The Hyundai A-League celebrates a significant milestone on Sunday when Melbourne Victory and Newcastle Jets play the 1000th A-League game.
The Hyundai A-League celebrates a significant milestone on Sunday when Melbourne Victory and Newcastle Jets play the 1000th A-League game (AAMI Park, kick off 5pm).
The Hyundai A-League burst into life on Friday 26 August 2005 when Newcastle Jets hosted Adelaide United at Energy Australia Stadium (now Hunter Stadium).
Adelaide United striker and former Socceroo Carl Veart scored the first A-League goal to deliver the first three points to the Reds with a 1-0 win.
In keeping with the Hyundai A-League-s commitment to “Put the fans first”, A-League official partner Hankook Tyres will offer prizes for two lucky fans attending Sunday-s match;
• the 1000th purchaser of an on-line ticket • the 1000th fan to enter AAMI Park
Both winners will receive $1,000 worth of tyres thanks to Hankook Tyres.
Head of the Hyundai A-League Damien de Bohun heralded the 1000th match as another sign of the competition-s growing stature.
“The A-League was an ambitious start-up in 2005, but 1000 games later the competition is entrenched in the sporting landscape in Australia,” said de Bohun.
“There-s still a huge buzz around the A-League and the astonishing growth trajectory of the early days is once again the trend.
“Over nine seasons, A-League clubs have attracted over 10 million fans, competed with distinction in Asia and become popular in Australian households thanks to world-class live TV coverage. It all adds up to a competition that-s on the move with an exciting outlook.”
Melbourne Victory Head Coach Kevin Muscat said he was thrilled Melbourne Victory was able to host the Hyundai A-League-s 1000th clash.
“We as a club are very proud to be hosting this historic match at AAMI Park, a venue built for football,” Muscat said.
“It-s amazing to see how far the Hyundai A-League has come in just nine seasons. There have been plenty of successes and wonderful stories over the years and we are delighted to have played our part in making this league what it is today.”
Top Ten Hyundai A-League 1000 milestones:
1000th goal: Carlos Hernandez, for Melbourne Victory v Brisbane Roar, Etihad Stadium, 15 August 2009 (33rd minute) 1000th outfield goal*: Labinot Haliti, for Newcastle Jets v Melbourne Victory, EnergyAustralia Stadium, 18 October 2009 (22nd minute) * excluding penalty goals 1000th 1st half goal: Tiago Calvano, for Newcastle Jets v Perth Glory, nib Stadium, 3 November 2012 (11th minute) 1000th 2nd half goal: Mitch Nichols, for Brisbane Roar v Gold Coast United, Suncorp Stadium, 21 October 2011 (78th minute) 1000th yellow card: Liam Reddy, for Brisbane Roar v Sydney FC, Suncorp Stadium, 8 February 2008 (74th minute) 1000th card (any colour): Michael Theo, for Melbourne Victory v Central Coast Mariners, Bluetongue Stadium, 31 December 2007 (yellow card, 74th minute) 1000th match: Melbourne Victory v Newcastle Jets, AAMI Park, 8 December 2013 (8 years 104 days, or 3026 days, after first match - Newcastle Jets v Adelaide United, EnergyAustralia Stadium, 26 August 2005 1000th second: during Newcastle Jets v Adelaide United, EnergyAustralia Stadium, 26 August 2005 1000th minute: during Newcastle Jets v Sydney FC, EnergyAustralia Stadium, 11 September 2005 1000th hour: during Brisbane Roar v Gold Coast United, Suncorp Stadium, 12 February 2011