#ICYMI "The game played out might have vindicated the faction of league fans who disagreed with putting such a big fixture in Round 1" 🗣️ Last night, after a very long off season, the 2026/27 @aleaguemen season kicked off with Sydney FC taking in crosstown rivals Western Sydney Wanderers. In front of 30, 000 spectators, the derby finished in a 0-0 draw with strong criticism about the match and its quality 👎 FPF editor @ChristianMFPF wrote his opinion on the match with a piece below: 👇 "There’s the risk of a bore-draw being served up because teams still needing more time to become familiar with new teammates, patterns of play, and conditioning," he said. "Throughout the second half, it seemed both sides had become fatigued and were still in pre-season mode. "It meant the rare bargaining chip the league has of an early derby, likely used to spark the campaign and attract new fans, was largely wasted. "Perhaps the lack of goalmouth action at Allianz means where in for some crazy stuff for the remainder of Round 1 — let’s hope so." 📸: Harley Appezzato