Hyundai A-League 2007/08 Draw Released
Newcomers Wellington Phoenix will get a tough induction into the Hyundai A-League after it was revealed today that they will host reigning Champions & Premiers Melbourne Victory in round one of the 2007/08 season.
The much anticipated first round which will kick off on Friday 24 August will see Sydney FC host local rivals Central Coast Mariners while Queensland Roar is at home to Adelaide United and Newcastle Jets travel to face Perth Glory.
In addition to the opening round the draw highlights include:
- Melbourne Victory fans will get their first chance to see the premiers at home in round two when they play Perth Glory. - A Grand Final re-match will take place in round three with Adelaide United looking to seek revenge at home to Melbourne Victory. New Years Eve blockbuster between Central Coast Mariners and Melbourne Victory. This same fixture last season saw the Mariners set a club regular season home attendance record. - A four-week finals series commencing on 25 January with the Grand Final to be played on Sunday 17 February. - Every match will be shown live and exclusive on Fox Sports.
The Hyundai A-League 2007/08 season will again be contested over 21 rounds, with a one-week break over the Christmas period (21 - 23 December). The final round of the season (Round 21) is scheduled for the weekend of 18-20 January 2008, which includes the blockbuster Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory clash on the final day of the round, with the team at the top of the table at the conclusion of round 21 crowned the Hyundai A-League Premiers.
The Hyundai A-League 2008 Finals Series will be contested by the top four teams at the end of Round 21. The first leg of the Hyundai A-League 2007 Semi-Finals will be played on the 25 & 27 January 2008 with the Hyundai A-League 2008 Grand Final scheduled for Sunday 17 February 2008. The winner of the Hyundai A-League 2008 Grand Final will be crowned Champions.
“The second season of the Hyundai A-League was a terrific success and we have a great base now to build upon next season, ” said FFA CEO Mr Ben Buckley.
“We now have two seasons of experience behind us and with the support of the clubs and the venues, we have developed a very competitive draw.”
“With more of our Socceroos returning and some other exciting players entering the competition, season three promises to reach even bigger heights than was achieved in season two.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our partners; Hyundai, Qantas, Telstra , Powerade, Zurich and Fox Sports, as well as all the club sponsors for their valued ongoing support of the Hyundai A-League competition,” concluded Buckley.
Fox Sports will again broadcast all the Hyundai A-League 2007/08 matches “Live & Exclusive" as well as the AFC Champions League matches that the Hyundai A-League representatives will play in the competition.
Click here for a pdf copy of the Hyundai A-League 2007/08 draw