The Hyundai A-League ladder has a fascinating look about it, with one point separating each of the top six teams.
Never before has this occurred in the Hyundai A-League. In fact, in over thirty years of national league football (including the old NSL), this has only occurred once before - after Round 8 1979, when the top six stood at: Marconi (14 pts), Sydney City (13), Newcastle (12), Canberra City (11), Adelaide City (10) & Brisbane City (9).
Round 12 could see changes galore as the top 5 teams all play teams from the bottom half of the table.
It all starts when 9 plays 5, Jets v Mariners in the F3 Derby revisited on Friday night at EnergyAustralia Stadium.
On Saturday its 3 v 6 and 10 v 4 as Melbourne Victory take on Adelaide United and North Queensland Fury host Perth Glory.
And Sunday completes the Round 12 action when Wellington Phoenix in 8th play top of the table Gold Coast United and sees the return of New Zealand hero Shane Smeltz to where his goal scoring spree began.
Finally it's the Sydney FC v Brisbane Roar match that pits 2 v 7 but don't let their positions get in the way of what will be another close-fought match between these two inaugural Hyundai A-League clubs.
Stats, facts & milestones
Newcastle Jets (9) v Central Coast Mariners (5) Friday, 23 October 2009, EnergyAustralia Stadium, 8.00pm local
- Having conceded just six goals in their first 11 matches this season, the Central Coast Mariners will be aiming to continue the best defensive start to any Hyundai A-League season - for any team. The previous record lowest number of goals conceded after 12 matches was six goals, set by Melbourne Victory (2006/07) - Gates open at 5.00pm for the Newcastle Jets v Central Coast Mariners National Youth League match
Melbourne Victory (3) v Adelaide United (6) Saturday, 24 October 2009, Etihad Stadium, 6.30pm local
- Adelaide United defender Iain Fyfe is set to make his 100th Hyundai A-League appearance. Fyfe commenced his Hyundai A-League career (for Sydney FC) with a match against the Melbourne Victory
North Queensland Fury (10) v Perth Glory (4) Saturday, 24 October 2009, Dairy Farmers Stadium, 7.30pm local (8.30pm AEDT)
- Having yet to secure their maiden home victory, North Queensland Fury will be aiming to break this statistic this week against the travelling Perth Glory who complete their Queensland adventures until Round 18 when they return to Dairy Farmers once again
Wellington Phoenix (8) v Gold Coast United (1) Sunday, 25 October 2009, Westpac Stadium, 5.00pm local (3.00pm AEDT)
- Wellington Phoenix defender Tony Lochhead is set to make his 50th Hyundai A-League appearance; this will make Lochhead the first player to play 50 Hyundai A-League matches for the Phoenix - Meanwhile, the Wellington Phoenix, who have drawn their six previous matches, could set a new all-time Australian national league record for drawing most consecutive matches. The current Australian record of six consecutive draws is also held by former NSL clubs Brisbane Lions (May-July 1980) and St George (January-February 1991)
Sydney FC (2) v Brisbane Roar (7) Sunday, 25 October 2009, Sydney Football Stadium, 5.00pm local
- It's a double header double this week as Sydney FC host both the men and the women in the orange of Brisbane Roar at Sydney Football Stadium - With new coach Ange Postecoglou taking the reins for his first match in charge, Brisbane Roar will be aiming to avoid their fourth loss in a row - a loss against fierce rivals Sydney FC would equal the Roar's record of most consecutive losses in the Hyundai A-League - Gates open at 2.00pm for the Sydney FC v Brisbane Roar Westfield W-League match Birthday celebrations
It's a birthday bonanza this week with players from Adelaide United, Melbourne Victory, Newcastle Jets, Perth Glory and Wellington Phoenix all celebrating another revolution around the sun.
- Today, 19 October, we blow out the candles on the Hyundai A-League birthday cake for Perth Glory's Jimmy Downey who turns 22 and Melbourne Victory's Matthew Foschini who turns 19. - Tomorrow, Tuesday 20 October, Adam D'Apuzzo of the Newcastle Jets turns 23 - Also on Tuesday Wellington Phoenix English import, Paul Ifill, turns 30 and Melbourne Victory stalwart Rodrigo Vargas turns 31 - On Thursday, 22 October, Melbourne Victory young gun, Mate Dugandzic, turns 20 - And Friday, 23 October, it's Melbourne again as Victory ace Archie Thompson turns 31 - Adelaide United's Robert Cornthwaite turns 24 on Saturday, 24 October - And last but not least on Sunday, 25 October, Newcastle Jets' Kaz Patafta turns 21 and Adelaide United's Kristian Sarkies turns 23
