It's the hope that kills you...

The longest off-season in world football is finally over! Blayne Treadgold, Neil Sherwin, Jaxon Bassett, and James Renton pull up their chairs for the season opener as the 2026/27 A-League campaign kicks off.

South Melbourne blew the roof off Australian football by becoming the first non-A-League side to lift the Australia Cup, taking down Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park and setting the promotion and relegation debate on fire. The lads break down what this historic cupset means for the domestic game, why our off-seasons are absurdly long, and the looming 2029 Silverlake loan deadline.

Back out west, Perth Glory celebrates its 30th anniversary. While Macron’s 90s style retro kits and the nostalgic return of Chicken Treat look absolute class, the reality on the pitch is far more tense. With Adam Taggart mysteriously unattached after a two-game stint in Vietnam, no proven goal scorer on the books, and an unproven squad heading into Round 1 against Macarthur, the crew debates whether Glory can avoid another bottom-three finish.

Plus, Jaxon shares his off-season PlayStation 2 repair hacks, Neil vents about player recycling killing club loyalty, and the panel locks in their fearless (and wildly differing) ladder predictions for the season ahead.

Key Topics:

The 146-Day Itch: Surviving the longest off-season in professional football, Jaxon’s retro console restoration project, and why Australia desperately needs an expanded 18-team competition with a proper 34-round schedule.

South Melbourne Makes History: The magic and significance of South Melbourne’s Australia Cup triumph over Melbourne Victory. What this win proves about traditional clubs, football narrative, and the urgency of a national second tier.

The Pro/Rel Blueprint: Insights from Matt Windley’s FSAA briefing, tackling structural governance, the 2029 Silver Lake repayment cliff, and how an open pyramid can finally reconnect grassroots football with the top flight.

Glory’s 30th Milestone & Squad Reality Check:

The verdict on the new 90s heritage kits and retro merchandise.

The glaring holes in the lineup: who steps up as the holding six, and where do the goals come from without a recognised number nine?

The ceiling and floor for Adam Griffiths’ side heading into Round 1 against Macarthur.