1. Melbourne Victory will be hurt by International breaks
While it is known that the A-league doesn't stop for international breaks like other leagues and with the league kicking off on one of those weekends it proved evident that Melbourne Victory will be heavily impacted by it. Against Sydney on Saturday night, the side was missing Kosta Barbarouses, Mark Milligan and James Troisi, three players who will be key to the Victory if they want success this season.
Melbourne Victory had no clear cut chances with 12 shots at goal all of which failed to hit the target. They lacked attacking pizzazz with Jai Ingham and Mitch Austin showing they won't be putting Barbarouses and Troisi out of a spot this year.
2. Roy O'Donovan could be signing of the season
Newcastle Jets new striker Roy O'Donovan returned to Gosford in his first F3 derby as a Jets player and was booed during the warm-up and pictures of his head on a snakes body were spotted in the crowd. In his two seasons with Central Coast, O'Donovan was the club's top scorer in both seasons.
His debut could not have gone better for him and the Jets, getting a first half hat-trick and helping his side secure all three points against his former club. If he continues this form he could prove to be the best signing of the season.
3. It could be a very long year for the Mariners
Despite having the majority of the ball and opening the scoring against Newcastle, it could be a very long year for the Central Coast Mariners. Conceding five goals in their opening game asks questions of their defense and now puts pressure on coach Paul Okon to make changes against the impressive attacking outfit in Western Sydney next week.
The Mariners only put 25% of their shots on target and it looks like its going to be the same old Mariners. The only positive from their 5-1 thrashing is that they had seven debutantes and it will take time for them to gel.
4. Western Sydney have signed well
Western Sydney Wanderers' attack was led by three new players on the weekend and all of them played well.
New marquee signing Oriol Riera found the back of the net from an assist from fellow Spaniard and new signing Alvaro Cejudo, who proved he is going to be one to watch this season.
Roly Bonevacia was the other attacker who has impressed previously for Wellington Phoenix and put in a man of the match performance at the weekend.
A total of six debutantes played including returning striker Mark Bridge off the bench, A-league veteran Michael Thwaite and full back Raul Llorente who impressed caretaker boss Hayden Foxe as he went with a more attacking approach.
5. Wellington and Adelaide was a potential bottom of the table clash
Both teams were less than impressive with all the action coming inside the first 10 minutes of the match where both teams scored one goal each. There were very few positives but two debutantes in Dario Vidosic and Johan Absalonsen found the net for Wellington and Adelaide respectively. Keegan Smith's unlikely start was also a positive Wellington can take out of the match, after his game saving save from Blackwood's header.
After losing arguably their best player, in Roly Bonevacia it could be more doom than gloom for the Phoenix as it could be possible that they will be in a wooden spoon fight with Adelaide come season's end.
