'Why won't the plate be in Newcastle?'

Where is it this weekend ... Simon Hill questions the FFA's stance. Source:FOX SPORTS

Here we go again. Seriously, must we have this argument every single season?

• 1. WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS (54 points, Goal Diff +17)
  v Newcastle (A)
  Need a win or a draw in Newcastle to secure the premier's plate in their debut season.
   
• 2. CENTRAL COAST MARINERS (51, +25)
  v Melbourne Heart (H)
  If the Wanderers lose, the Mariners will pinch the premier's plate on goal difference with a win against the Heart.
   
• 3. MELBOURNE VICTORY (41, +2)
  v Wellington Phoenix (A)
  Will finish third or fourth and have nothing to really play for in New Zealand ahead of their home elimination final.
   
• 4. ADELAIDE UNITED (40, +1)
  v Perth Glory (A)
  To finish third or fourth and host a home knockout final, regardless of the result of their Perth trip.
   
• 5. BRISBANE ROAR (32, +2)
  v Sydney FC (H)
  Hold their own destiny. Beat Sydney, and their title defence continues into the finals; lose, and they need both Perth and Newcastle to lose. If they draw and only one of Newcastle or Perth win, they could still sneak in.
• 6. SYDNEY FC (32, -8)
  v Brisbane Roar (A)
  Like Brisbane, masters of their own fate: beat the Roar and they make the finals. Lose or draw, and they rely on others, like the Roar, above.
   
• 7. PERTH GLORY (31, -2)
  v Adelaide United (H)
  Beat Adelaide at home and they're in the finals. Draw, and they're probably in - if Sydney are beaten. Lose, and they're out.
   
• 8. NEWCASTLE JETS (31, -12)
  v Western Sydney (H)
  Must defeat Western Sydney and hope Sydney and Brisbane draw, and Perth lose, to steal a finals spot. If they draw, but Perth win and Sydney get thumped by four or more goals, they can also sneak in! 

FFA's decision not to take the Premiers Plate to Hunter Stadium on Friday follows on from last year, when the governing body failed to reward Central Coast Mariners on the day of their Premiership success, by not having the silverware on hand in Wellington - the day their achievement was confirmed.

At least on that occasion, there was some excuse. With the outcome undecided until the final day, it was possible the trophy could have gone to Brisbane, who were playing on the Gold Coast. But surely the Plate isn't so priceless that a replica couldn't have been made in order to have one at each venue?

This year, there is no justifiable reason.  

I don't buy for one moment the argument that presenting a trophy at a team's home ground gives an opportunity for more fans to see it being lifted. What about the estimated 6,000 Western Sydney Wanderers supporters who are travelling up the F3 and paying good money to watch their team on Friday? If the desire is really there to give the maximum number of fans the opportunity to watch the trophy being presented, then surely a pre (or post) match parade with the team and trophy can be performed at the Wanderers first home finals match as well (if they indeed, win it)?

Based on FFA's rationale, then Perth Glory would have been denied the chance to lift the Championship trophy had they won last year's grand final, given that only a fraction of their regular supporter base was in Brisbane?

Trophyless ... Mariners celebrate in Wellington last year. Source: Supplied

I suspect the real reason behind this decision is the concern that the Wanderers fans will somehow go ballistic at the sight of their team winning a trophy - or, that FFA doesn't want to be accused of favouritism (after what happened with the Mariners last year), given that the Wanderers are owned by the governing body. There are also rumours of logistical issues in terms of transport times back to Sydney - all fair and reasonable arguments.

But trophies should ALWAYS be handed out on the day teams earn their success. To deny the players their moment in the sun is wrong - and to deny fans, (99.9 per cent of whom conduct themselves properly), the opportunity to see their beloved club raise a trophy aloft in the moment of euphoria, is to deny the essence of what the game is all about.

Furthermore, the game also wastes a precious opportunity for wonderful photographs in the papers, and priceless footage on television of fans and players celebrating together.

This debate is not about what is more important - Premiership or Championship - it is about recognising that there are few times in a football supporters' (and players') life when you can celebrate these little moments of history. Who will cherish the memory of lifting the Plate when minds are focussed on a vital finals game?

FFA has consistently got this wrong.  Back in year one, Adelaide United were shabbily treated by a pitch-side presentation of the trophy BEFORE an away game in Newcastle. In season two, Melbourne Victory also had to wait after clinching the crown at home against New Zealand Knights.  

Then, suddenly, they got it right after Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory played out the regular season decider in 2009-2010. So why now are we back to square one?

Take the damn thing (as plain as it is), up the F3, and if - if - the Wanderers win it, let them go and celebrate with their supporters AND the trophy. If they fail - no problems, pack it away and have it down the road for the Mariners twenty four hours later.

But to leave it at FFA headquarters on what is potentially such a momentous day in the Wanderers' short history is scandalous. As is the consistent refusal to recognise the players' achievements by not giving them individual medals to commemorate their efforts.

Imagine a team winning an FA Cup Final and being told they had to wait until their next league game before being presented with their reward, and that the players would receive no medals?

There are only two trophies to play for in Australia - as things stand, the grand final losers get medals, but the Premiers get nothing - not even, it seems, the trophy that is rightfully their's on the day they win it.  Ridiculous.

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