With 2025 drawing to a close, Joey Lynch reviews the year that was for the Socceroos & Matildas - with majour tournaments to come for both in 2026. Joey also casts his eye over the big issues from the weekend’s A-Leagues round, both on and off the pitch.

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To Liverpool, where a week has again proven a long time in football; a win in Europe and the League has Arne Slot’s side in better form, while Mo Salah has returned to the squad against expectation. The Athletic’s Reds reporter James Pearce returns.

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In mid-November, long-time football administrator and Football Australia Hall of Fame member Brendan Schwab wrote a piece titled: '‘Australian football is at its most important point this century. Our destiny as a football nation is at stake', for Football360.
In an extended chat Brendan expands on his piece, and provides esteemed insight on the various challenges facing the Australian game as it looks to 'build its fourth professional era':from governance to broadcast rights, independent media coverage to club longevity, and plenty more.

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It’s been two months since Trevor Morgan led the Young Socceroos to their first U20 World Cup since 2013, where they performed admirably at the end of a long cycle. Morgan speaks to the lessons taken on by the group, and his own philosophy on youth coaching.

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Perth Glory remain without a manager three weeks on from the sacking of David Zdrilic, but have recently moved into their new base at Mirrabooka and feel they’re laying solid foundation off the field. CEO Anthony Radich returns to answer the multitude of questions facing the club.

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Iraq and the UAE will finally settle the final place from AFC World Cup qualifying on Wednesday, heading into the tie locked at 1-1. Meanwhile, Asian domestic leagues will conclude in the coming weeks with Kevin Muscat eyeing silverware, and Melbourne City look to have their act together in the ACL Elite. The Asian Game’s Scott McIntyre is the man for a comprehensive wrap.

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