Good start a must in A-League

Only two clubs in the competition's seven-year history have gone on to win a trophy without winning at least one of the season's opening two matches.

And no team has lost its opening two games and claimed silverware that season.

It makes for an interesting discussion topic should either the defending champion Roar or Melbourne Victory drop a mouth-watering clash at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night after losing in week one.

Sydney FC and Newcastle Jets also lost their opening matches last weekend, and will be under similar pressure in Alessandro Del Piero's home debut at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.

Roar, Victory and the Sky Blues have all been talked up as possible champions this season.

But Roar midfielder Thomas Broich insists losing its opening match last weekend against Perth Glory isn't the end of the world and there are plenty of opportunities over the 27-week fixture season to make amends.

"Our performance was pretty average but it's just round one and the season is a marathon, not a sprint," he said.

"It's round one, let's relax and see what happens."

Central Coast Mariners' performance last season does give hope to the slow starters.

The Mariners lost two of their first three matches to sit bottom of the table - only posting their maiden win in week four.

But that was the start of a remarkable run and they won seven of their next eight matches, and eventually the Premiers' Plate.

Interestingly, Roar remains favourite for both the league title and grand final with most bookmaking firms despite its week one defeat.

2005-06

Premier (League title): Adelaide United - WIN, DRAW

Champion (grand final winner): Sydney FC - DRAW, WIN

2006-07

Premier and Champion: Melbourne Victory - WIN, WIN

2007-08

Premier: Central Coast Mariners - WIN, WIN

Champion: Newcastle Jets - DRAW, DRAW

2008-09

Premier and Champion: Melbourne Victory - DRAW, WIN

2009-10

Premier and Champion: Sydney FC - WIN, WIN

2010-11

Premier and Champion: Brisbane Roar - DRAW, WIN

2011-12

Premier: Central Coast Mariners - LOSS, DRAW

Champion: Brisbane Roar - WIN, WIN