Sport
A-League to open with a bang!
It is hard to believe we are entering the tenth Hyundai A-League season, but as they say, time flies when you’re having fun. The Australian domestic league continues to go from strength-to-strength and has proven its credentials through its ability to attract big-name players and interest from one of the English Premier League’s (EPL) most-powerful clubs in Manchester City.
All eyes will be on the newly renamed and re-branded Melbourne City, which is now aligned with the EPL club, and star signing David Villa. Add to that a blockbuster opener between two of the biggest clubs, Melbourne Victory and the Western Sydney Wanderers at Etihad Stadium, and you have a season ready to start with a bang!
The opening round highlights don’t stop there; Melbourne City will take on Sydney FC up north while the Central Coast Mariners will host rivals, the Newcastle Jets. Perth Glory will make the long journey to play Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand while 2013/14 champions, Brisbane Roar will host Adelaide United.
And that is just Round 1.
Melbourne City will take on their biggest rival Melbourne Victory at Etihad Stadium in Round 3. It will be the first of three Melbourne derbies to be played between the two clubs.
Melbourne Victory will play five of its biggest games at Etihad Stadium. As well as two derbies against City on October 25, and February 7, 2015, they will host the Wanderers in the season opener on October 10, reigning Champions Brisbane Roar on November 21 and Sydney FC on December 13.
The first of the Grand Final rematches will take place in Round 4 when the Western Sydney Wanderers host Brisbane Roar at Pirtek Stadium. The match adds to a challenging start to the season for the Wanderers which includes their season opening match against Melbourne Victory at Etihad Stadium and a Round 3 clash with Central Coast Mariners at Pirtek Stadium.
The Newcastle Jets face a tough start to the 2014/15 season with four away games in the first four matches, including trips to Melbourne, Wellington and Perth. Their round 5 and 6 fixtures will be played at their home ground Hunter Stadium.
WIN Stadium will come alive in Round 15 when it hosts an A-League match for the first time in its history. Sydney FC will host the Newcastle Jets at the venue on January 3, 2015.
Melbourne Victory will take A-League to Geelong, signing a deal to play three matches over three years at Simonds Stadium. Victory will host Perth Glory on January 2, 2015, at the venue.
The A-League finals will begin the weekend of April 24-26, 2015, with the Grand Final scheduled for Sunday May 10, 2015. The season will break for the AFC Asian Cup from January 9 to 31, 2015.
General public tickets for the Hyundai A-League will are on sale from September 19. Ticketmaster is selling tickets for all A-League matches at Etihad Stadium, nib Stadium, Pirtek Stadium, WIN Stadium, Simonds Stadium and Hunter Stadium.
Click here to purchase tickets.
