The race for the next A-League licenses "has intensified, headlined by a three-horse race in Victoria," according to Davutovic & Windley of the HERALD SUN. Dandenong-Casey, in Melbourne’s "fast-growing" southeast corridor, will reveal "formal bid plans" within a month. Victoria Patriots -- a Geelong-based bid incorporating the western region -- formally unveiled its bid last week with a "proposed new boutique, rectangular stadium" central to its expansion plans. National Soccer League "heavyweights" South Melbourne has been the highest-profile of the three Victorian bids, and has "sounded out" Roberto Carlos and Didier Drogba to become its inaugural coach and "marquee player." Wollongong Wolves are "ready to join and fill a void on the NSW South Coast." Expansion excitement has "reached fever-pitch since October with no less than 10 consortiums interested in joining the A-League," but Football Federation Australia delayed the criteria release until February. FFA has revealed that two teams will join in '18, adding that the criteria will "include plans for an eventual 16-team competition." The three biggest councils in Melbourne’s southeast, Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia, reportedly met last week to discuss an A-League bid. The councils reportedly "agreed on Dandenong as the location of a proposed stadium." Greater Dandenong Mayor Jim Memeti said, "The three councils are working jointly, we’ve held talks regarding an A-League bid and we’re keeping the ball rolling." Former Socceroo and businessman Steve Horvat "was revealed as the face of the Victoria Patriots bid," which has engaged "stadium design leader" Populous. Horvat: "The ultimate goal is to play in a boutique 15,000 stadium and we're working closely with Populous to look at the feasibility of a stadium in the region" (HERALD SUN, 1/28).
