And just like that, another A-League regular season (sans one game) is in the books and we look ahead to the finals. Let’s recap the action-packed final round.
Here are your A-League talking points.
Premiership race goes down to wire
For months there’s only been two teams in the premiership race, and it will go right down to the final game of the season. Central Coast host Adelaide on Wednesday evening, needing only a point at Industree Group Stadium against a Reds side with little to play for to clinch their third premiership.
Mark Jackson’s side were stifled by a valiant Jets in the F3 Derby until the dam broke in the second half, with two late goals sealing victory for the Mariners. I don’t get a vote, but if I did, Mark Jackson would get the nod for Coach of the Year. He’s taken a Mariners outfit that was decimated last winter and lost their opening four fixtures to the brink of more silverware, while working within one of the league’s stingiest budgets.
(Photo by Scott Gardiner/Getty Images)
Giancarlo Italiano and Wellington Phoenix did their part to keep their faint hopes of a first-ever trophy alive, downing Macarthur 3-0 at Sky Stadium. Whatever happens from here, it’s been a season to remember in Wellington and Italiano has done a magnificent job building on the foundation laid by his mate Ufuk Talay.
There’s still a championship title in the Nix’s sights – I’m sure plenty of A-League fans whose sides are already eliminated will be cheering them on.
Is Rudan safe after Wanderers miss finals?
In the end it came down to a Jamie Maclaren strike dooming Western Sydney Wanderers to another bottom-six finish, but Marko Rudan’s side should never have let their finals place slip. Wanderers showed fight to come from two goals down at AAMI Park to keep their season alive but it was to be in vain as Melbourne City handled their business, beating Western United 1-0 to scrape into the playoffs.
This is a failure from a Wanderers perspective, plain and simple. They dropped a stunning number of points since the calendar flipped over to 2024 amid rumours of dressing room disharmony and Rudan’s alleged antics behind closed doors. Rudan is backed by Paul Lederer so the situation is likely not so grim as to force the CEO into letting the former centre-half go with a three-year contract extension still yet to kick in.
Assuming Rudan is still in the dugout come Round 1, how many of the current squad will also be there? No doubt his unconventional methods work for some players, but this kind of coach will always alienate some of his charges. Younger players, still in their formative years, are especially susceptible to catching Rudan’s ire, as Marcus Younis discovered after the last-minute derby defeat.
Sky Blues humiliate Glory, earn home final
Demolishing Perth 7-1 to seal fourth place and a home elimination final, it was a good afternoon for Ufuk Talay’s side at Allianz Stadium. Consistency has been the question mark on the Sky Blues all season long, but if they’re able to ride some form, their frontline is stacked with talent, and they could plausibly cause some damage in the playoffs.
A shaky start to the campaign led to club legend Steve Corica’s departure but Talay has done an admirable job in Moore Park. An ageing squad has seen revitalisation in the form of youngsters like Hayden Matthews, Corey Hollman and Jake Girdwood-Reich but visa signings Fabio Gomes and Gabriel Lacerda’s output hasn’t met expectations in the Harbour City.
Conversely, another painful campaign in the west has, mercifully, come to an end. A couple weeks ago Perth were beaten so badly by Melbourne City the powers that be felt compelled to issue a press release confirming just how embarrassed the club as a whole was by that effort. They conceded eight that day; I wonder if another press release is being prepared as I type, because ’embarrassing’ is a good way to describe Sunday’s hammering.
Ross Pelligra certainly has a job on his hands to restore some pride in the club. It’s got to start with a significant recruitment drive because, as much as they should still’ve been more competitive than they were, the squad is miles away from the better sides in the competition.
Mustafa Amini of the Glory and Anthony Caceres of Sydney contest for the ball during the A-League Men round 12 match between Perth Glory and Sydney FC at HBF Park, on April 03, 2024, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
Finals week 1 locked in
A couple of interesting fixtures to kick off the finals, with Sydney hosting Macarthur on Saturday night, and a Melbourne Derby at AAMI Park, 3pm Sunday. Both elimination games have the potential for plenty of goals and chaos. I’ll say the Sky Blues and Victory move on, but it’s difficult to pick a winner in both games.
Quick hits
-Concerning news this week of Angel Torres’ arrest. How much of a disruption will it be to the Mariners?
-Was the F3 Derby loss the Newcastle Jets’ farewell to the A-League? I sincerely hope not, but if the club does fold I don’t think anyone will be too shocked at this point.
-Congratulations to the players hanging up the boots at the end of 2023-24, including one-club man Leigh Broxham. The versatile utility made his first appearance for the club in 2007 and finished just shy of 400 appearances in the Victory jersey.
-Thank you to everyone who read these pieces throughout the season and contributed in the comments section. It’s been a lot of fun covering this competition again.
Waz
Roar Rookie
Only 2,000 bothered to turn up for the City semi-final. Lets hope they find a few more this weekend.
Football Fan
Roar Rookie
This is one of many reasons why I don't want the Aleague to switch to winter.
Grem
Roar Rookie
It’s good that they have honoured him in this way as he is an Australian sporting legend. It reads like he is heading overseas again rather than just to another club. It’s a shame he didn’t see his career out at City like it would have been good if Ninkovic finished his at Sydney.
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Just in from the club: "A-Leagues’ greatest goalscorer to bid farewell to City at season’s end After five and a half seasons, 163 games, 115 goals, four Golden Boots, and six trophies, Jamie Maclaren will bid farewell to Melbourne City FC at season’s end to pursue an opportunity outside of the A-Leagues. The greatest goal scorer in league history – with 154* A-League Men’s goals – the record-breaking striker leaves the Club as a City legend. To recognise Maclaren’s legacy, a special membership category will be created in his honour from next season, making him the first player in the Club’s history to receive this distinction and further solidifying his status as a City legend. In recognition of the impact Maclaren has made at the Club, he and his family will also receive lifetime Melbourne City FC memberships. Etched into Club history, Maclaren became the first player in the A-League Men’s competition to score 100 goals for a single club, highlighting his hugely successful career in City colours. A crucial part of City’s history-making squad, the 30-year-old won three Premiers Plates and one Championship trophy during the Club’s most successful period. Maclaren’s drive for high standards, his work ethic, and his ability to lead by example saw him named Captain of the Men’s team ahead of the 2023/24 season. Second on the Club’s all-time appearance list, Maclaren departs as the greatest striker in A-Leagues history. Paying tribute to Maclaren’s tremendous contribution to the Club, Melbourne City FC Director of Football, Michael Petrillo, said: “Jamie embodies everything we stand for as a Club, he’s been an outstanding footballer for us and an exceptional role model for his teammates and young fans. “On the pitch, his name will remain in the record books forever. Not only is he the league’s greatest ever goal scorer, but he also made an enormous contribution to our Men’s team during their most successful period. “Jamie leaves City a legend, and with his family, will always be welcome back at our Club.” Reflecting on his time at City, Jamie Maclaren, said: “It’s a bittersweet moment for me to leave the Club that I’ve called home for the past five and a half years. “I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve been able to achieve here, both personally and as a team. I came here to help bring success to this Club and I leave knowing that I played my role in that, where together we’ve made so many fond memories and shared so much success. “To my teammates, the staff and our amazing supporters, I want to say thank you for making my time here so special.” On behalf of the entire Club, we would like to thank Jamie for his incredible contribution and wish him every success in the next chapter of his career. He will always have a home at Melbourne City."
Garry
Roar Rookie
one reason I moved !! :stoked:
Grem
Roar Rookie
Hardly platinum if you sit in rain!
Garry
Roar Rookie
In platinum plus last year during the rain the last maybe 4 rows were covered enough.
Grem
Roar Rookie
I’ve been looking at level 1 and silver. I’m not sure what section, but in line with the outside of Sydney’s penalty box and the last row on the shady side. I reckon they’d be protected and have a great view.
Garry
Roar Rookie
Behind the goals!! worst view in sport!! Tho would try it as a last resort - did consider it for my membership.
Grem
Roar Rookie
The live VAR was good during the women’s Workd Cup. Can we have Stephanie Frapert?
Grem
Roar Rookie
2nd level and back a bit. You will stay dry. Sections 220-224 will be silver, cheaper and comfortable.
Garry
Roar Rookie
Due to the rain/cold and a lack of cover with my usual seats (Clubhouse – undercover) a little pricey I may not attend – probably will tho! :happy: . However convincing others to go will be difficult. “Stalled high-pressure weather system across southern Australia spells 10 days of rain, possible weekend flooding for NSW”
Garry
Roar Rookie
now for something completely different! everyones fav topic - VAR. "Live VAR to debut during Isuzu UTE A-League Finals Series as Australia leads the way in Asia" I have no issue with VAR in theory BUT it certainly needs work and transparency may help. Ideally I dont think VAR sb used to give reds or pens. Rather it should be used to check Red or Pens given on the field. The real issue to me is the interpretations of foul play and handball.
Grem
Roar Rookie
That’s pleasing Waz - some good news in an up and down season. Hopefully more good news with an announcement on Newcastle soon and some signings for the Roar. A 9% increase - now imagine if the APL can really get things right for next season - another 9% rise should be an outcome they aim for.
Waz
Roar Rookie
Crowds are up 9% on last year and the finals must boost that. Not great compared to where we were but the minimum for this season was to stop the rot. SFC at home and a Melbourne derby will be huge with APL preying for a SFC and Victory win. From there the semi-finals snd finals will have good crowds no matter the combination - especially as they look to have got ticket prices right.
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Yep, church service Trumps football :shocked:
Garry
Roar Rookie
"The starting time for Sunday’s A-League elimination final between Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City at AAMI Park has been shifted back by two hours due to a clash with Orthodox Easter celebrations and “grassroots” football."
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Melbourne game moved from 3 to 5 pm to cash in on the Richmond supporters leaving The G :silly:
Grem
Roar Rookie
Buying finals tickets for Sydney is interesting. I have bought same seats, but Ticketek shows it as GA. Apparently when the tickets are delivered they will have our seats as per the season. They were well priced though.
Garry
Roar Rookie
that could be the reverse!! credit card maxxed paying the APL!!! :stoked: