There has been a lot of use of late of this strange word, 'paradigm'.

The best meaning I can find for it is model or concept.  Apparently it was much in vogue in the scientific community in the mid-1900s. Now our Prime Minister has thrust this word of Greek origin onto the national stage once again.

I am suprised the phrase "new paradigm" has not been copyrighted by the A-League, because that was the intention behind its formation.  A paradigm shift, if you will, from old soccer to new football.

How has it gone? Well, the jury is out. The first few seasons appeared to build momentum but seasons 5 and 6 have been a step backwards in terms of crowds and the financial stability of clubs. 

Nearly every club has faced significant problems over the last two years. Happily, Victory - the league's model citizen - has not been one of them and leads the way not only on the field but off it as well. A point the club will ram home on Friday night during the first Melbourne Derby.

This game comes at a critical point for the league. A week after the AFL/NRL grand final in some clear sports media air (I don't count the Delhi Comm Games as an impediment to this), this is the opportunity to shine. 

Can we fill a 30,000 stadium? I fear some in the media have a poisoned pen poised to strike if the crowd is a disappointment. Some who write on these very electronic pages are salivating over the opportunity to strike at soccer's soft underbelly.

This game is potentially the golden "new paradigm".  Where else in world soccer this year will the away fans outnumber the home fans by a 2:1 ratio? Where else will it happen with them sitting side by side? No coins, flares, rocks or other weapons thrown at those wearing a different colour. Just two sets of fans wanting to see their team win. Some will call this a lack of passion. I prefer to call it civilization.

What I do want to see is a new twist in Australian sport. Opposition fans singing and chanting against each other while seated within arms length. We have the chants now we need to use them, thoughtfully.

I left the AFL grand final last Saturday with one overriding memory. The sound of COLLLLINGGGGWOOOOODDDD in base ringing around the ground as the Magpies got on top in the second quarter. 

I want to hear this sound wash over the players on the pitch on Friday night as Victory score their second in the 40th minute. VIIICCCCCTTOOOOOORRRYYYYYY, VIIICCCCTTOOOOORRRYYY ....