WITH the new A-League season just 66 days away, each of the eight clubs have commenced their pre-season preparations in contrasting fashions.

After creating history by being the first Australian football club to progress through to the knock-out phase of the AFC Champions League, Adelaide United players are currently on a well-earned break.

When the Reds return to training on Monday 23 June, they will meet their newest signings, Brazilians Alemao and Cristiano, 17 year old goal-keeper Mark Birighitti from the Australian Institute of Sport and Scott Jamieson, an Australian teenager who has spent the past three years in England with Bolton Wanderers in the English Premier League.

Unfortunately Bruce Djite will not be at Hindmarsh Stadium this season after he recently signed with Turkish club Genclerbirligi. Adelaide United have also confirmed the appointment of former Socceroo Joe Mullen as their inaugural National Youth League coach.


The Central Coast Mariners began their pre-season training at the end of April and already have matches under their belts against local outfit the Central Coast Lightning and NSW State League Division 1 side Spirit FC.

The Mariners have also recently returned from North Queensland where they played matches against the Capricorn Cougars and Whitsunday Miners and now are preparing to face local rivals the Newcastle Jets at Budgewoi on 21 June.

At the end of June, the Mariners will again travel to Canberra for matches against Belconnen United and the ACT Rockets. The Central Coast Mariners also recently announced that local favourite Damien Brown has retired from competitive football and has taken up the role of Youth Development Co-ordinator, whilst Alex Tobin has been named as the club’s National Youth League coach.


Like Adelaide United, Melbourne Victory players are also taking a break from football following their first involvement in the AFC Champions League.

But before the players clocked off for holidays, Melbourne Victory faced up against Italian Serie A giants Juventus at the Telstra Dome in front of a crowd of 43,357.

Unfortunately for Melbourne Victory they were on the wrong end of a 4-1 scoreline, but the experience gained will be very useful for the upcoming Hyundai A-League Season.

In player related news, Nick Ward has been re-signed as the club’s Under 23 Marquee player, Nathan Elasi has signed a two year deal and one of Victory's AFC Champions League opponents, Fabiano, has moved to Melbourne from Chonburi FC on a 2 year contract.

In the coaching department, former Socceroo Mehmet Durakovic has been appointed the club’s National Youth League Coach with current Victory goal-keeper coach Steve Mautone as his assistant.


Newcastle Jets have added more youth to help defend their Hyundai A-League Championship crown.

Kaz Patafa has joined the Jets from Melbourne Victory on a 1 year deal and will join fellow new signings Jason Naidovski and Shaun Ontong. Coach Gary Van Egmond still has a number of positions to fill in his roster and is currently trialling a number of players. The Jets first trial is against the Central Coast Mariners on 21 June.


Perth Glory have recently added Mark Lee from local club ECU Joondalup, Adriano Pellegrino from West Stars (Adelaide), Argentinean attacker Adrian Trinidad from KL PLUS FC in Malaysia and also veteran Australian goalkeeper Frank Juric who has been playing in Germany for the past 11 years with Fortuna Düsseldorf, Bayer Leverkusen and more recently Hannover 96.

On the coaching front, Perth Glory have appointed club legend Gareth Naven, as the National Youth League coach for the 2008/09 season. Naven has already completed three weeks of trials and his squad is reported to be starting to take shape.


Queensland Roar signed their youngest ever player in 16-year old Tom Oar from the Queensland Academy of Sport on a 3 year contract, whilst assistant coach Rado Vidosic has also been confirmed as the club’s National Youth League coach.

On the field Roar coach Frank Farina has kept his players busy with eight training matches scheduled against local opposition from mid-May to the end of June. This large number of matches has given Farina the opportunity to trial a number of potential recruits and provided his team with valuable match fitness.

Queensland Roar have also scheduled their annual “Queensland Roars Against Racism” match on Saturday 12 July against Brazilian Series A powerhouse Palmeiras at Suncorp Stadium.


Sydney FC have added young striker Chris Payne to their roster on a 2 year deal along with former Perth Glory midfielder Mitchell Prentice, whilst Mark Milligan has been released from the club.

Former AIS Head Coach Steve O’Connor has taken the position of Sydney FC national Youth League coach and began trialling potential players earlier this week.

Having begun training in mid-April, Sydney FC will also play three friendly matches against NSW Premier League clubs, Blacktown City, Sutherland Sharks and Manly United.


Wellington Phoenix began their pre-season training at the start of May and were going to travel to China from 6 to 16 June to face three Chinese Super League teams.

Unfortunately, due to the devastating earthquake that hit the country on 12 May, the tour was cancelled with a charity match organised instead with players and local celebrities in Wellington on 31 May.

In terms of player movement news, the Phoenix had shown an interest in signing Australian striker Joel Porter from Hartlepool in England but withdrew from negotiations recently when the English club refused to allow Porter to opt out of a one-year extension to his contract.

The club is hopeful that Porter may still sign with the Phoenix for the 2009/10 season once his contract. On the field, Wellington recently played out a 0-0 draw with the New Zealand Under 23 team as part of the national team’s preparations for the 2008 Beijing Olympic games and also have a match scheduled against local team Western Suburbs on 11 June.


With time ticking down for the kick-off of the Hyundai A-League season, the preparations are well underway for each of the eight Hyundai A-League clubs with the 2008/09 season set to be as exciting as ever.




Adelaide United

Re-signed: Nathan Burns (2 years), Lucas Pantelis (2 years), Michael Valkanis (1 year), Angelo Costanzo (1 year), Daniel Beltrame (1 year), Kristian Sarkies (2 years), Eugene Galekovic (2 years)

In: Alemao (CA Juventus , Brazil – 2 years), Fabian Barbiero (1 year), Cristiano (Willem II, Netherlands – 2 years), Daniel Mullen (AIS - 1 year), Sasa Ognenovski (Queensland Roar – 2 years), Mark Birighitti (Australian Institute of Sport - 2 years)

Out: Bobby Petta (released), Dez Giraldi (released), Shaun Ontong (Newcastle Jets), Robert Bajic (released), Milan Susak (released) and Bruce Djite (Genclerbirligi, Turkey)

Club News:

· Adelaide United will return to pre-season training on Monday June 23, 2008

· Joe Mullen has been appointed at Adelaide United National Youth League Coach



Central Coast Mariners

Re-signed: Nigel Boogaard (2 years), John Hutchinson (2 years), Mile Jedinak (2 years), Brad Porter (2 years), Matt Simon (2 years),

In: Adrian Caceres (Melbourne Victory - 2 years), Ahmad Elrich (Wellington Phoenix - 2 years), Dylan Macallister (FC Lyn, Norway - 2 years)

Out: John Aloisi (end of contract), Tom Pondeljak (Melbourne Victory), Tony Vidmar (retired) , Damien Brown (retired)

Club News:

· Alex Tobin appointed as Central Coast Mariners National Youth League Coach

· Damien Brown appointed as Central Coast Mariners Youth Development Co-ordinator

Results and Fixtures:
Tuesday, 20 May 2008: Central Coast Mariners 0:0 Central Coast Lightning @ Pluim Park

Wednesday, 28 May 2008 Central Coast Mariners 5:2 Spirit FC @ Christie Park at North Ryde

Friday, 6 June 2008: Central Coast Mariners 3:0 Capricorn Cougars @ Jardine Park, Rockhampton

Sunday, 8 June 2008: Central Coast Mariners 5:0 Whitsunday Miners @ Harrup Park, Mackay
Saturday, 21 June 2008: Central Coast Mariners v Newcastle Jets @ Frank Millington Field, Budgewoi (Kick-Off 2:45pm)

Wednesday, 25 June 2008: Central Coast Mariners v Belconnen United @ Belconnen Soccer Centre, Hawker (Kick-Off 7:00pm)

Friday, 27 June 2008: Central Coast Mariners v ACT Rockets @ Deakin Football Centre, Deakin (Kick-Off 7:00pm)



Melbourne Victory

Re-signed: Daniel Vasilevski (2 years), Steven Pace (2 years), Nick Ward (1 year – Under 23 Marquee player)

In: Billy Celeski (Perth Glory - 1 year), Nathan Elasi (Marconi Stallions - 2 years), Fabiano (Chonburi FC, South Korea – 2 years). Tom Pondeljak (Central Coast Mariners - 2 years)

Out: Adrian Caceres (Central Coast Mariners), Ljubo Milicevic (released), Kaz Patafta (Newcastle Jets), Daniel Piorkowski (released), Leandro Love (end of loan from Vissel Kobe)

Club News:

· Melbourne Victory return to Pre-Season training on Tuesday, 1 July 2008

· Mehmet Durakovic appointed as Melbourne Victory National Youth League Coach and Steve Mautone appointed as Melbourne Victory National Youth League Assistant Coach

Results and Fixtures:
Friday 30 May 2008: Melbourne Victory 1: 4 Juventus @ Telstra Dome, Melbourne



Newcastle Jets

Re-signed: Tarek Elrich (2 years), Adam D'Apuzzo (2 years), Ben Kennedy (2 years)

In: Jason Naidovski (AIS), Shaun Ontong (Adelaide United), Kaz Patafta (Melbourne Victory – 1 year)

Out: Andrew Durante (Wellington Phoenix), Mark Bridge (Sydney FC), Denni (released), Jorge Drovandi (released), Steve Eagleton (retired), Troy Hearfield (Wellington Phoenix), Mario Jardel (released), Paul Kohler (released), Stuart Musialik (Sydney FC), Scott Tunbridge (released)

Results and Fixtures:

Saturday, 21 June 2008: Newcastle Jets v Central Coast Mariners @ Frank Millington Field, Budgewoi (Kick-Off 2:45pm)



Perth Glory

Re-signed: Jamie Coyne (2 years), Jimmy Downey (2 years), Jamie Harnwell (2 years), James Robinson (1 year), Naum Sekulovski (1 year), David Tarka (1 year)

In: Eugene Dadi (1 year, Hapoel Acre, Israel), Josip Magdic (1 year Floreat Athena, WA), Adriano Pellegrino (Metro Stars, Adelaide - 1 year), Adrian Trinidad (KL PLUS FC, Malaysia - 1 year), Mark Lee (ECU Joondalup, WA - 1 year), Frank Juric (Hannover 96, Germany - 2 years)

Out: Simon Colosimo (Sydney FC), Leo Bertos (Wellington Phoenix), Billy Celeski (Melbourne Victory), Stan Lazaridis (released), Mitchell Prentice (Sydney FC)

Club News:

· Gareth Naven appointed Perth Glory National Youth League Head Coach

Results and Fixtures:

11 June 2008: Perth Glory v Rockingham SC @ Larkhill Sports Centre, Rockingham (Kick-Off 6.30pm)

18 June 2008: Perth Glory v WA State Team @ E&D Litis Stadium, Perth (Kick-Off 6:30pm)

29 June 2008: Perth Glory v Persik Kediri @ Brawijaya Stadium, Kediri, Indonesia (Kick-Off TBC)

05 July 2008: Perth Glory v Aram Malang @ Malang Sports Stadium, Malang, Indonesia (Kick-Off TBC)



Queensland Roar

Re-signed: Josh McCloughan (2 years), Griffin McMaster (2 years), Liam Reddy (3 years)

In: David Dodd (Palm Beach - QLD, 2 years), Tom Oar (Queensland Academy of Sport - 3 years), Tim Smits (Rochedale Rovers - QLD, 2 years).

Out: Sasa Ognenovski (Adelaide United), Reinaldo (Busan I'Park, Korea Republic), Simon Lynch (released), Marcinho (released)

Club News:

· Rado Vidosic appointed as Queensland Roar National Youth League Head Coach

Results and Fixtures:

Wednesday 14 May 2008: Queensland Roar 6:0 Brisbane Olympic @ Goodwin Park, Yeronga

Tuesday 20 May 2008: Queensland Roar 5:2 Rochedale Rovers @ Underwood Park, Rochedale

Wednesday 27 May 2008: Queensland Roar 4:0 Redlands United @ Cleveland Showgrounds, Cleveland

Thursday 29 May 2008: Queensland Roar 2:0 Gold Coast Select XI @ Pizzey Park, Burleigh Heads

Thursday 5 June 2008: Queensland Roar 2:1 Brisbane Strikers @ Luxury Paints Stadium, Richlands
Sunday 8 June 2008: Queensland Roar 0:1 Sunshine Coast Select XI @ One Mile Oval, Gympie

Tuesday 17 June 2008: Queensland Roar v Peninsula Power @ AJ Kelly Park, Redcliffe ( Kick-off 7:15pm)

Wednesday 25 June 2008: Queensland Roar v Brisbane City @ Spencer Park, New Market (Kick-off 7:15pm)

Saturday July 12 2008: Queensland Roar v Palmeiras @ Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane (Kick-off at 7:00pm)



Sydney FC

In: Simon Colosimo (Perth Glory – 2 years), John Aloisi (Central Coast Mariners – 2 years), Mark Bridge (Newcastle Jets – 3 years), Stuart Musialik (Newcastle Jets – 2 years), Chris Payne (Manly United – 2 years), Mitchell Prentice (Perth Glory – 2 years)

Out: Mark Milligan (released), Patrick (released), Mark Rudan (Avispa Fukuoka, Japan), Ufuk Talay (Avispa Fukuoka, Japan), Ben Vidaic (released), David Zdrilic (released), Ruben Zadkovich (Derby County, England)

Club News:

· Steve O’Connor appointed Sydney FC National Youth League Team Coach.

Results and Fixtures:
Wednesday 25 June 2008: Sydney FC v Blacktown City @ Gabbie Stadium, Seven Hills (Kick-off 7pm)

Wednesday 2 July 2008: Sydney FC v Sutherland Sharks FC @ Seymour Shaw Park, Miranda (Kick-off 7pm)

Wednesday 9 July 2008: Sydney FC v Manly United FC@ Cromer Park, Dee Why (Kick-off 7pm)



Wellington Phoenix

Re-signed: Vince Lia (2 years)

In: Leo Bertos (Perth Glory - 2 years), Andrew Durante (Newcastle Jets - 2 years), Jon McKain (Politechnica Timisoara, Romania - 2 years), Leilei Gao (MyPa, Finland – 1 year), Troy Hearfield (Newcastle Jets - 2 years), Ben Sigmund (Auckland City, NZ - 1 year)

Out – Ross Aloisi (retired), Steven O’Dor (released), Cleberson (released), George Paladini (released), Ahmad Elrich (Central Coast Mariners), Felipe (released), Kristian Rees (short-term player, released), Jacob Spoonley (released), Steven Old (Macarthur Rams, NSW Premier League), Royce Brownlie (released)

On-Loan – Costa Barbarouses (Macarthur Rams, NSW)

Results and Fixtures:

Wednesday 4 June 2008: Wellington Phoenix 0:0 New Zealand Under-23 @ Porirua Park, Wellington

Wednesday 11 June 2008: Wellington Phoenix v Western Suburbs @ Porirua Park, Wellington


Note: All listings above are official confirmations. These do not include any transfer speculations.