New Zealand Knights coach John Adshead hasn't seen anything to be frightened of watching five of his team's A-League rivals in action across the Tasman.
In Australia for the knockout contest to find its representative for the Oceania club championship in Tahiti, Adshead has no doubts the league will be
competitive, but feels the Auckland franchise will not be out of their depth.
"I have seen nothing that really scares me," he said from Perth, where he watched Sydney FC come from behind beat Perth Glory 2-1 on Wednesday night.
"I fancy we have got players who, individually, will be as good as anyone in the Australian teams.
"The challenge ... will be in getting these players to gel into a team. From the sides I have seen, it is hard to pick who will start favourites, but I can't see any team running away with the A-League."
Central Coast Mariners' Nick Mrdja and Sydney's David Zdrilic, two players who did impress Adshead, will miss Sunday's final after being booked in both outings.
The final has been switched from Adelaide to Central Coast following Adelaide's surprise 4-0 loss to the Coasters in the second semifinal.
"It has been a useful exercise to have a look at the players and teams, but we have to remember some teams, and Melbourne Victory spring to mind, are still waiting for a number of players to come back from Europe," Adshead said.
"Central Coast have shown out as a useful team. They have a lot of Australian players who are quick and tidy. After watching Perth I would give them a month off. It is a big ask to keep these players in training with no games in sight."
Adshead hopes to name some more players next week as his squad takes shape.
"I have not ruled out further signings from Europe. I haven't closed any door."
He is keen to finalise his 20-strong squad quickly and should be close before he starts treatment next Friday for prostate cancer.
"By then we hope to have 18 of the 20 players in place, including another striker who, like Sean Devine, has been signed following [assistant coach] Tommy Mason's trip to England."
The Knights will start training about June 15. Their first game will be in the league's pre-season tournament against Sydney FC (away) on July 24.
