sortitoutsi
Football Manager Graphics
- FM24 Graphics
- FM24 Player Faces
- FM24 Logos
- FM24 Kits
- FM24 Backgrounds
- FM24 Installation Instructions
Football Manager Guides Database
Football Manager Data Update
Football Manager Shortlists
- FM24/25 Update Guides
- FM24/25 Update Shortlists
- Best FM24/25 Update Wonderkids
- Cheap FM24/25 Update Wonderkids
- FM24/25 Update Young Players aged 21-25
- FM24/25 Update Best Free Players
- FM24/25 Update Expiring Contracts
- FM24/25 Update Bargain Players
- FM24/25 Update Injury Prone Players
- FM24/25 Update Richest Clubs
- Best FM24/25 Update Facilities
- FM24 Guides
- FM24 Shortlists
- Best FM24 Wonderkids
- Cheap FM24 Wonderkids
- FM24 Young Players aged 21-25
- FM24 Best Free Players
- FM24 Expiring Contracts
- FM24 Bargain Players
- FM24 Injury Prone Players
- FM24 Richest Clubs
- Best FM24 Facilities
This site is not endorsed by Sports Interactive or SEGA and is intended for entertainment purposes only. The views expressed on this site are the views of the individual contributors and not those of Sports Interactive or SEGA.
Pippadoc
It's a case of what could have been for us in the Champions League. We had a fantastic second leg, but a truely awful first leg in which we rolled over for a 4-0 loss in Saudi Arabia. It's very disappointing to see us go out like this, but does me give me some hope that we could go further next year if we avoid away day meltdowns.
Roll on 2022 and another shot at the Asia's biggest prize!
Pippadoc
Another relatively quiet transfer window for me. With the results we've had last year I felt I only needed to add a couple of faces whilst keeping a look out for high potential Australian prospects and any Australians who can come in and make an instant impact for us. Sadly, with the A-League rules prohibiting transfers between A-League clubs it's hard to get hold of good Australian players!
First up, Shane Lowry is the only established player to come in to the club this transfer window. He's a quality player who can be a starter for us at either DL or DC. Although Andrew Taylor is beginning to decline at DL, I'm more inclined to play Lowry at DC as he's lacking the attacking skills to really make a great attacking Wing Back.
Whilst I have got a couple of promising central defenders at the club already, I have noticed they are all relatively short and as such have poor jumping reaches. I've noticed this causing issues in games when they attempt to head through balls to safety but don't reach it and opposition striker ends up with a one-on-one opportunity. So when I saw Anthony Austin is a promising central defender and 6' 2" I decided he's exactly what I need to develop at the club, although the smaller, faster central defenders prospects I already have certainly have a place in the team.
Not too much to say about Borraccini, he's a depth signing at DL who has an outside chance of developing into a player who could start for the club. I can't imagine him getting much game time with Lowry and Taylor both able to play left-back, but maybe I can give him a start of two in the FFA Cup and maybe in the Champions' League group stage if we can secure qualification with some games to spare.
Finally, we started our defense of the FFA Cup with two comfortable victories over lower league sides. As we have every year, we will play another lower league side in the Quarter Finals and once again I expect to progress to the Semi-Finals.
Johno
Pippadoc
Not a bad start to the new league campaign for us as we sit within striking of top spot with a third of the regular season in the books. Most worryingly though is the back to back losses against Wellington and Central Coast who were our competition in the top 3 last year. If we want to retain our Grand Final trophy and regain the Regular Season crown we certainly need to be beating the other good teams in the league, or at least winning some if the time!
Again the FFA Cup has provided us with an easy route to the final. This year it's even easier for us with Cockburn City overcoming the much more talented Brisbane Roar in the other semi-final. This should be a comfortable Final for us and a second FFA Cup trophy!
------------------------------------
He certainly is! I've got very high hopes for Austin
Pippadoc
The transfer window has just begun and suddenly there is massive interest in Antonio Molina. Molina has come along really well since injuries have forced me to play either him or Morten Andersen at AML. Interest is coming from some massive clubs and I've already negotiated (read set unreasonable demands) a bid from Roma!
It'd be a shame to lose, particularly before the end of this season, but I'm looking about for replacements if I have to lose him in this transfer window. Having said that, given the teams interested in him he may have to potential to be a fantastic player and it'll be interesting to watch him develop even if it has to be from afar.
Pippadoc
I admit, when that first Cockburn goal went in I did worry that there was going to be another giant-slaying in the FFA Cup. But we came back well and all-in-all it ended up a pretty routine victory. It was great to Guilherme Finkler but in a fantastic performance despite my coaches repeatedly telling he's no longer worth playing (but should be allowed to see out his contract.
After our previous successes the goal of this season is certainly to have a clean sweep of domestic whilst progressing to the Quarter Finals of the Champions League (we won't get to play the Quarter Finals until next season). That's one trophy down, two more to go!
Johno
Pippadoc
A great second third to the season has put us a game clear at the top of the table. We're on course for the treble which has to be the aim for us domestically! The only worry from this set of fixtures is that we once again lost to Central Coast Mariners, who we may well have to beat if we want to make it to and win the Grand Final.
Our strikers are in fine form and fortunately for us there were no more bids for Antonio Molina during this transfer window. Overall, it was a quiet transfer window with no players joining us, and only one youth player released.
However, it is looking like we will lose Gian Mendez this summer. He's only willing to sign as a Marquee Player, however Makan Konate is signed for a couple more years and as the transfer window doesn't open until after contracts expire. It's a shame to lose him, but Konate and Pettit will still form one of the best midfield pairings in the league.
Finally, the Champions League draw and this year it's a particularly tough one! Okayama are the current holders of the Champions League, whilst Seoul are dominant in South Korea having won 7 of 8 league titles since the game started. Having said that I expect to qualify once again and hopefully progress further than this seasons Quarter Finals appearance.
------------------------------------
It's crazy! I've managed to keep him for now, but I suspect I'll lose him at some point soon.
Dan
Pippadoc
We had a little wobble near the end of the season that made the race for the regular season crown far closer than it should have been. But, in the end we got our second trophy of the season and left ourselves just one more to win in order to pick up a huge treble for the club. I'm very happy with how Morten Andersen and Antonio Molina are playing for us, I've got Andersen playing on the left wing in order to get them both on the pitch and they've rewarded me with plenty of goals this season!
In the Semi-Final we face Brisbane Roar, and I fully expect us to march on to the Grand Final and a shot at the treble.
It was a tough Champions League group for us, so I'm delighted to get through to the knock-out rounds. We should have done better as well really, we were in control of the first game against Seoul despite getting a man sent off in the first half. I've got to think with eleven men we'd have got the win and ended up topping the group. Nevertheless a good showing, and hopefully we can continue this into the knockout rounds.
Next up in the second round is Al Hilal. I've got no idea what to expect although I guess it could be quite a challenge as Saudi Arabia is a pretty decent footballing nation.
Pippadoc
Cheers Dan! Me too, this the first time doing the Pentagon where I feel like I've got a good chance at getting a Champions League title.
Australia is a load of fun to manage in, go back and get the Champions League won!
Pippadoc
A 3 minute brace from Hrvoje Djukic earned us a pretty comfortable win over Brisbane Roar. Djukic is certainly doing his best to earn a new contract! I was planning to release him when his contract expires after this season but he's had a few good performances now injuries have forced him into the line-up. These goals here may well be his most important contribution to the club in his 3 years with us.
We're 90 minutes away from the treble and standing in our way are Wellington Phoenix. We split the games between us this season with a win a piece followed by a draw in the final meeting between the two sides, so it should be a tough game to end the season!
Dan
Pippadoc
We made harder work of the tie than we really should have! With a 4-1 aggregate lead at half time in the second leg, I figured we'd have an easy last 45 minutes to qualify for the Quarter Finals. But two goals by the 66th minute scuppered those plans and led to a nervy end to the tie.
It's worth noting that Hrvoje Djukic once again got us a goal in a crucial game! I'm seriously having to consider him worth being a squad player again next season.
-------------------------------------
Cool, yours challenge is definitely hard enough on it's own! Thanks for commenting
Pippadoc
We've done it. The domestic treble is ours!!!!
It was tense game for me, with us only having the one goal lead until deep into injury time. We once again had Hrvoje Djukic to thank for our lead after his shot from a narrow angle was deflected into the goal by the Wellington goalkeeper. There were a few hairy moments in the game before Daniel Pettit put the game beyond doubt in injury time.
Next time, I'll round up the squad and the annual awards.
Gendo
Johno
Pippadoc
Starting off with the squad, we were quality through and through this season. Andersen and Molina were fantastic goalscoring threats, although Brad Collins did underwhelm when given opportunities. Hopefully I can give him some more game time next season to really try and getting him reaching his potential.
In midfield, the departing Gian Mendez was phenomenal both creating and scoring plenty! He's going to be a real loss for us, but I'm confident Daniel Pettit will contribute more next year when he's the star of the midfield. I'd also like to mention Hrvoje Djukic who, despite not scoring and creating too many goals, had a knack for contributing at the most important times. He'll certainly stick around on a rolling contract if not a new one year deal.
In defence our starters performed excellently, all earning over 7.00 average ratings. On the downside, I didn't manage to give Anthony Austin as much game time as I'd hoped. I'll need to make a concerted effort to give more game time, including more starts next season!
We dominated the All-Star XI with 8 players making the team! Although Kremenovic disappointingly didn't win the Goalkeeper of the Year award. Daniel Pettit earned back-to-back young player of the years which is great to see, and really vindicates my club philosophy of giving youth a chance in the first team. Finally I earned my third manager of the year award which is always nice.
I'm into the Asain Hall of Fame! Hopefully I can get myself up near the top before I end up leaving the continent
--------------------------------------
Cheers guys!
Unfortunately I have to wait until July for the Champions League Quarter Finals draw. Stupid Asain rules!
Pippadoc
We got a few players called up to the World Cup, and we also had Daniel Pettit and Gian Mendez in the initial Australian squad before being cut for the final 23 man squad.
I'm delighted to see Kremenovic and Brimmer make it into the Australia squad. Four seasons ago they were prospects that needed a lot of development to have a chance of getting this far. Again it's a real endorsement of the clubs philosophy to give young players a chance in the first team!
Pippadoc
So we've got draw (after a rather annoying wait) and we've been drawn against a familiar foe in Central Coast Mariners for the Quarter Finals of the Asian Champions League. If we can make it through, we will face either Seoul or massive over-achievers Chonburi from Thailand!
It's going to be a tough match-up for us, as after looking through our past meetings we've failed to beat Central Coast Mariners outside of a Grand Final penalty shoot-out win in the past two years. If there was ever a time to beat the Mariners this is it, and I'm really hoping we can break the trend and get ourselves into the semi-finals.
If we can make it there it's a pretty reasonable draw. We got four points from Seoul in the previous Champions League group stage, and obviously if we get drawn against Chonburi I'd be expecting an easy route to the final.
Pippadoc
Boom!
What a time to break our run of poor form against Central Coast Mariners. We earned a deserved win in the 1st leg to take back to Melbourne, before dominating them in the second leg despite conceding a couple of sloppy goals. It was great to see the attacking trio of Andersen, Collins and Molina all managing to get on the score sheet across both legs - very promising for the season ahead.
We're two game away from a final appearance and standing in our way is Suwon Samsung Bluewings who unsurprisingly got past Chonburi of Thailand. I'm feeling like we've got a good chance here, given we got 4 points against them in the 2021 Champions League Group Stage. We'll end up playing both legs before the season starts, so that'll be my next update.
Dan
Pippadoc
A 4-0 home victory put us in a commanding position to win the tie despite a 2-0 loss in the return leg. A reverse situation of our Champions League exit in last years competition.
We were phenomenal in the first leg, although undoubtedly helped by the sending off and two first half penalties. However, as the screenshots alludes to, Antonio Molina has suffered a hip injury which will seem him miss two months including the Champions League Final
In the second leg we started poorly, and perhaps the Suwon red card saved us from an embarrassing exit from the Champions League! We simply weren't good enough in the match, but fortunately our first leg performance earned us the win.
Two games to go and I could be one 1/5th of the way to completing the Pentagon
Two get there we've got two leg tie against Lekhwiya of Qatar to get past. I'm not really sure what to make of the match-up, they don't have a huge amount of non-greyed out players but I guess being from Qatar they are probably pretty strong.
Fingers-crossed we can win one last tie!
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cheers Dan
Pippadoc
Eduardo Luiz is one of only two signings we've made this transfer window. He's the long term plan at AMR and certainly seems to have the potential to be a fantastic player for the club. Although hopefully I won't be here long enough to see the long term plan play out. It is nice to try and set the club up for after I leave though as I'm sure I'll follow there results from afar.
Bajrami is our second signing, and is also a player looking towards the long term. However, unlike Luiz he probably won't make a huge impact on the first team squad in his first season in Melbourne. Unfortunately he's also managed to tear his calf muscle in pre-season which will seem him out injured until Christmas.
Nikola Vlaovic is our best youth player from this year's intake. Left back is a position that needs a long term plan with Andrew Taylor and Shane Lowry both the wrong-side of 30 and could both be improved upon. I'll be looking to give Vlaovic game-time where possible, although it will likely be from the bench rather than starting this season.
Like every year, we rolled through the first couple of rounds of the FFA Cup very easily. It's not a priority for us this season with the extra Champions League games this October, however it'd be great if we could win it for the 3rd time this season.
Pippadoc
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1 down, 4 to go !
We put ourselves in a good position with Morten Andersen's goal earning us a 1-0 lead to take away from Qatar. The second leg got off to a great start with Hrvoje Djukic once again proving to have knack for scoring crucial goals with his 2nd minute effort. From there we cruised to a comfortable victory with Morten Andersen's late goal putting the result beyond any doubt.
I'm going to stay at Melbourne for the rest of the season before leaving for a new continent. I'd like to try my hand in the World Club Championship and hopefully leaving in the summer will coincide with some interesting job opportunities opening up.
Next up I'd like to cross Africa off the list, mostly because it's the continent I'm least looking forward to playing in. However, if I can find a golden opportunity to pick up a Champions League title in another continent I'll likely let Africa sit for a little longer.
Pippadoc
Fantastic start to the A-League campaign. After securing the Champions League, my goal for my final season in Australia will be to break the record for points in a season. Currently it's set at 60, achieved by Wellington Phoenix. We're on pace to beat that mark.
Again we breezed our way past some non A-League opponents to set up a final against local rivals Melbourne City. A historic Quadruple could be on the cards!
Next up, the Club World Championship!
Cymro
Dan
Gendo
Pippadoc
I don't even know why East Bengal are in the Club World Championship. Anyway, we dispatched them easily despite only managing one goal in the first half.
But there was just the beginning - next up we go from massive favourites to massive underdogs as we face River Plate. I'd love to get through and have a shot trophy, but I'd settle for keeping it close against a team that's likely far better than ours!
----------------------------------------
Thanks Guys!
I'm going to be sticking with just South Africa I think.
It seems Sundowns have been pretty dominant so far, winning 5 of 9 editions of the South African Premier Division so far and only dropping out of the top 3 once. Kaizer Chiefs have managed to win 3, whilst Orlando Pirates have earned a single title.
In the Champions League South Africa have provided 4 of 9 title, with Sundowns and Orlando Pirates earning two a piece. and Kaizer Chiefs finishing runners-up on a further two occasions. ES Tunis seem the team to beat, having won 4 of the last 7 whilst finishing runners-up in the three seasons.