WOTQ will be making some changes moving forward, with a few new contributors and also some varied content – we’re looking at providing Knights members, fans and general punters with information and opinions from all around the club. If any readers wish to see certain aspects covered, feel free to comment and we’ll make sure we get it covered in future posts!
Last Season: From The Sideline
I didn’t want to focus this post too much on the 2016 season, but as I’m a new contributor to the blog, I felt that it would be fitting to take my opinion of last year, bench it at halftime; and then bring on my hopes for 2017 in the second half. Last season was extremely frustrating for me, I felt like an old Dalmo soccer dad; leaning on the fence, having to bite my tongue and hold back criticism for the way the boys were playing – even if I didn’t really have the answers. Performances were varied, some great games with flowing plays, and some displays that no one knew what to call. As a person who’s watched club football since I was a kid; I feel like it was one of those nothing seasons, finishing just comfortably clear of any relegation games, and entering the off season with a solid resounding ‘meh’ feeling towards it all.
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| MCF during Knights v Cockburn FFA Cup 2016 |
At the conclusion of the season, leading into this year – the on-field up and down performances made more sense, an array of starting players decided to leave the club and head off in different directions – I’m guessing their hearts and minds left at some point during the season, and it showed in the way the team gelled (or didn’t, depending on which game you want to refer to).
“That’s football, eh?” – It’s the term people use when they’re disappointed by the outcome, but they know nothing can be done about it, and they still support the team anyway. It’s a term that can be used to describe individual losses, player injuries, missed chances, unfair calls and any other solemn feelings associated with supporting a football club.
Going into 2017, it seems Stabba has made it known that experience is required in the side, and has signed a number of senior-ish players (we’ll do another post soon with a more in depth look at the new Knights) – in hopes that we can get some consistency going into this year. Without naming names, it’s a given that when signing a decent amount of new players, some will be horrendous, and some will become new fan favourites – let’s hope that the majority of them are the latter; so that the team is better off, and so is my blood pressure.
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Marijan Cvitković & Nikola Jurković celebrate after a goal.
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This Season: What To Look Forward To
The NPL off-season is the longest time of the year for me; not only do I have a short break from work over Christmas, but I’m also deprived of doing what I love most – heading to the game with a few of the boys, getting a free-poured scotch & coke from Jason’s Bar, a good feed from either the social club or the canteen and heading into Knights Stadium to watch some football. So for me, February couldn’t come soon enough!
Until we see the new-look Knights take to the pitch in the new year, it can’t really be predicted how the team will place on the table at season’s end – all we can do as supporters of our great club, is support. There are a few pre-season friendlies coming up, and also the annual Friendship Cup against our brothers from Sydney United in early February, right before our season kicks off with an away game against Hume City. Needless to say, I’m keen to jump in the car and head to wherever Knights are playing; the NPL season is upon us, my friends.
Last year when attending the AGM – I was wrapped to find out that all Knights’ home games for the 2017 season will be played on Friday nights, what better way to end the working week than to head out with some mates and watch a football game? The major benefit of having all games on a Friday night is that the social club, Jason’s Bar and Knights Stadium are all open simultaneously, and patrons in all areas can enjoy the fruits of the entire complex. I remember when I started attending Knight’s games religiously in my early 20s, even until now – that’s the bustling vibe that keeps me coming back, keeps me in love with the club and makes me feel a part of it all.
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What more could a guy want? |
Although the players’ kits will be the same as last years – I am keen to see what the club come up with in terms of other fan merchandise, I’m always keen for that. My order will be as per usual, one (or more) of everything! I don’t know why I have that obsession with clothing items and other little kitschy things branded with the crest and name of my team, I’ve just never grown out of that, since I was a kid. I figure they’re things that I’ll pass on to future generations, like my old man used to give scarves and badges to me.
Fans will be able to purchase 2017 memberships shortly, if you need help getting your hands on a membership form, or are not quite sure which package is best for you or how to go about it – contact us at WOTQ and we’ll point you in the right direction. Every member, whether they purchase the Bronze, Silver, Gold or Corporate membership – is eligible to vote on club matters at the annual general meeting. Becoming a member of MKFC means that you own a piece of your football club – there’s no better way to support than to sign up, and get as many hole-punches in your membership card as possible from attending home games.
It's nothing like that, come see for yourself; get some mates together or even come down by yourself (That’s how I started attending weekly back in the day!) introduce yourself and you’ll be sure to find some fellow football lovers to spend your Friday nights with.
If you love football, then you are welcome at our home – that’s how it is at Somers Street in North Sunshine. That’s why Somers Street will always remain.
Bring on the 2017 season and hopefully see you in the Mark Viduka stand!
