Well, "Rivalry Round" is in the books, and the much anticipated, but ultimately unrewarding Melbourne Derby turned out to be the most disappointing game of the round. Heart showed some heart and probably should have won, while Victory still resembles a 1970's supergroup, full of amazing, talented musicians but sounding horribly out of tune when you see them live. Elsewhere, Sydney FC finally won, Brisbane and Perth kept winning, and poor Wellington Phoenix were forced to play at the same time the All Blacks were trying to make rugby history.

Here's what I liked disliked about Round Three: 

Like 

Shane Smeltz: Goalscorer for hire. Doesn't matter where he plays, all Smeltz does is score goals. 

Consistent kickoff times: FFA boss Ben Buckley mentioned this the other day and I agree with him 100%. When a sporting event is on at the same time, week-after-week, it's much easier to establish a viewing pattern. One of the reasons for the NFL's success has been its consistent start times year after year. You never have to wonder when and if games are on. 

Terry Antonis: The 17-year old Sydney FC midfielder has been a revelation. Without overhyping him, Antonis has displayed maturity beyond his years and could be this season's Marco Rojas. His work setting up Jamie Coyne's goal against Adelaide was superb. 

Michael Theoklitos: I've been a fan of his since the South Melbourne/Football Kingz days. Not only is he a superb shot-stopper, but he plays a key role in starting Brisbane's offensive attack through sharp passes rather than aimless punts. 

Victory players' honesty: The performance against Heart was terrible, but Victory players certainly didn't dance around any post-match questions. Archie Thompson apologised to fans in a pitchside interview, while Matthew Foschini labelled the Derby effort "a disgrace." 

Dislike 

"Rivalry Round:" I've got no problem with the concept, but it reeks of copying the AFL. For one thing, a Melbourne Derby is what it is without having to be part of a marketing campaign. And while three of five matches work, there are one or two - just like the AFL - that make no sense. Adelaide United and Sydney FC is a bit of a reach, but what about Perth and Wellington? Let's see, what do they have in common? Both are cities, both have football teams, and both are in the A-League. Hey, they're rivals! 

Mark Bosnich's hair: I love Bozza, but the hair itself is so comically bad that it borders on distracting. And by Round Six or Seven I'm afraid the constant jokes ABOUT his hair will start to get old. It's in danger of veering into "Footy Show" territory. 

Andy Slory: The more I watch this guy, the less I like him. Several times in the loss to Sydney FC I saw him give away easy possession and quit on through balls. He also inexplicably failed to connect on an amazing cross from Iain Ramsay. 

Adam Peacock as comedian: Peacock is a very good host who handles Fox Sports' oversized panels adroitly. But his repeated attempts at humour (often inside jokes or smarmy asides) can seem awkward and forced.

Fans giving the finger on TV: Even when I was younger, drunker and more passionate, I never felt the urge to raise my middle finger at a sporting event. It seems you can't have a camera shot of a crowd these days - especially in Melbourne - without fans flipping the bird.