VPL Round Three Preview
http://www.footballfedvic.com.au/index.php?id=17&tx_ttnews%5Byear%5D=2013&tx_ttnews%5Bmonth%5D=04&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=1089&cHash=4d001dc91c3c81b69a8d8c6baf5fd10f
Milligan to Captain Victory
Photo: Zee Ko
Mark Milligan has been announced as Melbourne Victory’s new captain ahead of the 2013-14 A-League season.
The defensive midfielder will succeed former skipper Adrian Leijer as the club’s third captain since their inaugural campaign in 2005-06.
“To be able to lead this team this year is obviously a great privilege,” Milligan said.
“Its definitely a challenge for me this year to set my game up and to take the team [onto a successful season].
“Last season we fell short of what we aimed for, this year we really want to create that winning culture.”
Coach Ange Postecoglou explained that he believed the captaincy was new way to challenge Milligan to take his game to another level.
“[This is] a challenge to Mark, who had an outstanding year last year and is someone who I believe has a lot more in him. I think the responsibility of leading our club will hopefully take his game to another level.”
The 28-year-old Socceroos midfielder was close to signing with English Premier League outfit Crystal Palace in a deal reportedly worth $1.5 million, but left the decision in Victory’s hands.
“Throughout the whole negotiations it was made clear from a very young age that I’ve wanted to go to the Premier League and play,“ Milligan said.
“We were all very open with each other and a lot of discussions took place on it and at no stage did I want the club to short change themselves.
“The final decision was left with Melbourne and the outcome is what the outcome is. I’ve made it publically known that I‘m very happy here and my family is very happy here.”
Postecoglou confirmed last week that Adrian Leijer would be stripped of the captaincy in order for the centre half to focus on his on-field performances.
“Adrian Leijer was the skipper through some pretty tough times at this football club… the challenge for him now is to take his to take his football ot another level and play the best football of his career.”
Leigh Broxham had been wearing the armband throughout pre-season while Milligan was on international duty, including the friendly against Liverpool at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in front of a crowd of 95 000.
Milligan however is a chance to miss the opening round of the season against hometown rivals Melbourne Heart at Etihad Stadium on October 12th due to an international friendly fixtured against France that weekend.
Aside from the appointment as Victory captain, Milligan has had previous experience leading former club Sydney FC on a few occasions as well as at international level with the Ollyroos.
Milligan joined Victory in 2012 on loan from Japanese side JEF United Chiba before signing a three-year contract later that year.
Thompson Admits Fixture Dilemma
Photo: Zee Ko
Archie Thompson will be forced to face the age old club versus country debate ahead of the opening game of the A-League season with Australia scheduled to play an international friendly against France a day before Victory’s first game of the 2013/14 campaign at home to cross-town rivals Melbourne Heart.
With the derby scheduled at Etihad Stadium (October 12, 7.30pm AEDT), a crowd upwards of 50,000 should be expected, as former Victory player Harry Kewell returns in a red and white jersey.
Fellow team mate Mark Milligan is also a chance to join Thompson in Paris for the friendly on October 11th (October 12, 6.00am AEDT), with the duo regularly featuring in Holger Osieck’s squad over the past years.
Milligan and Thompson both missed Victory’s glamour friendly against English giants Liverpool at the MCG in front of a 95,000 plus crowd due to their Socceroos commitments at the East Asian Cup and the forward made it clear that he was not looking forward to getting caught up in another club versus country debate.
“I got put on the spot a couple weeks ago,” Thompson said on Tuesday morning after training.
“Would you rather be playing Korea or would you rather be playing Liverpool?
“I tell you it wasn’t fun over there chasing the Koreans and the Japanese, and it looked fantastic over here [in Melbourne].”
“It’s a tough one. I’d obviously love to play and I’d love to be selected or be in contention [for the Socceroos]. We’ll see what happens but obviously I’d love to play against Heart.”
Thompson was open to suggestions that Osieck could restrict his friendly squad to overseas based players but admitted that he was looking to take every opportunity and make a case for selection ahead of the World Cup in Brazil next year.
“I want to be part of every Socceroos game, because it’s a World Cup year,” he said.
“You always got to put your hand up as available whether it be first game of the season, the big Melbourne Heart Derby. You’re going to sometimes miss big games like these, but like I said it’s the World Cup, you want to be a part of everything.”
Thompson has had a busy schedule over recent months attending numerous training camps and international trips with the Socceroos but the veteran is content with his work rate during off season.
“It’s been pretty hectic the last two-three months, but I wouldn’t change it. If it can be like it has been for the next three months, for the next couple years I’ll do it. I’ve had so many highs these last couple of months,” he said.
With the A-League season commencing in just over a months’ time, Thompson also admitted his delight with the progress many of Victory’s young players were making and seemed confident that the title was very much within reach, despite the departure of key players including Billy Celeski, Marco Rojas and Marcos Flores.
“It’s exciting… Everyone is itching to get out there, each season seems to be improving and this one again I think will be another special one,” he said.
“Everyone is a good spot and everyone is progressing nicely. Kosta [Barbarouses] has come in, a couple young guys are starting to put their hands up and if you look at the friendly against Liverpool, the young players there were fantastic, I think we’ve got plenty of depth and good young talent.”
With the competition of players emerging Thompson noted that it was “tough for positions, we got Kosta, Connor [Pain], [Andrew] Nabbout, and we got Gui [Finkler] coming back [from injury] and Jesse Makarounas.”
“I’m happy to play any role, I’ve played out wide and had a lot of success out there and slotted into a middle role and had a big impact there,” he said.
BECKS CALLS IT QUITS
England and World footballs golden boy, David Beckham announced on Friday morning that he will hang up the boots at the end of the season after a glamorous career.
The 38 year old former England captain won 19 major titles throughout his illustrious career, becoming the first Englishman to win four league titles in four separate countries, as well as representing England 115 times in three consecutive World Cups.
Beckham announced on his Facebook page that “I’m thankful to PSG for giving me the opportunity to continue but I feel now is the right time to finish my career” sparking an inflow of tributes.
Beginning his career at Manchester United as a 16 year old would-be, Beckham made his first team appearance for the club he supported as a boy at the age of 17 in 1992, graduating out the famous class of 93 squad and going on to have one of the most successful careers of all time.
“If you had told me as a young boy I would have played for and won trophies with my boyhood club Manchester United, proudly captained and played for my country over one hundred times and lined up for some of the biggest clubs in the world, I would have told you it was a fantasy.”
Beckham’s trademark free kicks and accurate crosses asserted himself as a first team player in the 94/95 campaign and the following season publicized himself as a superstar due to a superb goal from half way against Wimbledon leading into what would become United’s most successful era.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKqqkW3ymxs
For the remainder of his United career, Beckham would go onto win six Premier League titles, four Community Shields, two FA Cups and one Champions League title with the highlight of coming from the famous 1999 treble winning season.
However in 2003 after a well-publicised dispute with boss Sir Alex Ferguson, allegedly having a boot kicked at him, Beck’s broke the hearts of millions of United fans, signing for Real Madrid for £25 million.
Playing alongside footballing royalty with the likes of Zinedine Zane and Ronaldo, the Spanish giants, went through three trophy-less seasons before winning the La Liga crown in 2007.
The following season, Beckham joined MLS club LA Galaxy in an attempt to promote football within the States in a deal reportedly worth £128m, incorporating salary, sponsorship contracts, merchandising, shirt sales and a portion of club revenues.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6QyPrwDwko
During the MLS offseason, Beckham was loaned out twice to Italian heavy weights AC Milan, winning the Serie A title and notably returning to old Trafford for the first time since 2003 in a Champions League tie to the chorus of United fans chanting “sign him up”.
Having won 2 MLS Cups in his 5 years with LA, Beckham began the last leg of his career, joining French outfit Paris St-Germain as of January 2013, donating his wages to salary as an ambassador to UNICEF, concluding his career with the French Ligue 1 title.
Beckham became Englands most capped outfield player, representing the Three Lions 115 times stating “I knew every time I wore the Three Lions shirt, I was not only following in a long line of great players, I was also representing every fan that cared passionately about their country. I’m honoured to represent England both on and off the pitch.”
The boy from London announced himself on the international stage earning his first international cap on September 1, 1996 in a World Cup qualifier yet however after gaining a place in England’s 1998 World Cup squad, Beckham returned home in disgrace from France after being sent off against Argentina in the last 16, earning widespread condemnation from the tabloids.
“To this day, one of my proudest achievements is captaining my country,” in which he accomplished for the first time in 2000 and would go on to do so for an additional 58 occasions, earning redemption from English fans in 2001, by scoring a magnificent stoppage time free kick to send England into the 2002 World Cup finals.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0GESlaVNdE
He would go on to relinquish the captaincy in 2006 and play his last international game in 2009.
As well as his performance on the pitch, Beckham gained worldwide attention due to his trend setting haircuts and poster boy looks. Establishing a global brand in fashion and accessories, he was crucial as an ambassador for England gaining the 2012 London Olympic Games.
His relationship with Spice Girl Victoria Adams boosted his iconic image as the couple married in 1999 after two years of dating, becoming one of the world most notable couples as “Posh and Becks”.
Forbes Magazine estimates Beckham’s wealth at approximately $250 million courtesy of promotional deals with the likes of H&M, Adidas and Samsung, coming 8th in the magazine’s list of the World’s Highest Paid Athletes.
In the wake of Paul Scholes and Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, former United team-mate Gary Neville stated Beckham had been “the most influential player out of England in transforming football”, whilst former England Manager Sven-Goran remembered him as the “world’s biggest sports personality”.
Beckham concluded with; “Nothing will ever completely replace playing the game I love, however I feel like I’m starting a new adventure and I’m genuinely excited about what lies ahead. I’m fortunate to have been given many opportunities throughout my career and now I feel it’s my time to give back.”
David Beckham chats to former United team mate Gary Neville about his retirement http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aH76hBG3eyE
I was lucky enough to watch him play for LA Galaxy in 2011 and watch him train at Visy Park the day before. Personally, David Beckham was the first footballer I genuinely admired and was my first favourite footballer. Even though he left United I was always keeping a close eye on his performance and I’m glad he will be remembered as one of footballs best ever.
Key Stats
Height: 1.83 metres
Weight: 75 kg
Date of Birth: 02/05/1975
Age: 38
Place of Birth: Leytonstone (London)
Married to: Victoria (Posh Spice) with four children
Position: Midfielder
Clubs: Manchester United (1992-March 1995), Preston North End (Loan March-June 1995), Manchester United (July 1995-June 2003), Real Madrid (June 2003-August 2007), Los Angeles Galaxy (August 2007-Dec. 2008), AC Milan (Loan January 2009), Los Angeles Galaxy (July-December 2009), AC Milan (Loan January-June 2010), Los Angeles Galaxy (July 2010-December 2012), Paris Saint-Germain (January-May 2013)
International appearances for England: 115
International goals: 17
International debut: 01/09/1996, Moldova-England (0-3)
Last international appearance: 14/10/2009, England-Belarus (3-0)
522 career appearances
97 career goals
Saint Nick Dal Santo Discusses his Perspective on Performance Enhancing Drugs In the AFL
“I don’t think there’s any place for performance enhancing drugs in our game”.
Sean Ellicott
On Tuesday I was fortunate enough to interview three-time All-Australian St Kilda midfielder Nick Dal Santo in which he outlined his thoughts on the recent issue of performance enhancing drugs in the AFL.
Since February this year, the AFL has been involved in a well-publicised Australian Crime Commission investigation about the prominence of performance enhancing drugs in the code.
Particularly involving the Essendon Football Club, several Essendon players last season under an Australian Anti-Doping Agency (ASADA) report have allegedly been found guilty of containing anti-obesity drug AOD- 9604 in their system.
Former Essendon sport scientist Stephen Dank supposedly likewise supplied peptides to Essendon players last season from which he obtained off biochemist Shane Charter as released text messages between the pair suggest.
Dal Santo essentially delivered his anti-drugs stance stating “I don’t think there’s any place for performance enhancing drugs in our game”.
The following interview contains a present day AFL player’s perspective and understanding of the performance enhancing drugs saga currently engulfing the AFL.
Additionally Dal Santo explains how well players are educated about drugs, including his thoughts on the AFL’s drug policies and reveals the frequency of which AFL players are drug tested from personal experiences.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Do you believe there is an issue or problem with performance enhancing drugs in the AFL?
“I think generally there isn’t, if you had have asked me a couple of months ago before the Essendon scandal I would have said no not at all, I didn’t think there was any room in our game for recreational drugs or performance enhancing drugs. Obviously something is going on… but I definitely don’t think there is an issue. It might be an issue in one club at the moment, but I don’t think it’s widespread.”
How well-educated are players on the topic of performance enhancing drugs?
“Every year we sit down for an AFL meeting that they run in both regards to recreational and performance enhancing drugs, it’s thorough so we do understand the rules and we understand things like whatever you put into your own body is your own responsibility. I guess there is always room for improvement but the level that we know is definitely adequate.”
Obviously you are always told of what substances (vitamins etc.) that you are taking and going into your system?
“I do personally; we have two club doctors, three physios and we even have access to outside resources for more information. The advice that the give us each year is that if you don’t know what it is, you have the right to ask and they right to refuse as well, anything outside of that is your own doing and you can face the consequences.”
So you have full confidence in the St Kilda doctors and medical staff?
“Yeah I do… One thing I will say in regards to what the Essendon boys did; If I was a young kid and the club doctors said to take this and it’s all legit, I probably would have done it without asking any questions, particularly when you are younger, because you don’t know any other way. I think one of the things I’ve learnt from the Essendon stuff that’s come out is that you need to know everything that’s going on, being naïve isn’t an excuse, it never was, but I think it just probably reinforces that again.”
Could you see any justification as to why any AFL player would want to take performance enhancing drugs? For instance if they are a fringe player they would want to break into the first team or if they are an established player they want to keep their form.
“I can understand why they’d want to do it for those reasons but I don’t agree with it. I don’t think there’s any place for performance enhancing drugs in our game. I think one good thing about our game is that there are so many aspects you need to be good at; speed, endurance, agility that it would be difficult to take one particular drug to cover all those areas of the attributes you need to play AFL footy. I think there’s no excuse. I understand everyone is trying to get better and an edge but I don’t think drugs are definitely the way to go about it.”
Can you say how often you are drug tested?
“I’ve had periods randomly where I’ve had five in five weeks. I’ve never had a positive test; I don’t take drugs, so that’s pretty simple. That’s my general message, that if you don’t take drugs, you’ve got nothing to be worried about. But they (ASADA) do target tests, so if you’ve had a good year, for example if you make an All-Australian, they do target tests and I’ve had that a couple of times where I reckon I’ve had five in five weeks, but I’ve also had periods where I don’t reckon I’ve been drug tested for six to eight months…and it’s just random. I’ve got training tomorrow and I might turn up and their (ASADA Officials) there and they get five, six or eight names drawn out of a hat, it could be you, it could not be. I’ve been to recovery sessions offsite and they’ve been there. I’ve never been tested at home but I know boys have been. I’ve never been tested overseas even though they can, it’s completely random.”
Are their AFL officials or club officials that constantly update the players on what is happening?
“Not with the club…I think the AFL PA (Players Association) have been really diligent in informing players generally of what’s going on. They send emails and give updates, reinforcing the drug policy.”
If Essendon are found guilty do you think it is justified that the club should lose premiership points?
“I’m not sure. If they have been found to do something wrong then obviously something has to come of it, what that is I’m not really sure. I haven’t thought a great deal about it in regards to the penalties that they deserve because I don’t really know what they’ve done and the involvement of it all.”
If Jobe Watson were to lose his Brownlow Medal do you think that would be harsh as well?
“That’s a big call. Years ago when Ben Cousin won his Brownlow there was talk that when he was taking recreational drugs should he lose his Brownlow? I don’t know, it’s a huge call and I’m glad I’m not the one who has to make those decisions because it does have a big impact.”
Have you actually heard of the anti-obesity drug AOD-9604?
“No, still don’t have a clue what it means. Apparently it gives you a bit of a tan and apparently keeps your weight off, but never heard of it. I’ve never heard of any of those drugs.”
What are your thoughts on the three strikes policy?
“I’m about rehabilitation, I think there is a place for that if you haven’t leant your lesson than something needs to come of it and the three strikes are that. I support the AFL PA’s stance on people making mistakes and copping the consequences and out of that you do go through recovery and a program which I believe in. If you continually do it then something needs to happen, but I think three strikes is fine. I think the AFL is a really healthy place and the three strikes is a really good way to help players in opposed to banishing them.”
Have you spoken to any Essendon players about this recent issue? For example BJ (Brendon Goddard).
“To be completely honest I haven’t. I haven’t spoken to BJ a heap generally and I definitely haven’t asked him about this. It’s a delicate situation, even though they are the opposition you don’t like to see people getting written up in the paper every day and questioned and all those sort of things, so I’d never ask BJ about it.”
Finally I’d like to thank Nick Dal Santo for allowing me the opportunity for the interview, assiting my group for an assignment at uni and being so up front in providing an abundance of information, I can’t stress enough how much of a great bloke he is. Also massive thanks to Paul Santamaria for going through all the trouble to line up the interview.
PFA Team of the Year – Who Was Unlucky?
Sean Ellicott
This year’s announcement of the PFA 2012/2013 team of the year on Monday morning has seen many heads nodding in agreement or shaking in disbelief. The issue raised has been whether the PFA selected the English Premier league’s best team for the season or perhaps there are more worthy players for selection.
Although there were no obvious exclusions, each season there are always rumours circulating on whether certain players gained the nod over others largely based on which club they play for.
Champions United had four players selected in this season’s team which included 10 players making up the so called ‘big’ clubs in English football (Man Utd, Man City, Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal), with Everton’s Leighton Baines the only exception. Of course there are those selections that cannot be disputed which comprise the likes of Leighton Baines, PFA player of the year Gareth Bale, leading goal scorer Robin Van Persie and Juan Mata.
Gareth Bale has asserted himself in the same league as Cristiano Ronaldo and Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi scoring for fun with 19 goals this season to date with 8 assists, tearing up the left flank earning PFA player and young player of the year.
Manchester United’s signing of Robin Van Persie also proved to be the difference for United regaining the title off cross town rivals Manchester City.
The inclusion of Liverpool’s controversial Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez has stirred the largest debate. Clearly one of the best performers on the field scoring 23 times and having the most attempts on goal, Suarez’ name was booed as it was read out during the awards. The concern is whether Suarez should have been included on the back of receiving a 10 match ban for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic, and if performance in this case overlooks fair play.
Based on player performance indicaters and statistic, numerous players were stiff to miss out, particularly those from the not so privileged clubs battling relegation or consolidating a middle table finish. So let’s take a look at those who were deserved yet unlucky to not get the nod.
GOALKEEPERS:
Asmir Begovic (Stoke City)
The 1.95cm Bosnian isn’t linked to Manchester United for no reason. The Stoke City shot stopper had a fantastic campaign earning 12 clean sheets (1 more than De Gea) in 35 appearances. Unlike De Gea who has the joy of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic defending his goal, Begovic accumulated 63 more saves. An integral part of Stoke City’s defence, Begovic has conceded only 41 goals, the 6th least in the league, keeping the Potters well clear of a relegation battle.
Simon Mignolet (Sunderland)
Despite recently conceding 6 goals in a game to forget against a rampant Aston Villa, if it weren’t for Simon Mignolet’s 204 saves this season, Sunderland would be deep into the relegation zone. In his 35 appearances the Belgium international has kept 11 clean sheets conceding 51 goals, the third least of any team in the bottom half. The Black Cats keeper has pulled off some incredible saves this season and if Sunderland are to stay up, Mignolet should be the first to receive the praise.
DEFENDERS:
Phil Jagielka (Everton)
The England centre back has had a terrific 2012/2013 season, reinforced by Everton consolidating a Europa League spot. Continuing his form that saw him earn a place in England’s 2012 Euro squad, Jagielka was rewarded with a 2 year contract extension with the Toffies and earning 5 international caps this season. Jagielka has additionally attained 8 more appearances than Ferdinand this season, earning over 2 crucial interceptions per match.
Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea)
The big Serb has been a vital part of Chelsea’s back four, consistently performing in either a full back or centre half position. Involved in 11 clean sheets, Ivanovic has put in 41 clearances and 12 blocks on goal. Additionally moving forward with purpose, he has scored 5 goals this season, an invaluable attribute of a defenders game.
Ashley Williams (Swansea City)
One of the most underrated players in the league, surely if he played for one of the giants in English football Williams would have almost certainly gained a spot in this season’s team of the year. As also the Welsh captain, Williams has solidified himself as one of the most consistent players in the Premier League. An efficient defender, averaging only 1 foul per game, the Swansea centre half has been intricate towards 9 clean sheets this season, defending his goal with 50 clearances and 44 blocks.
MIDFIELDERS:
Possibly the only shining light in yet another trophy-less season for Arsene Wenger’s outfit, Cazorla a versatile winger or attacking midfielder has been clinical moving forward accumulating 12 goals, 9 assists and 32 crosses for the Gunners this season. One of the shortest players in the premier league, standing at a mere 1.65cm, Cazorla has continually dictated the rhythm of Arsenal’s game with his electrifying pace and creativity.
Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)
Liverpool’s forever reliable talisman could have possibly been a more attacking option that Michael Carrick in the holding midfield role. The Red’s captain has scored 9 goals from midfield this campaign, 13 assists and a massive 88 crosses into the penalty area from a central player. The England Captain yet again has proven to be one of the most consistent and potent players in the Premier League at the age of 32 with 35 appearances this season.
Miguel Michu (Swansea City)
Could have easily slotted into the wing for Eden Hazard or up front instead of Luis Suarez. Michael Laudrup’s £2 million signing has been comfortably the best buy of any player this season, returning over half a goal a game. Scoring most of his 17 goal haul from midfield, Michu’s contribution has been phenomenal for Swansea who has been voted Man of the Match on 5 occasions this season, assisting the Swans consolidate a top half finish.
FORWARDS:
Rickie Lambert (Southampton)
How is this man not playing for England? Named Championship player of the 2011/12 season, Lambert continued this form into his first season in the English Premier League. Lambert has been essential for Southampton comfortably earning another season in the top flight and avoiding a relegation battle, contributing with 14 goals and 9 assists, and sitting 7th in the Golden Boot standings.
Christian Benteke (Aston Villa)
Signed for what seems to be a cheap £7 million, the Belgium international has single-handedly kept Aston Villa from certain relegation. Benteke has had Villa fans singing his name with an outstanding assimilation into English football, with 2 braces and 1 hat trick to date. This one man band from Villa Park is currently coming fourth in the golden boot netting 18 goals and has proven to be one of the most dangerous forwards in the Premier League.
PFA TEAM OF THE YEAR
David de Gea (Manchester United);
Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City), Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), Leighton Baines (Everton);
Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Juan Mata (Chelsea), Gareth Bale (Tottenham), Eden Hazard (Chelsea);
Luis Suárez (Liverpool), Robin van Persie (Manchester United).
Feel free to have you say and comment:
Twitter List
TWITTER LIST!
Our twenty-first century society allows us to gain information and news as it happens only to be viewed from a click away.
The rapid increase of globalisation and the development of technology, explicitly via social media offer society realms of information via sites such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagra
m.
Especially when it comes to the world of sport we can ‘slide to unlock’ and gain information, scores and updates from the other side of the planet as it loads and refreshes before one’s eyes.
Sport is often noted to bring communities together despite age, ethnicity and religion. Often family gatherings such as weddings and parties leave supporters huddled around a phone constantly seeking live updates and scores in their absence from games.
Clubs and organisations seek to promote their brand via social media, utilizing these sites to deliver critical news and updates to their supporters and spectators. This allows the average Joe to obtain copious amounts of information, and of course portrays themselves as experts and hold bragging rights over others.
Twitter is a perfect example of this growth as social media slowly overtakes newspapers and television as a primary news source. With over 500 million tweeters, anyone can tweet, re-tweet and upload material for every one of their followers to see. As a studying journalist at La Trobe University, I have set to jump on the bandwagon and have fashioned a twitter account and a ‘list’ to essentially assist myself and others gather information for my blog.
This Twitter list I have initiated fundamentally reflects what my blog is about – Football. Specifically, the list covers football within Victoria from the semi-professional clubs in the Premier League to the state league local clubs, and also news from the national and international sphere.
So you football mad junkies can take a look at the list I have compiled below:
1. Football Victoria – @footballvic
The peak body for football within Victoria. This page is integral and one of the most important for my list as it provides scores, match information as well as news about football on a domestic level in Victoria.
2. ESPN Soccernet – @Soccernet
ESPN Soccernet will provide information about football news and stories from all over the world. This allows me to keep up to date with the latest in international football if I feel the need to post about it.
3. FIFA – @FIFAcom
The international governing football body. An essential for important dates, changes in rules, news and information about football and the politics of football on a global scale.
4. Football Chaos – @FootballChaos
Football Chaos covers local games within the Victorian state leagues providing videos of match highlights. This grants myself and others a visual insight of how the game is played in the amateur leagues and a fantastic opportunity for those to watch themselves play football.
5. Football Australia – @FFA
This is the official Twitter account of the governing body of football in Australia. As I would also like to write about the Socceroos I can rely upon this page to provide information about the national team as well as football on a national level.
6. Adam Peacock – @adampeacock3
Adam Peacock is a commentator on Fox Sports, specializing specifically in football. He is a regular tweeter which offers me regular updates for my page, especially for the a-league and English Premier League. Additionally he hosts a few shows on Fox Sport which contain numerous hash tags for others to join in on conversations and have their say.
7. The Corner Flag – @CornerFlagOz
The Corner Flag is an up and coming page that provides the latest news and information from the Victorian State Leagues. This will offer information about the heart of football in Victoria, the local and domestic leagues, essential to my blog as it is what I precisely desire to cover.
8. Zee Ko – @zeek297
Zee is a free lancing journalist and a colleague of mine as a match reporter for Football Federation Victoria. He specializes on woman’s football in Victoria and will provide excellent information about the local women’s leagues including match reports and an abundance of information.
9. Mark Bosnich – @TheRealBozza
A retired footballer who has played at the highest level for teams such as Manchester United and the Socceroos. Mark Bosnich is an analyst for Fox Sports, Matchday commentator and panellist whose expertise on the game always allows me to grasp a greater understanding of the game from the international elite level to grassroots non for profit factions.
10. MFootball – @melbfootball
MFootball (Melbourne Football) covers the sport in depth specifically within the city of Melbourne from the a-league teams (Victory & Heart) to the Victorian Premier League. This page is vital to my list as it provides additional graphics as team sheets and concentrated news and multimedia of football within Melbourne.
11. Fox Sports Football – @FOXFootballLive
Fox Sports Football is crucial as it delivers behind the scenes action, tweets from Fox Sports team commentators, feature articles from foxsports.com.au and the latest info on Fox Football shows.
12. Victorian Premier League – @FFV_VPL
Another important page for my list providing live updates from the Victorian Premier League as to which I am a match reporter for. As I am an admin for the Victorian Premier League on Facebook, any updates will also run via twitter.
Sandringham Impress In A Tidy Win Over Ashburton 07.04.2013
Sandringham Impress In A Tidy Win Over Ashburton
07.04.2013
Ashburton 0-2 Sandringham
Sean Ellicott 
Sandringham controlled most of the game scoring in the first half via a Nicola Prins strike. As the second half commenced Ashburton hampered the Sandringham goal only for Sandringham forward Emma Runnalls to add the second on 67 minutes to whether a fighting Ashburton and restore the away sides dominance.
Sandringham began the game dictating possession, moving the ball quickly, pressing upon shaky Ashburton defenders. Playing with the wind, Sandringham sought to exploit the opposition back four, opting to play long balls over the defence.
The first genuine attempt on goal came from Sandringham’s Eliza Gleadell in the 17th minute, delightfully controlling the ball with her chest on the edge of the penalty area and striking a first time volley towards Ingrid Philippe’s goal, only to sail over.
Moments later Sandringham forwards continued to pepper Ashburton’s goal as Philippe parried away a strong Stephanie Tanti strike with the resulting cross headed in by Runnells, nevertheless only to be ruled offside.
Sandringham, despite their dominance were inefficient in front of goal, having numerous shots sail wide or over the cross bar from promising positions.
The deadlock however was broken on 40 minutes with Tanti making an energetic run down the left wing; cutting back a pass to the on running Prins who finished a low first time strike passed a helpless Philippe closing the half with a 1-0 lead.
Ashburton came out after the interval looking a more determined side, seeking to hold more possession and moving the ball with greater intent.
With the nerves settled, Ashburton pressed for an equaliser, having numerous attempts on Lucy Kapusta’s goal, utilizing the wings to great effect, particularly via the pacey Chloe Drinockzy in getting behind the Sandringham back four.
However, Ashburton much like Sandringham in the first half idled many of their opportunities.
Sandringham sought to regain hold of the game and had a great opportunity on 64 minutes to go 2 – 0 up. Beating the offside trap Runnalls found herself unmarked with a free header inside the box only to head wide of the upright.
The 67th minute alternatively saw Sandringham score against the run of play.
Prins skilfully held the ball up in the middle of the pitch playing wide to the right wing to Kirstie Shearing. Shearing was able to latch onto the pass before colliding with Philippe who had commit off her line, squaring to Runnalls who calmly tapped home the visitors second in a vacant net.
Upon conceding their second, Ashburton struggled to maintain possession as Sandringham reasserted their dominance in pursuit of a third goal.
Sandringham assistant coach Deborah Nichols commented after the game that her team should have won by more, as chances went astray for the remainder of the game which included an agonizing goal line clearance in the 85th minute.
Nichols was rather pleased with the result as the goal was to start the season off with three points holding the ambitions of making finals and possibly going one better than last year’s result of the 2nd place and exiting in the preliminary final.
In his first match in charge of the club, Ashburton coach Ariel Reigosa, was more so pleased with the performance of his outfit in the second half, and yet noted that the result based on the performances of both teams was “justified”.
Reigosa further commented that his side were aiming to make the finals in the 2013 campaign and the new system he has adopted will take time for the players to adapt to.
Ashburton: Ingrid PHILIPPE, Christine PFEIFFER, Bonnie BARNES, Chloe DRINOCKZY, Jesse KOTSIKAS, Maria PATRIKIS (Julia SKOWRONSKA 89’), Jasmina PEDIC, Kristin STENSHOLT, Stacey LOURAS, Antonia NITEROS, Alyssa SPROULE-CARROLL-TYLER. Unused Subs: Jacinta ROSALES, Kaitlin CAREW, Stephanie COPE, Belinda CONNOR.
Goals: none
Yellow Cards: none
Red Cards: none
Sandringham: Lucy KAPUSTA, Emma GUNN, Alli KAPUSTA, Christie PARTON, Sienna FOGARTY, Hannah STUART, Kirstie SHEARING, Stephanie TANTI, Eliza GLEADELL (Paige EDWARDS 80’), Emma RUNNALLS, Nicola PRINS (Emily MORRIS-KRAUSE 28’). Unused Subs: Sian ROGERS, Irena ANSET, Amy SILVER.
Goals: Prins (40’), Runnalls (67’)
Yellow Cards: Runnalls (47’), Stuart (59’)
Red Cards: none