With the A-League season having now reached the halfway mark, the ladder has begun to take shape with Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory appearing most likely to be the teams competing for the title come season’s end.

Brisbane Roar and Melbourne City have shown signs of fight but mixed results have left many questioning their title chances this season.

The opening half of the season has seen plenty of drama and there is sure to be plenty more to come before the end of the season.

Here is how each team graded (in my humble opinion) at the mid-way point of season 2016/17:

Adelaide United: E

The reigning champions claimed just their second win of the season on Thursday night against Melbourne City, a performance they had been lacking all season. The Reds showed impressive levels of fight and desperation, elements which drove them to the title last season. Despite putting together a number of strong performances this season, the South Australian club has failed to pick up maximum points on many occasions. Things need to change in the second half of the season and this could all come about with some squad changes in the January transfer window.

Brisbane Roar: B-

Despite showing mixed form this season the Roar should never be discounted, having tasted the ultimate success before. If attackers such as Jamie Maclaren and Tommy Oar can find their best form the Queenslander can not be discounted. Midfielder Thomas Kristensen has slotted into the side seamlessly following the departure of Spaniard Corona, and watching him to continue to grow will sure be exciting.

Central Coast Mariners: C

It has been a mixed bag for the Mariners in the opening half of the season, showing so much promise but also showing signs of their worst. It is the attacking areas where they have arguably seen the greatest improvements, youngsters Trent Buhagiar and Connor Pain have been welcomed additions to Paul Okon’s system, two prospects who should be closely watched. Individual errors have contributed to a number of the club’s goals conceded this season, an area Paul Okon will quickly want to develop.

Melbourne City: C

The season started with so much promise for City, with new signings led by Tim Cahill making an immediate impact on the team. Post their FFA Cup victory over Sydney FC, things have gone from bad to worse for City. The departure of John van’t Schip sent shocks waves through the competition and the club will be looking to secure a permanent coach in coming weeks so they are able to settle before launching their title assault.

Melbourne Victory: B+

A shaky start to the season had many questioning if the Victory were the real deal this season but two months is a long time in football. In that time the Victory have fully swung things around to sit second in the table behind the high-flying Sky Blues. Marco Rojas has made an instant impact upon his return to Australia and is ultimately a major key to the Victory’s hopes this season.

Newcastle Jets: B-

Many tipped the Jets to be sitting at the bottom of the table come the end of the season alongside the Mariners and so far they have proven they are no easy beats this season. Mark Jones has his side playing some exciting football, led by off-season arrival Andrew Nabbout. Early signs did not look good for the Jets who lost numerous senior players to injury, but with the full complement available the Jets look like a much different team.

Perth Glory: D

The Glory’s off-season recruiting drive brought so much promise heading into the new season but it has been far from smooth sailing for the West Australian outfit. Despite sitting in fifth place on the table, the Glory have looked far from the title challengers many tipped them to be. With 13 games still remaining in the season there is no reason as to why this team can’t turn things around.

Sydney FC: A

To put it simply, the Sky Blues have been simply fantastic. Even when they have found their backs up against the wall, they have found a way to get things done. Manager Graham Arnold has been noted as his saying his side can finish the season undefeated, this weekend’s clash against rivals the Wanderers will give us more of an insight into the weaknesses Sydney may have. But ultimately there has proven to be not one this season, with their team so even across the pitch, a real credit to Arnold and his management.

Wellington Phoenix: C

Sitting in seventh place the Phoenix have once again struggled to make an impact on the competition. Ernie Merrick was shown the door as a result of a poor start to the season. While there have been signs of improvement over the course of the past few weeks, it looks set to be another disappointing season for the league’s sole New Zealand team.

Western Sydney Wanderers: C-

The biggest issue for Tony Popovic’s men has been the lack of goals, this team is crying out for a striker and they must simply make an investment this month. Western Sydney sit just outside the top six at this stage of the season and are delicately placed to make a run for the finals. An improved back half of the season, can see them earn a place in the finals. And as always the case with finals football, anything can happen, in particular with the talent in this squad.

by Brayden May – contributor