International icons, Socceroos and Matildas stars of today and tomorrow, and a ground-breaking documentary series set to bring fans closer to the action: the A-Leagues season launch for 2022-23 brings palpable excitement of what’s to come.
Players from all 13 teams in the Isuzu UTE A-League Men and Liberty A-League Women congregated at the launch event in Melbourne on Tuesday, September 27, with the F2 Freestylers travelling from the UK to take part.
It was at the season launch where guests were treated to the first sight of the A-Leagues All Access docuseries: a behind-the-scenes look at the A-Leagues spanning 30 episodes, filmed and aired week-to-week throughout the 2022-23 campaign.
The weekly docuseries will be broadcast on Thursday evenings on the KEEPUP website, the KEEPUP app and KEEPUP YouTube, featuring a different character in the A-leagues each week, from players to coaches and fans, going beyond match days to give an in-depth glimpse into life both on and off the field.
Initial episodes will feature former Manchester United star and new Melbourne Victory recruit Luis Nani, Brisbane Roar’s Charlie Austin, Melbourne City Coach Patrick Kisnorbo and rising Socceroos and Central Coast Mariners star Garang Kuol.
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The A-League Men kicks off on October 7 with a Grand Final rematch between champions Western United and premiers Melbourne City. Prized Roar recruit Austin says his involvement in A-Leagues All Access has fuelled his excitement for the season getting underway.
“Football is finally here, and we can’t wait for the A-League Men to start on October 7, with our first game at Suncorp on October 8,” Austin said.
“I started filming A-Leagues All Access a few weeks ago and I can’t wait for the fans to see more of what happens behind the scenes. Having moved from the UK recently, I have seen how much documentaries have been game changers for growing the game and letting fans in.”
MORE DETAILS: ALL ACCESS DOCUSERIES BRINGING A-LEAGUES FANS CLOSER THAN BEFORE
The A-League Women is set to welcome Western United to the fray in 2022-23, as part of a two-season process to extend the season and become a full-home-and-away, 12-team league with Central Coast’s inclusion in 2023-24.
Kicking off on November 19 during the A-League Men’s three-week break for the 2022 Men’s FIFA World Cup, the 2022-23 A-League Women season will feature an innovative ‘goal rush’ style studio program every weekend, and a free pass (the Liberty Pass) for all participants aged under sixteen to attend women’s games, as well as a new broadcast schedule which will see every women’s match live and free on Ten Play, and 26 extra men’s games on Ten Bold.
The 2022-23 season will also provide the platform for the likes of Western’s Chloe Logarzo, Sydney FC’s Cortnee Vine and Brisbane Roar’s Larissa Crummer and Katrina Gorry all continue their respective bids to seal a spot in the Matildas’ 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup squad.
Former Matildas goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri has signed on with Melbourne City for what will be her 26th season of professional football in 2022-23. The veteran keeper is optimistic of what’s to come with the launch of the A-Leagues.
“This is the most exciting 12-months in Australian football history with two FIFA World Cups, including one right here in Australia and New Zealand,” Barbieri said. “I just re-signed for Melbourne City and I am so excited to see what my 26th season will bring.
“I’m nearing my 100th appearance in A-League Women and I have never seen more potential in the game than I have this year. Being able to get closer to the fans through A-Leagues All Access, and the new studio show for A-League Women, means so much to me.
This game is about to explode.
Australian Professional Leagues CEO Danny Townsend added: “We are committed to enabling fans to connect with our game in any way they choose and this season we are delivering more opportunities for fans to get up close and personal with their favourite players than ever before.
“The A-Leagues All Access documentary is ground-breaking in the level of access and speed of turnaround, giving fans more of their clubs and players every single week of the season.
“With every women’s match available live and free on 10 Play, 26 extra men’s games on 10 Bold, A-Leagues All Access every Thursday night, and our new ‘goal-rush’ style studio show for simultaneous Liberty A-League Women games, we are bringing fans closer to the action of the A-Leagues.”
The Isuzu UTE A-League Men begins on October 7, and the Liberty A-League Women kicks off on November 19.
