good to showcase the league. I really hope at least 10% of the fans that don’t watch the A-League that went to watch Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle in the past three games will come and watch the A-League next season. Same goes for the ones who watched Chelsea and Spurs.

 

[melbcityguy]

It definitely gives the other team an advantage unfortunately but I think it’s good to showcase the league. I really hope at least 10% of the fans that don’t watch the A-League that went to watch Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle in the past three games will come and watch the A-League next season. Same goes for the ones who watched Chelsea and Spurs.

Ah you sound like me ten years full of hope excited for the next day. Sorry you're an Australian football fan unfortunately it doesn't all happen

 

[LFC]

It's just a meh fake maccas kind of promo concept - All Stars <<< like seriously ? who are they here that are generally known.
Like its just a wank gimmick barring for the event goers who will NEVER or lets say highly unlikely be converted - just a $ spinna.
Football followers are not into this unless as you see Spurs V Chelsea etc - least your seeing known Club and a mix of their players most only see on TV.....
The Super Cup tended to grab enthusiast's notice - but I'd sit back on your chair thinking it contributes much to the local game - its just a good night out for those paying for the privilege.

 

[HonestSpursFan]

It's just a meh fake maccas kind of promo concept - All Stars <<< like seriously ? who are they here that are generally known.

Anyone who follows the A-Leagues would know the players in the All Stars teams. Similarly, nobody who follows rugby league is going "Who's that?" when the Origin squads are dropped.

 

[LFC]

Comparing numbers of invested SOO supporters re Origin (massive support) to All Stars is chalk and cheese - besides bet heaps of AL supporters don't bother going to the concept - maybe more re the W side of the ledger compared to M's.
You know what you maybe onto something considering the general Aussie is into/indoctrinated re "finals" SOO type of events.
Heck we had to introduce Finals for our football to be with the crowd.
A SOO football Cup may gain some traction considering the mindset here.
Thats it done - no need for more Euro club visits - run a Football SOO Cup between your long offseason.

 

[libelous]

Comparing numbers of invested SOO supporters re Origin (massive support) to All Stars is chalk and cheese - besides bet heaps of AL supporters don't bother going to the concept - maybe more re the W side of the ledger compared to M's.
You know what you maybe onto something considering the general Aussie is into/indoctrinated re "finals" SOO type of events.
Heck we had to introduce Finals for our football to be with the crowd.
A SOO football Cup may gain some traction considering the mindset here.
Thats it done - no need for more Euro club visits - run a Football SOO Cup between your long offseason.

‘Think global, act local’ as they say.

 

[HonestSpursFan]

A SOO football Cup may gain some traction considering the mindset here.
Thats it done - no need for more Euro club visits - run a Football SOO Cup between your long offseason.

I have actually suggested this before. I’d be interested to see it happen. The only questions relate to how it would work:

• Would it be entirely A-League players or would eligible players overseas also be allowed? Would dual internationals be allowed, e.g. could Lachie Bayliss (born in Darwin) play for the NT despite being an All White?
• What would be the eligibility requirements? If someone lived their whole life in one state/territory but was born in another (or overseas) would they be eligible?
• What would the format be? Round-robin? Double round-robin (like Sheffield Shield)? Would the team that tops the table win the title or would it be decided by a final at a neutral venue?
• Would New Zealand be included?

But yeah I do think it would be a good idea to get some attention to the game. Vanuatu has a Province of Origin soccer comp so I’m sure we could do the same with State/Territory of Origin.

Also, I know it’s not the same but the Spanish autonomous communities have their own teams, which while not FIFA or UEFA members (since they’re organised by their regional subfederation which is affiliated with the RFEF) have competed against both other regional teams and even senior national teams before (Catalonia most recently played Costa Rica and Palestine in 2025 and have played teams like Argentina, Brazil and France; Barça’s Joan García played against Costa Rica and won the World Cup with Spain).

 

[libelous]

I have actually suggested this before. I’d be interested to see it happen. The only questions relate to how it would work:

• Would it be entirely A-League players or would eligible players overseas also be allowed? Would dual internationals be allowed, e.g. could Lachie Bayliss (born in Darwin) play for the NT despite being an All White?
• What would be the eligibility requirements? If someone lived their whole life in one state/territory but was born in another (or overseas) would they be eligible?
• What would the format be? Round-robin? Double round-robin (like Sheffield Shield)? Would the team that tops the table win the title or would it be decided by a final at a neutral venue?
• Would New Zealand be included?

But yeah I do think it would be a good idea to get some attention to the game. Vanuatu has a Province of Origin soccer comp so I’m sure we could do the same with State/Territory of Origin.

Also, I know it’s not the same but the Spanish autonomous communities have their own teams, which while not FIFA or UEFA members (since they’re organised by their regional subfederation which is affiliated with the RFEF) have competed against both other regional teams and even senior national teams before (Catalonia most recently played Costa Rica and Palestine in 2025 and have played teams like Argentina, Brazil and France; Barça’s Joan García played against Costa Rica and won the World Cup with Spain).

Gawd I hate gimmicks but if it helps I guess.

 

[BA81]

Since the Sydney Super Cup and Calcio Italiano are now done I thought I might make a new thread for discussing potential future matches.

Personally I think the All Stars game is a great idea and should be an annual thing rather than biannual for both the men’s and women’s teams (maybe even as a double header). A lot of other leagues in Asia and North America do them as well.

Any thoughts on potential new friendlies or teams we should bring down?

As I’ve said in the past, I’m not in favour of a A-League State of Origin comp(it’d be completely unworkable anyway) but am for an A-League All-Star Game between a Locals XI & a Visa-Players XI in years when there’s enough of the latter(not least of all, GKs) to make up a whole squad, and o/s sides for whatever reason can’t be enticed to come here.