The Newcastle Jets will deservedly have the chance to host the A-League grand final should they earn that right despite the potential attendance at McDonald Jones Stadium being affected by maintenance work.
In the box seat to win the premiership with two rounds of the regular season remaining, the Jets are in huge contention to secure hosting rights for the decider in next month’s finals series.
However, should the Jets host the grand final on May 24 attendance will be restricted to about 27,500 despite McDonald Jones Stadium having a usual capacity of 33,000.
That’s due to a section of one of the grandstands currently being closed for maintenance and upgrading ahead of this year’s Rugby League World Cup, which starts in October.
“While not ideal timing during the A-League finals series, we’ve been working with the club, venue and our partners, and can confirm that should the Jets earn the right to host the (grad final) it will be played at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium,” Australian Professional Leagues chief executive Steve Rosich said.
“This is the club’s preference to lock in home advantage, and our collective ambition to reward the Jets’ faithful that have turned out in record numbers this year with a home grand final, should the Jets earn that right.
“The stadium is fantastic for football and would create an incredible grand final atmosphere.”
When McDonald Jones Stadium held the grand final in 2018, there were 29,410 in attendance to watch the Jets lose 1-0 to Melbourne Victory.
Newcastle’s best home crowd this season was 14,032 for the Jets’ 1-0 win over Macarthur FC on February 22.
The Jets can take a significant step towards clinching the Premier’s Plate by beating Melbourne Victory on Friday night.
Should Newcastle win, second-placed Auckland FC would need to beat Central Coast Mariners at Go Media Stadium on Sunday to ensure the battle for the premiership remained alive until the final weekend of the regular season.
Race for Asia heats up
Regardless of whether they finish first or second on the ladder, the Jets have secured a spot in next season’s AFC Champions League Elite as they can’t be overtaken by another A-League club eligible to take part in Asia’s premier club competition.
However, news that a second A-League club could also qualify for Champions League Elite with the competition set to expand has heated up the battle for spots within the top-six.
While Auckland is ineligible, Sydney FC (37 points), Adelaide United (37 points), Melbourne Victory (36 points), and Melbourne City (35 points) will all fancy their chances of finishing the regular season as the A-League’s second-highest placed Australian club.
That would earn either of those teams a playoff spot for a berth in the expanded Champions League Elite.
And just by making the playoff, one of those sides would at least be guaranteed a spot in the Champions League Two competition.,
Let’s also not forget that an A-League club could already be in Champions League Two due to the Jets, who were originally due to take part in that competition after winning the Australia Cup, have now secured Champions League Elite football.
NPL Victoria club Heidelberg United, the Australia Cup runner-up, still fancies its chances of meeting the strict AFC criteria to compete in Champions League Two.
However, if Heidelberg’s bid fails, an A-League club will profit, meaning three A-League outfits could be involved in lucrative Asian competitions next season.
Spaniard in demand
Two A-League clubs are interested in the services of Spanish coach Ramon Tribulietx.
The 53-year-old mentor led Auckland City to seven successive OFC Champions League titles between 2011 and 2017.
Tribulietx is also in the top five on the list of coaches with most titles worldwide in the 21st century.
One A-League club is considering Tribulietx for the head coaching role, with the other is keen to employ him as a football experience.
There’s no doubt that the experience of Tribulietx – who has also been involved with teams in Spain, Russia, Hungary and the Philippines – would strengthen an A-League club.
He was in strong contention to take charge of Brisbane Roar in 2015 but was beaten in the race for the job by John Aloisi.
Call for fans
Well done to Sydney FC fans for urging supporters from all A-League clubs to get behind their teams by attending games.
It’s no secret that crowds at A-League matches haven’t been good enough this season in terms of attendance.
It has led to “The Cove”, the Sky Blues’ active support group encouraging fans to show their true support for their teams at the business end of the season.
“This league has its highs and lows, yet here we are,” The Cove posted on social media.
“Buy that membership, buy that ticket, reach out to your mates … take that leap.
“Treat every game like a big game and just watch what happens.”
Let’s hope fans from all over the A-League take The Cove’s advice.
Originally published as On The Attack: Newcastle Jets get green light to host A-League grand final at home stadium
