Just three rounds into the seventh instalment of the A-League and it's already clear that the anticipation and optimism of the preseason has proved worthwhile. What's perhaps even more rewarding is that while the arrivals of Harry Kewell and Brett Emerton have provided the competition with much needed exposure, their onfield impact has yet to take effect. 

The overall standard of football in last season's A-League was as high as in any previous iteration. The benchmark set by Brisbane Roar is arguably unsurpassed in this country's domestic footballing history. There was a danger therefore that the following season, preceded by an interminably long off-season and the saturation coverage of AFL and NRL, could dampen spirits and lead to an unwelcome hangover. 

Nothing could be further from the truth. 

Turbo-charged by the additions of international star quality in Kewell and Emerton, and bolstered by the retention of most of the competition's domestic talent (pity Matt McKay floundering in the Rangers reserves) the A-League has hit the ground running. 

This has been helped by, wait for it, some astute administration by FFA. Scheduling blockbuster fixtures in the early rounds has piqued the interest of the theatregoers and inflamed the passions of the partisan. Melbourne Victory, a barometer of the intensity of the competition, began with a triple-header against its three fiercest rivals: Sydney FC, Adelaide United and Melbourne Heart. Each set attendance records in their own right and contributed to record cumulative gates across the league. 

In front of larger crowds, the standard of football has remained high. The Roar is continuing last season's title-winning form with Ange Postecoglou moulding a side of sophistication, penetration and no little steel. In Thomas Broich they have the competition's gem (Kewell and Emerton inclusive). As football waxes and wanes through fads and fashions, the current vogue places the utmost attacking importance on the old fashioned number 10. Broich is the A-League's arch 10: the schemer, the prober, the fulcrum of every forward move. Andy Harper recently suggested the German may be the country's best ever footballing import, and it's easy to see why. 

Brisbane's closest challengers look like they could be from the west. Perth Glory has invested heavily in its squad and in Liam Miller, Billy Mehmet and Shane Smeltz they have European-league pedigree to call upon. Smeltz, in particular, is an excellent acquisition. A big fish in a small pond he may be, but he is guaranteed to get A-League goals and with three in three to kick the season off, he could be the spearhead to a welcome Glory revival. 

The other protagonists are still sorting themselves out with some ladder placings unlikely to remain for long. 

Central Coast was dealt a harsh early draw and will improve with time, although that could depend on the future of Graham Arnold who has been linked with coaching positions in Europe. 

Melbourne Victory is still finding ways to accommodate its eye-catching roster of forwards. The navy blue's can have all the forwards in the world but if its midfield consists of the ageing Grant Brebner and the limited Leigh Broxham, it would hardly matter. Mehmet Durakovic deserves time to find the right formula but patience is unlikely to last long with the freshman coach. 

Sydney FC, with its pedigree coaching panel, appears a more recognisable force than last year, but remains some way off Brisbane's pace, while the Jets have put off-field issues behind them to collect two early wins. With Gary van Egmond now in situ and Francis Jeffers on his way, Newcastle will be well placed come season end. 

The three sides that need to be most concerned at this early stage are Melbourne Heart, Gold Coast United and Wellington Phoenix. 

Heart still suffers from its moribund tempo and a lack of central defensive cover is already hurting. The erudite and charming John van 't Schip is attempting to instil a footballing culture at his fledgling club but the baby-steps his side is taking need to quicken soon if they are not to be left behind in a competition with depth. 

The Phoenix will win enough home games at the Cake Tin not to lose face but without Marco Rojas and with Paul Ifill perpetually lame they look a bland offering. As do the Gold Coast, shorn of Jason Culina, Shane Smeltz and Bruce Djite. It is fortunate United is coached by the theatrical (and skilful) Miron Bleiberg as the already low attendances in Southern Queensland will not improve with an underperforming side on offer. 

Early days, but plenty to be cheerful about if you're an Australian soccer supporter. And that's before Kewell and Emerton have hit their straps...