A-League 1301373 225975110 2008-07-16T08:00:56Z 219.89.25.34 /* All-time */ {{for|the former US soccer league of the same name|A-League (American)}} {{ infobox football league | logo = A-League logo.png | pixels = 160 | country = {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Football Federation Australia|Australia]]<br>{{flagicon|NZL}} [[New Zealand Football|New Zealand]] | confed = AFC | founded = 2004 | first = [[A-League 2005-06|2005-06]] | teams = 8 | confed_cup = [[AFC Champions League]] | champions = [[Newcastle United Jets FC|Newcastle United Jets]] | season = [[A-League 2007-08|2007-08]] | premiers = [[Central Coast Mariners FC|Central Coast Mariners]] | most successful club = [[Melbourne Victory FC|Melbourne Victory]]<br />[[Newcastle United Jets FC|Newcastle United Jets]]<br />[[Sydney FC|Sydney]] (1) | most_prems = [[Adelaide United FC|Adelaide United]]<br />[[Central Coast Mariners FC|Central Coast Mariners]]<br />[[Melbourne Victory FC|Melbourne Victory]] (1) | website = http://www.a-league.com.au/ | current = [[A-League 2008-09]] }} The '''A-League''' is the premier Australasian domestic [[Association football|football (soccer)]] competition. Founded in 2004 and staging its [[A-League 2005-06|inaugural season]] in 2005-06, the league is contested by eight teams: seven covering Australia's major cities and regional centres and one from [[New Zealand]].<ref>{{cite news |title=FFA Statement Regarding New Zealand Knights |url=http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=6349 |date=[[2006-12-14]] |accessdate=2006-12-16}}</ref> The team which finishes on top of the league table at the end of the 21-round regular season is awarded the Premiership, with the winner of the subsequent four-team finals series awarded the Championship. In the [[A-League 2007-08|2007-08 season]], these were awarded to {{ALeague CCM}} and {{ALeague NUJ}} respectively. == History == In 2003, [[2003 Report of the Independent Soccer Review Committee|a report]] on soccer (as it was then called) in Australia was published by the [[Government of Australia|Australian Federal Government]] which ultimately led to an overhaul of [[Soccer Australia]] and the end of the [[National Soccer League]], Australia's previous domestic soccer competition. In its place, [[Football Federation Australia]] (named the Australian Soccer Association at the time) announced plans for a new national competition set to start in 2005. The competition was based on a one-city, one-club format. This was for two reasons - to concentrate player talent, and possibly more importantly, break the connection between clubs and specific immigrant groups (the previous NSL had a number of teams whose players and fans largely came from one specific immigrant community). The plan called for privately owned franchises to represent [[Sydney]], [[Melbourne]], [[Perth, Western Australia|Perth]], [[Brisbane]], [[Adelaide]], [[Newcastle, New South Wales|Newcastle]] and [[New Zealand]], with the eighth and final club to be selected from the remaining expressions of interest.<ref>{{cite news |title=ASA announce several significant initiatives |url=http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/default.aspx?s=insideffa_newsfeatures_newsitem&id=7435 |date=[[2004-03-22]] |accessdate=2006-11-03}}</ref> The selection of teams, with [[Central Coast (New South Wales)|The Central Coast]] the eighth area represented, was announced on [[November 1]] 2004, along with the competition format which was shortened to provide a basic structure for further expansion. The FFA scheduled the inaugural season to begin in August 2005, budgeting for an annual turnover of [[Australian dollar|AU$]]50 million and average crowds of 10,000.<ref>{{cite news |title=Australian Soccer announces the Hyundai A-League |url=http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=614&pageid=11 |date=2004-11-01 |accessdate=2006-11-03}}</ref> === 2005-06 season === {{main|A-League 2005-06}} The opening season saw clubs attract a wide array of talent, most notably [[Dwight Yorke]] for [[Sydney FC]], as well as bringing a large number of former and current [[Australia national football (soccer) team|Socceroos]] home, including [[Ned Zelic]], [[Steve Corica]] and [[Archie Thompson]]. [[Adelaide United FC]] won the inaugural A-League Premiership after the end of the home-and-away season. The Grand Final was played in front of 41,689 people at [[Aussie Stadium]]. Sydney FC prevailed 1-0 over the [[Central Coast Mariners FC|Central Coast Mariners]] to become the first A-League Champions. The FFA's target crowd figure of 10,000 was achieved as the league had an overall attendance average of 12,100 during its inaugural season.<ref>{{cite news |title=Facts and Figures |url=http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=3299 |date=[[2006-02-09]] |accessdate=2006-12-19}}</ref> An AU$120 million deal between the FFA and [[Fox Sports (Australia)|Fox Sports]] was reached in 2006 after the end of the first season. Under the deal, Fox Sports will have exclusive rights from 2007 to all [[Australia national football (soccer) team|''Socceroos'']] home internationals, all A-League and [[AFC Asian Cup]] fixtures, [[FIFA World Cup]] qualifiers through the AFC, and all [[AFC Champions League]] matches. The deal will allow the FFA to increase the amount of TV money to each of the participating clubs in the league and increase the revenue streams for those clubs.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/default.aspx?s=aus_news_feat_press_releases_item&id=9956 |title=Historic deal to secure Football's future |date=[[2006-05-03]]}}</ref> === 2006-07 season === {{main|A-League 2006-07}} The A-League's second season saw the return of such [[Australia]]n international players as [[Stan Lazaridis]], [[Tony Vidmar]] and [[Joel Griffiths]] which has boosted the media attention of the league. The FFA also suggested the idea of sharing the expense of some of the wages of Socceroos players to bring them back to Australia.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.theworldgame.com.au/aussiesabroad/index.php?pid=st&cid=73539 |title=Plan to bring back Socceroos |publisher=[[The World Game]] |date=[[2006-08-05]]}}</ref> The all time Australian domestic association football regular season crowd record was smashed twice during the season - on [[September 2]] and [[December 8]] [[2006]] both times when Melbourne Victory hosted Sydney FC at the [[Docklands Stadium|Telstra Dome]]. The crowd figures were 39,730 and 50,333 respectively. [[Kevin Muscat]], the Melbourne captain, was quoted as saying: "You'd do well to find an Australian abroad this weekend who'll play in front of a bigger crowd than that". In December 2006 the {{ALeague NZK}} had their licence revoked because of mounting debts. [[New Zealand Football]] was allocated control of the team for the remainder of the season. The FFA called for bids from prospective operators to take over the New Zealand license for the next season.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/dominionpost/3956695a6033.html |date=[[2007-02-10]] |title=Tough trip for Waitt's lineup |publisher=[[The Dominion Post]]|accessdate=2007-02-10}}</ref> On [[February 18]] [[2007]] {{ALeague MV}} defeated {{ALeague AU}} 6-0 to become champions of the A-League 2006-07 season in front of a crowd of over 55,000 people. [[Archie Thompson]] was awarded the [[Joe Marston Medal]], scoring five goals for Melbourne Victory. {{ALeague MV}} Chairman [[Geoff Lord]] has suggested the inclusion of overseas clubs in the pre-season cup competition, particularly targeting teams from Asia and the west coast of the United States.<ref>{{cite news |first=Michael |last=Lynch |title=Victory chairman wants Asia, US teams in pre-season |url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/soccer/victory-chairman-wants-asia-us-teams-in-preseason/2007/01/31/1169919403655.html |date=[[2007-02-01]] |accessdate=2007-02-06}}</ref> === 2007-08 season === {{main|A-League 2007-08}} Important signings before the start of the third season of the A-League have seen former Socceroos [[Danny Tiatto]], [[Craig Moore]], [[Ljubo Milicevic]], [[Nick Rizzo]], [[Paul Agostino]], [[Hayden Foxe]] and [[Tony Popovic]] return to Australia with various A-League clubs. [[Australia national football team|Socceroos']] striker [[Sasho Petrovski]] left [[Sydney FC]] in favour of the {{ALeague CCM}}. On [[October 20]], the [[Central Coast Mariners]] completed perhaps the biggest signing coup in A-League history when they announced the signing of Socceroos' hero, [[John Aloisi]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/63393,aloisi-nows-the-right-time.aspx |title=Aloisi: Now's the Right Time |date=[[2007-10-20]] |accessdate=2007-10-20 |publisher=[[FourFourTwo (Australia)|FourFourTwo]]}}</ref> This spawned a large amount of controversy, as Aloisi's relatively large wages weren't included in the salary cap, because of a loophole involving replacing injured players. Also returning home was [[Stephen Laybutt]] signing with the {{ALeague NUJ}} after round 4. The A-League [[salary cap]] has spawned much controversy in the close season with champions Melbourne Victory unable to re-sign star midfielder [[Helbert Frederico Carreiro da Silva|Fred]] due to an offer from [[Major League Soccer]] club [[DC United]] that is reportedly worth three times the amount the Victory can afford to pay him. As well as this, Sydney FC have been unsuccessful in signing ex-[[Liverpool FC]] striker, Robbie Fowler because the club could not offer as much money as other English clubs.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=hal_newsdisplay&id=18545 |title=Sydney FC misses out on Fowler |date=[[2007-06-20]] |accessdate=2007-09-14 |publisher=[[Football Federation Australia]]}}</ref> On [[March 19]] [[2007]], it was confirmed that a bid from [[Wellington]], New Zealand, later to be announced as {{ALeague WP}}, would be replacing the {{ALeague NZK}} for the 2007-08 season.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=7283&pageid=11 |title=NZ franchise for A-League |publisher=[[Football Federation Australia]]}}</ref><ref name="phoenixannoucement">{{cite news |url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsn/story/0,21985,21463845-2883,00.html |title=NZ Phoenix to rise in A League |date=[[2007-03-28]] |publisher=[[News Corporation|News.com.au]] |accessdate=2007-03-28}}</ref> FFA granted [[New Zealand Football]] a three year license to stay in the competition in partnership with a Wellington-based consortium.<ref name="wellingtondecision">{{cite news |url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,21407148-5000940,00.html |title=Kiwis alive as Townsville pulls pin |date=[[2007-03-19]] |publisher=[[Fox Sports (Australia)|Fox Sports]] |accessdate=2007-03-19}}</ref> Squad sizes were increased from 20 players to 23 players for the 2007-08 season.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/soccer/the-time-is-right-to-go-into-the-refs-book/2006/12/30/1166895525216.html |title=The time is right to go into the ref's book |publisher=[[The Age]] |date=[[2006-12-31]] |accessdate=2007-01-24}}</ref> Going into round 21 of the season, four clubs ([[Sydney FC]], [[Central Coast Mariners]], [[Newcastle Jets]] and [[Queensland Roar]]) were all on equal points, the first such occurrence in Australian football history (including [[Australian Football League|AFL]], [[National Rugby League|NRL]] and [[Super 14]]). Central Coast and Newcastle won their matches and Central Coast were crowned Premiers after Queensland failed to beat Adelaide in their final match. As well as winning the Premier's Plate, Central Coast also qualified for the [[AFC Champions League 2009]]. [[Sydney FC]] qualified for the [[Pan-Pacific Championship 2008]] when they lost the minor semi-final. On [[February 24]] [[2008]], {{ALeague NUJ}} became 2007-08 Champions when they defeated Central Coast 1-0 in front of over 35,000 people at [[Sydney Football Stadium]]. [[Mark Bridge]] was the goalscorer for the Jets, and [[Andrew Durante]] was awarded the Joe Marston Medal, in the tough contest between the F3 rivals. === 2008-09 season === {{main|A-League 2008-09}} The 2008-09 season will see the introduction of both a seven-team [[A-League National Youth League|Youth League]]<ref name="nylannouncement">{{cite news|url=http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=hal_newsdisplay&id=21676|title=National Youth League to start in August|date=2008-03-05|accessdate=2008-05-27|publisher=[[A-League]]}}</ref> and a six-team [[A-League National Women's League|Women's League]]<ref name="womensannouncesmh">{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2008/04/04/1207249454527.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1|title=Pay day for the women's game|date=2008-04-08|accessdate=2008-05-27|publisher=[[The Age]]}}</ref><ref name="womensannouncefft">{{cite news|url=http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/73143,spring-date-for-girls-aleague.aspx|title=Spring date for Girl's A-League|date=2008-04-03|accessdate=2008-05-27|publisher=[[FourFourTwo (Australia)|FourFourTwo]]}}</ref> which will run parallel to the A-League season. The season will also include breaks for [[FIFA]] match days for the first time. === 2009-10 season === {{main|A-League 2009-10}} [[Image:Gcufc.jpg|thumb|right|Gold Coast United FC logo]] The 2009-10 season will see first expansion beyond the original size of the A-League from eight teams to at least nine with [[Gold Coast A-League franchise|Gold Coast United FC]], backed by Australia's fourth richest man Clive Palmer gaining the ninth licence agreement. Gold Coast United FC<ref name="Gold Coast In for 2009">{{cite news|url=http://news.smh.com.au/sport/gold-coast-accept-aleague-licence-20080606-2mp1.html|title=Gold Coast Accept Ninth Licence for Hyundai A-League|date=2008-06-06|accessdate=2008-06-06|publisher=[[A-League]]}}</ref> have provisional colours that reflect those of the Gold Coast City Council and mimic those of the [[National_Rugby_League|NRL's]] [[Gold Coast Titans]]. A logo was revealed during the June 6 press conference in which Clive Palmer officially signed the license agreement.<ref name="Jet Set United Go First Class">{{cite news|url=http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/77792,jet-set-united-go-first-class.aspx|title=Jet Set United Go First Class|date=2008-060-06|publisher==FourFourTwo (Australia)|FourFourTwo]]}}</ref> Further expansion is expected to be announced with the FFA deciding by the end of June 2008 which of the two candidate bids to deal with exclusively in the race for a North Queensland licence, and further decisions to be made with the other 8 bids received with respect to interest in joining the A-League in time for the [[A-League 2009-10|2009-10 season]].<ref name="10 bids vie for entry to A-League">{{cite news|url=http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/77496,ten-new-bids-vie-to-join-aleague.html|title=10 bids vie to Join A-League|date=2008-06-03|publisher=[[FourFourTwo (Australia)|FourFourTwo]]}}</ref> == Format == === Pre-Season Cup === A Pre-Season Cup is held in July and August, as a precursor to the main season. In the Pre-Season Cup, the eight teams are placed into two groups. Each team plays the others in the group once over three rounds. Beginning in 2006, an additional bonus round is then held, with each team playing a cross-over match with a team from a different group. In addition to the standard points (3 for a win, 1 for a draw), there are special bonus points on offer for the bonus round matches: * 1 bonus point for 2 goals scored by a team, * 2 bonus points for 3 goals scored by a team, or * 3 bonus points for 4 or more goals scored by a team.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=3830 |title=Pre-Season Cup to go Regional |date=[[2006-05-01]]}}</ref> This format was edited for the [[2007]] competition. The bonus round was removed, and the bonus points system introduced into each of the first three rounds. All eight teams then enter a knock-out round, culminating in the final in late August. The [[Football Federation Australia|FFA]] has indicated that, if successful, the bonus points system may be used in the main league season from [[A-League 2007-08|the 2007-08 season]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.theworldgame.com.au/home/index.php?pid=st&cid=73590 |title=New and old for Kossie (see Matt Carroll interview section) |date=[[2006-07-25]]}}</ref> === Regular season === The regular season runs mainly during the Australian summer, from late August to January of the following year. The competition consists of 21 home-and-away rounds, with each team playing each other team three times &ndash; twice at one team's home stadium and once at the other's. The teams which are allotted two home matches against an opponent in one season are allotted one home match against that opponent in the following season. Each match sees the winning team awarded three competition points, or in the case of a [[Tie (draw)|draw]], the teams receive one point each. At the end of the season, the teams are ranked firstly in terms of competition points accumulated, then [[goal difference]], total goals scored, head-to-head records between tying teams and finally the number of [[misconduct (football)|cards]] each team has received.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=rules |title=Hyundai A-League > Rules |work=A-League.com.au |accessmonthday=3 November |accessyear=2006}}</ref> The club at the top of this ladder is crowned A-League Premiers, and as of the [[A-League 2006-07|2006 — 07 season]], will be entered into the [[AFC Champions League]].<ref name="AFCCL">{{cite news |url=http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=3823 |title=Grand Final rematch to open HAL season |work=A-League.com.au |date=[[May 1]], [[2006]] |accessdate=2006-11-03}}</ref> At the completion of the Regular Season teams are ranked from one through eight with the first four teams progressing to the finals series. The position of each team is determined by the highest number of points accumulated during the Regular Season. If two or more teams are level on points accumulated, the following criteria are applied, in order, until one of the teams can be determined as the higher ranked: # Highest goal difference; # Highest number of goals scored; # Highest number of points accumulated in matches between the teams concerned; # Highest goal difference in matches between the teams concerned; # Highest number of goals scored in matches between the teams concerned; # Lowest number of red cards accumulated; # Lowest number of yellow cards accumulated; # Toss of a coin. === Finals series === <!-- Commented out because image was deleted: [[Image:A league trophy.jpg|thumb|The current A-League Champions Trophy was awarded to Melbourne Victory, who beat Adelaide United in the Grand Final on [[February 18]] [[2007]]]] --> The top four-ranked teams at the end of the regular season are entered into a finals series based on the [[Page playoff system]], where the first round of matches consists of [[Two-legged match|two legs]] (with ties decided by the [[away goals rule]]). The top two ranked teams play the Major Semi-Final, with the winner progressing straight to and hosting the Grand Final. On the same weekends, the third and fourth ranked teams contest the Minor Semi-Final, which sees the losing side eliminated whilst the winner plays off against the loser of the Major Semi-Final in the Preliminary Final the following weekend. The winner of this match also progresses to the Grand Final, the winner of which becomes A-League Champions. As of the [[A-League 2006-07|2006 — 07 season]], this team will also contest the [[AFC Champions League]], although if the team that wins the Premiership goes through to Grand Final then the runners-up in the Grand Final are awarded the second spot in the competition, win or lose.<ref name="AFCCL"/> == Promotion == The A-League logo, designed by Coast Design Sydney, is a three-dimensional sphere in the shape of a [[Football (ball)|football]]. The two-toned ochre colours represent the [[sun]], [[earth]] and [[desert]] while the 'glow' emanating from the centre of the logo depicts the playing season's [[Spring (season)|Spring]] and [[Summer]] time span. The eight 'A' figures that make up the ball shape represent the eight foundation clubs.<ref>{{cite news |title=Logo signals refreshing new era |url=http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=616 |date=[[2004-11-01]] |accessdate=2006-12-19}}</ref> At the start of the inaugural season, an [[Australian dollar|AU$]]3 million dollar advertising campaign was launched, with the television and film advertisements produced by [[Ridley Scott]]'s production company. The theme for the campaign was: "Football, but not as you know it". A new television advertisement was created for the start of the [[A-League 2007-08|2007-08 season]], which debuted on Foxtel's program, Total Football. It was filmed at [[Bob Jane Stadium]] in [[Melbourne]]. The theme of the current campaign is "90 minutes, 90 emotions".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/58536,aleague-ad-hits-the-screens.aspx |title=New A-League ad hits the screens |date=2007-08-09 |publisher=[[FourFourTwo (Australia)|FourFourTwo]] |accessdate=2008-01-06}}</ref> The A-League is featured in the video game [[FIFA 08]] by [[EA SPORTS]], [[Football Manager 2008]] by [[SI Games]] and [[Championship Manager 2008]] by [[Beautiful Game Studios]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Hyundai A-League To Feature in FIFA 08 Video Game |url=http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/InsideFFA/default.aspx?s=insideffa_newsfeatures_newsitem&id=18867 |date=2007-08-20 |accessdate=2007-08-21}}</ref> == Clubs == <div style="float: right; clear: right; "> <div style="position: relative; ">[[Image:Map of Australia and New Zealand.png]] <div style="position: absolute; left: 212px; top: 195px">[[Image:MelbourneVictoryColours.png|12px]]</div> <div style="position: absolute; left: 173px; top: 170px">[[Image:AdelaideUnitedColours.png|12px]]</div> <div style="position: absolute; left: 36px; top: 150px">[[Image:PerthGloryColours.png|12px]]</div> <div style="position: absolute; left: 253px; top: 169px">[[Image:SydneyFCColours.png|10px]]</div> <div style="position: absolute; left: 257px; top: 159px">[[Image:CentralCoastColours.png|10px]]</div> <div style="position: absolute; left: 263px; top: 147px">[[Image:NewcastleJetsColours.png|10px]]</div> <div style="position: absolute; left: 263px; top: 115px">[[Image:QueenslandRoarColours.png|12px]]</div> <div style="position: absolute; left: 395px; top: 219px">[[Image:WellingtonPhoenixColours.png|12px]]</div> {{Image label small|x=0.04|y=0.37166667|scale=438|text=<font color="#994499">[[Perth Glory FC|Perth]]</font>}} {{Image label small|x=0.31|y=0.42|scale=438|text=<font color="#FF4444">[[Adelaide United FC|Adelaide]]</font>}} {{Image label small|x=0.39|y=0.48|scale=438|text=<font color="#2222BB">[[Melbourne Victory FC|Melbourne]]</font>}} {{Image label small|x=0.637|y=0.358|scale=438|text=<font color="#BB8800">[[Newcastle United Jets|Newcastle]]</font>}} {{Image label small|x=0.626|y=0.387|scale=438|text=<font color="#FFCC00">[[Central Coast Mariners FC|Central Coast]]</font>}} {{Image label small|x=0.615|y=0.418|scale=438|text=<font color="#4499CC">[[Sydney FC|Sydney]]</font>}} {{Image label small|x=0.659|y=0.285|scale=438|text=<font color="#FF9911">[[Queensland Roar FC|Queensland]]</font>}} {{Image label small|x=0.8|y=0.51|scale=438|text=<font color="#000000">[[Wellington Phoenix FC|Wellington]]</font>}} </div> </div> There are currently eight clubs from Australia and New Zealand playing in the A-League. Only three of these clubs, {{ALeague AU}}, {{ALeague NUJ}} (previously known just as Newcastle United) and {{ALeague PG}} existed before the A-League was formed. Unlike most European leagues, there is no system for [[promotion and relegation]] of teams (although FFA is planning to release a report in late 2008 on how a second division would be implemented.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://sportal.com.au/football-news-display/a-league-to-undergo-revamp-49441|tile=A-League to undergo revamp|date=2008-05-30|accessdate=2008-06-14|publsher=[[Sportal]]}}</ref>) nor a national knockout cup competition along the lines of the [[FA Cup]]. The A-League system thus shares some [[Major professional sports league#Australia|franchising]] elements with most other professional leagues in Australia, as well as [[Major League Soccer]] and other [[Major North American professional sports leagues|major sports leagues in North America]]. On [[March 19]] [[2007]], it was confirmed that a Wellington based franchise would be replacing the {{ALeague NZK}} for the [[A-League 2007-08|2007-08 season]].<ref name="wellingtondecision" /> The name of {{ALeague WP}} was announced on [[March 28]].<ref name="phoenixannoucement" /> For the 2008-09 season, the eight clubs are: {| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%;" |- ! Team ! City ! Years in competition ! Home Ground |- | [[Image:AdelaideUnitedColours.png|12px]] '''{{ALeague AU}}''' | [[Adelaide]], [[South Australia|SA]] | [[A-League 2005-06|2005-06]] — present | [[Hindmarsh Stadium]] (16,500) |- | [[Image:CentralCoastColours.png|12px]] '''{{ALeague CCM}}''' | [[Gosford, New South Wales|Gosford]], [[New South Wales|NSW]] | [[A-League 2005-06|2005-06]] — present | [[Bluetongue Central Coast Stadium]] (20,119) |- | [[Image:MelbourneVictoryColours.png|12px]] '''{{ALeague MV}}''' | [[Melbourne]], [[Victoria (Australia)|Vic]] | [[A-League 2005-06|2005-06]] — present | [[Docklands Stadium|Telstra Dome]] (56,347) |- | [[Image:NewcastleJetsColours.png|12px]] '''{{ALeague NUJ}}''' | [[Newcastle, New South Wales|Newcastle]], [[New South Wales|NSW]] | [[A-League 2005-06|2005-06]] — present | [[EnergyAustralia Stadium]] (26,126) |- | [[Image:PerthGloryColours.png|12px]] '''{{ALeague PG}}''' | [[Perth, Western Australia|Perth]], [[Western Australia|WA]] | [[A-League 2005-06|2005-06]] — present | [[Members Equity Stadium]] (17,288) |- | [[Image:QueenslandRoarColours.png|12px]] '''{{ALeague QR}}''' | [[Brisbane]], [[Queensland|Qld]] | [[A-League 2005-06|2005-06]] — present | [[Suncorp Stadium]] (52,500) |- | [[Image:SydneyFCColours.png|12px]] '''{{ALeague SFC}}''' | [[Sydney]], [[New South Wales|NSW]] | [[A-League 2005-06|2005-06]] — present | [[Sydney Football Stadium]] (45,500) |- | [[Image:WellingtonPhoenixColours.png|12px]] '''{{ALeague WP}}''' | [[Wellington]], [[New Zealand|NZ]] | [[A-League 2007-08|2007-08]] — present | [[Westpac Stadium]] (36,000) |- | colspan=4 bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | '''Former clubs:''' |- | [[Image:NewZealandKnightsColours.png|12px]] '''{{ALeague NZK}}''' | [[Auckland]], [[New Zealand|NZ]] | [[A-League 2005-06|2005-06]] — [[A-League 2006-07|2006-07]] | [[North Harbour Stadium]] |} === Expansion === While making a relatively modest start in order to ensure future stability, both [[Football Federation Australia]] and the media have indicated significant interest in expanding the league. The eight foundation clubs have exclusivity clauses for their respective cities valid for five years, but this does not exclude teams from other areas. Before the introduction of the A-League, FFA chairman [[Frank Lowy]] speculated that he hoped to expand the league into additional areas, mentioning [[Canberra]], [[Hobart]], [[Wollongong, New South Wales|Wollongong]], [[Geelong, Victoria|Geelong]] and [[Far North Queensland]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=601 |title=ASA announce several significant initiatives |date=[[2004-03-22]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=629 |title=A-League launch speech by FFA chairman Mr Frank Lowy AC |date=[[2004-11-13]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Paul |last=Osbourne |title=Chief talks up Townsville |url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,20081770-5000940,00.html |publisher=[[Fox Sports]] |date=[[2006-08-10]] |accessdate=2007-02-06}}</ref> A Townsville-based group first assembled a bid when it was announced that the {{ALeague NZK}}'s would not continue after the first two seasons. The Knights' were instead replaced by {{ALeague WP}} but the momentum from the bid process continued.<ref name="wellingtondecision">{{cite news |url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,21407148-5000940,00.html |title=Kiwis alive as Townsville pulls pin |date=[[2007-03-19]] |publisher=[[Fox Sports (Australia)|Fox Sports]] |accessdate=2007-03-19}}</ref> In November 2007, it was revealed that the name of the club, if and when accepted, would be [[North Queensland Thunder FC]], and [[Dairy Farmers Stadium]] would be the teams' home ground.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://theworldgame.com.au/home/index.php?pid=st&cid=100250 |title=North Qld unleash Thunder |publisher=[[The World Game]] |date=[[2007-11-21]] |accessdate=2007-12-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/article/2007/12/05/8776_hpsport.html |title=Thunder keeps rolling |publisher=[[Townsville Bulletin]] |date=[[2007-12-05]] |accessdate=2007-12-05}}</ref> Gold Coast based club [[Gold Coast Galaxy FC]] announced in December 2007 that they were ready and able to join the league upon expansion. The team is proposing to play its home games at [[Skilled Park]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/soccer/two-queensland-teams-set-to-score-spots-in-expanded-aleague/2007/12/12/1197135552120.html |title=Two Queensland teams set to score spots in expanded A-League |publisher=[[The Age]] |date=[[2007-12-13]] |accessdate=2007-12-22}}</ref> After considerable media speculation about the teams from December 2007 onwards,<ref name="expansion20080212">{{cite news |url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,23198594-5000940,00.html |title=Galaxy, Thunder to join A-League |publisher=[[Fox Sports]] |date=[[2008-02-12]] |accessdate=2008-02-12}}</ref><ref name="smh20071213">{{cite news |url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/a-league/gold-coast-townsville-set-for-aleague/2007/12/12/1197135558003.html |title=Gold Coast, Townsville set for A-League |date=[[2007-12-13]] |publisher=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |accessdate=2008-02-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/a-league/galaxy-set-sights-on-grand-final-stars/2008/02/19/1203190823398.html |title=Galaxy set sights on grand final stars |publisher=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |date=2008-02-20 |accessdate=2008-02-20}}</ref> it was announced in February 2008 that {{ALeague GCG}} and {{ALeague NQT}} had been tentatively admitted to the league for the [[A-League 2008-09|2008-09 season]] - pending the provision to FFA of additional financial criteria.<ref name="expansion20080221">{{cite news |url=http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/70598,thunder-galaxy-get-goahead.aspx|title=Thunder, Galaxy get go-ahead |date=2008-02-21 |accessdate=2008-02-21 |publisher=[[FourFourTwo (Australia)|FourFourTwo]]}}</ref> However expansion was later delayed for at least another season.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/71821,no-aleague-expansion-this-season.aspx|title=No A-League Expansion This Season|date=2008-03-11|accessdate=2008-05-27|publisher=[[FourFourTwo (Australia)|FourFourTwo]]}}</ref>. In May 2008, [[Football Federation Australia|FFA]] announced their intention to add as many as four teams to the league for the 2009-10 season.<ref name="expansion4teams">{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/a-league/supersized-aleague-may-get-the-jump-on-afl-in-western-sydney/2008/04/30/1209234955024.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1|title=Super-sized A-League may get the jump on AFL in western Sydney|publisher=[[Sydney Morning Herald]]|date=2008-05-01|accessdate=2008-06-03}}</ref> Both Townsville and the Gold Coast also saw the appearance of competing bids - by former Thunder backer Melissa Fischer-Massa<ref>[http://news.smh.com.au/backer-steals-thunder-from-aleague-bid/20080305-1x6n.html Backer steals Thunder from A-League bid - Breaking News - Sport - Breaking News<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> and billionaire [[Clive Palmer]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/a-league/aleague-expansion-assured-as-tycoon-agrees-to-fund-gold-coast/2008/05/29/1211654220833.html|title=A-League expansion assured as tycoon agrees to fund Gold Coast|publisher=[[Sydney Morning Herald]]|date=2008-05-30|accessdate=2008-06-03}}</ref> On [[June 6]], [[2008]], the FFA announced that Clive Palmer had signed a provisional agreement to enter a franchise, to be named [[Gold Coast A-League franchise|Gold Coast United FC]], in the 2009-10 season. <ref>http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/77779,gold-coasts-glitzy-aleague-entry.aspx</ref> The success of this is expected to rely on the acceptance of the tenth franchise's inclusion for this season. Other areas to talk publicly about bids include: * [[Wollongong, New South Wales|Wollongong]] - Many people felt the twice Australian Champions [[Wollongong Wolves]] should be the team from the Illawarra, but according to media reports the Wolves are planning on staying in the [[New South Wales Premier League|NSW Premier League]], and are fully supporting a new club for the region. A group known as "Great South Football" are behind the Illawarra bid. Former Wollongong star Scott Chipperfield has thrown his support behind them and Tim Cahill has joined the group, promising to establish a football academy in the region. <ref>http://www.smh.com.au/news/a-league/wollongong-bid-scores-cahill-as-mascot/2008/05/18/1211049064801.html</ref> It's been rumoured this club will be backed by Bruce Gordon, Australia's 14th richest person.<ref>{{cite news |first=Michael |last=Cockerill |title=Win-win situation to get Wollongong into A-League |url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/afl/winwin-situation/2006/08/08/1154802888135.html |publisher=[[The Sydney Morning Herald|SMH]] |date=[[2006-08-19]] |accessdate=2007-02-06}}</ref> Great South Football have laid a strong foundation, managing what some thought to be impossible, uniting Illawarra Football. An Illawarra A-League would have the full support of the Illawarra Football Association, with the A-League side being at the top of the strong and weathy Illawarra Football hierarchy. Great South Football are reported to have already secured $4.5mil in sponsorship and in addition are confident of securing the support of two major international companies. * A second [[Melbourne]] team - On [[February 14]] [[2007]], [[South Melbourne FC|South Melbourne]] announced their interest in becoming the second Victorian club in the A-League. After {{ALeague MV}} announced they would not be playing at the new [[Melbourne Rectangular Stadium]] unless it had a capacity of at least 30,000, the government suggested a second Melbourne team would play there. A consortium of investors are willing to put at least 5 to 6 million dollars per annum into the venture, and a letter of interest from the football club has been sent to the [[Football Federation Australia|FFA]]. The agreement that will see the new Stadium built with a 31,500 capacity means that it will be extremely unlikely such a bid will succeed based on the above conditions.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/soccer/south-melbourne-wants-to-be-second-victorian-aleague-club/2007/02/13/1171128974594.html |title=South Melbourne wants to be second Victorian a-league club |date=[[2007-02-14]]}}</ref><ref name="expansion4teams" /> In June, it was announced the existence of three separate consortiums bidding for second Melbourne franchise <ref name="expansion3melbteams">{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/soccer/three-melbourne-teams-hoping-to-join-aleague/2008/06/03/1212258825383.html|title=Three Melbourne teams hoping to join A-League|date=2008-06-04|accessdate=2008-06-13|publisher=[[The Age]]}}</ref> * [[Tasmania]] - In October 2007, [[Football Federation Tasmania]] CEO Martin Shaw suggested that a Tasmanian team would be a viable location for an A-League club, mentioning the fact that it would need support from state and local government. It has been suggested that such a team would play games in both Hobart and [[Launceston, Tasmania|Launceston]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,22553407-5000940,00.html |title=Why not Tasmania? |publisher=[[Fox Sports (Australia)|Fox Sports]] |date=[[2007-10-09]] |accessdate=2007-12-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/65860,tasmania-wants-aleague-bid.aspx |title=Tasmania wants A-League bid |publisher=[[FourFourTwo (Australia)|FourFourTwo]] |date=[[2007-11-27]] |accessdate=2007-12-22}}</ref> In 2008, a Tasmanian Football Taskforce was formed to investigate an A-League bid.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/03/19/2193662.htm?section=sport|title=Tasmanian national soccer team push|publisher=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]]|date=2008-03-19|accessdate=2008-05-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/mercury/story/0,22884,23626990-13222,00.html|title=Tassie A-League hope|date=2008-05-01|accessdate=2008-05-29|publisher=[[The Mercury (Hobart)|The Mercury]]}}</ref> * [[Geelong, Victoria|Geelong]] - Local politician [[Darren Cheeseman]] has suggested a Geelong A-League club be the second Victorian club in 2010.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2008/02/23/11622_news.html |title=MP launches soccer pitch for Geelong |date=2008-02-23 |accessdate=2008-02-23 |publisher=[[Geelong Advertiser]]}}</ref> * [[Greater Western Sydney|Western Sydney]] has also been suggested as a viable location for an A-League team. Consortiums from both [[Parramatta, New South Wales|Parramatta]] and [[Penrith, New South Wales|Penrith]] have submitted bids to the FFA.<ref name="smh20071213" /><ref name="expansion4teams" /><ref name="expansion3melbteams" /> * [[Canberra]] - A Canberra based bid was announced in July 2008. It is being led by [[TransACT]] CEO Ivan Slavich, and has gained support from many local business leaders including the manager of [[Canberra Stadium]], where the team expects to be based. The FFA agreed to Slavich's request to extend the deadline for bids until mid-August.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/79973,no-canberra-club-is-crazy.aspx|title=No Canberra club 'is crazy'|date=2008-07-08|accessdate=2008-07-10|publisher=[[FourFourTwo (Australia)|FourFourTwo]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/sport/soccer/canberra-aleague-bid-kicks-first-goal/808161.aspx|title=Canberra A-League bid kicks first goal|date=2008-07-10|accessdate=2008-07-10|publisher=[[The Canberra Times]]}}</ref> * A team from the [[Pacific Islands]] has been mentioned by [[Frank Lowy]] as a possible candidate. <ref>{{cite news|url=http://sportal.com.au/Football-news-display/pacific-a-league-team-mooted-49562 |title=Pacific A-League Team Mooted|date=2008-06-01 |accessdate=2008-06-01| publisher=[[Sportal]]}}</ref> === Squad & salary cap === Each club has a [[salary cap]] of [[Australian dollar|AU$]]1.9 million <ref>{{cite news|url=http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/75151,new-season-to-start-with-a-bang.aspx |title=New season to start with a bang sea|publisher=AU FourFourTwo |date=[[2008-05-02]]|accessdate=2008-05-02}}</ref> for 19 players. The 20th player is exempt from the salary cap, and therefore can be paid an unlimited salary (see Marquee Player below} - much less than the millions of dollars a year that individual star players (including a few Australians) earn in [[Europe]]'s top football leagues. The minimum number of players on each squad is 20. The squad must include at least three under-20 players. Clubs may also only have a maximum of four internationals (from outside Australia and New Zealand) in their squad.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,21604182-5006068,00.html |title=A-League salary cap to rise] |date=[[2007-03-23]] |accessdate=2007-09-14 |publisher=[[The Daily Telegraph]]}}</ref> ==== Marquee player ==== In order to combat fears that the salary cap would reduce the capacity of the clubs to attract crowds through big-name players, the league allows each team to have one "[[Marquee player|marquee]]" player, whose salary is exempt from the salary cap, and is quite well-paid. The best-known example of a marquee player in the A-League was [[Dwight Yorke]] who played for [[Sydney FC]] in the inaugural season. Yorke had previously played several seasons for [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] and [[Aston Villa FC]] and currently [[Sunderland FC]] in the [[England|English]] [[Premier League]]. For the 2008-09 season, A-League clubs are able to have a '''Junior Marquee''' player, who is under the age of 23. The Junior Marquee's wages can be subsidised with $AU 150,000 outside the Salary Cap. <ref>{{cite news|url=http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/75151,new-season-to-start-with-a-bang.aspx |title=New season to start with a bang sea|publisher=AU FourFourTwo |date=[[2008-05-02]]|accessdate=2008-05-02}}</ref> {| class="wikitable" |- ! width="160" | Club ! width="160" | Marquee player ! width="160" | Junior Marquee player ! width="160" |[[Captain (football)|Captain]] ! width="160" |[[vice-captain (football)|Vice-Captain]] |- | [[Image:AdelaideUnitedColours.png|20px]] '''{{ALeague AU}}''' | {{flagicon|Australia}} [[Paul Agostino]] | ''None'' | {{flagicon|Australia}} [[Paul Agostino]] | {{flagicon|Australia}} [[Travis Dodd]] |- | [[Image:CentralCoastColours.png|20px]] '''{{ALeague CCM}}''' | ''None'' | ''None'' | {{flagicon|Australia}} [[Alex Wilkinson]] | {{flagicon|Australia}} [[John Hutchinson (footballer)| John Hutchinson]] |- | [[Image:MelbourneVictoryColours.png|20px]] '''{{ALeague MV}}''' | {{flagicon|Australia}} [[Archie Thompson]] | {{flagicon|Australia}} [[Nick Ward (footballer)| Nick Ward]] | {{flagicon|Australia}} [[Kevin Muscat]] | {{flagicon|Australia}} [[Archie Thompson]] |- | [[Image:NewcastleJetsColours.png|20px]] '''{{ALeague NUJ}}''' | ''None'' | ''None'' | {{flagicon|Australia}} [[Jade North]] | {{flagicon|Australia}} [[Ante Čović]] |- | [[Image:PerthGloryColours.png|20px]] '''{{ALeague PG}}''' | ''None'' | ''None'' | {{flagicon|Australia}} [[Jamie Harnwell]] {{flagicon|Australia}} [[Jamie Coyne]] |''None'' |- | [[Image:QueenslandRoarColours.png|20px]] '''{{ALeague QR}}''' | {{flagicon|Australia}} [[Craig Moore]] | ''None'' | {{flagicon|Australia}} [[Craig Moore]] | {{flagicon|Australia}} [[Danny Tiatto]] |- | [[Image:SydneyFCColours.png|20px]] '''{{ALeague SFC}}''' | {{flagicon|Australia}} [[John Aloisi]] | {{flagicon|Australia}} [[Stuart Musialik]] | {{flagicon|Australia}} [[Tony Popović]] | ''None'' |- | [[Image:WellingtonPhoenixColours.png|20px]] '''{{ALeague WP}}''' | ''None'' | ''None'' | ''None'' | {{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[Tim Brown (footballer)|Tim Brown]] {{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[Vaughan Coveny]] |} ==== Youth league ==== {{main|A-League National Youth League}} On [[March 5]], [[2008]] it was announced that a national youth league would be set up in conjunction with the A-League in order to continue to blood young Australian talent into the league as well as into the [[Australian national football (soccer) team|Australian national team]] and its affiliates such as the under 17, under 20 and under 23 teams. The league would be made up of seven teams, each linked to the corresponding Australian club in the A-League (excluding {{ALeague WP}}) and will have strong links to players training at the [[Australian Institute of Sport]]. The format of the youth league will be somewhat similar to how the A-league is formatted. The league is made up of 21 rounds (18 games each plus three byes) corresponding with the A-League fixture and will occasionally be used as [[curtain raiser]]s. The league will commence in correspondence with the [[A-League 2008-09]] season.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=hal_newsdisplay&id=21676 |title=National Youth League to start in August] |date=[[2008-03-05]] |accessdate=2008-03-07 |publisher=[[A-League]]}}</ref> == Stadiums == Primary venues used in the [[A-League 2007-08]] season: {| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:90%;" ! Stadium ! Capacity ! Club |- | [[Docklands Stadium|Telstra Dome]] | 56,347 | {{ALeague MV}} |- | [[Suncorp Stadium]] | 52,500 | {{ALeague QR}} |- | [[Sydney Football Stadium]] | 45,500 | {{ALeague SFC}} |- | [[Westpac Stadium]] | 36,000 | {{ALeague WP}} |- | [[EnergyAustralia Stadium]] | 26,126 | {{ALeague NUJ}} |- | [[Bluetongue Central Coast Stadium]] | 20,059 | {{ALeague CCM}} |- | [[Members Equity Stadium]] | 17,288 | {{ALeague PG}} |- | [[Hindmarsh Stadium]] | 16,500 | {{ALeague AU}} |} Other venues used by A-League clubs include: {| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:90%;" ! Stadium ! Capacity ! Details |- | [[ANZ stadium]] | 83,500 | Used by {{ALeague SFC}} for a friendly game against [[Los Angeles Galaxy]] on [[November 27]] [[2007]] |- | [[Adelaide Oval]] | 33,597 | Used by {{ALeague AU}} for a one-off game against [[Sydney FC]] on [[December 28]] [[2007]] |- |[[North Harbour Stadium]] |25,000 | Used by {{ALeague NZK}} in the [[A-League 2005-06|2005-06 season]] and [[A-League 2006-07|2006-07 season]] |- | [[Parramatta Stadium]] | 20,000 | Used by {{ALeague SFC}} for an [[AFC Champions League]] game on [[April 25]] [[2007]] |- | [[Olympic Park Stadium]] | 18,500 | Used by {{ALeague MV}} in the [[A-League 2005-06|2005-06 season]] and part of the [[A-League 2006-07|2006-07 season]]<sup>1</sup> |} <sup>1</sup>Melbourne Victory's home stadium during the [[A-League 2005-06]] season was [[Olympic Park Stadium]]. Their round 2 match of the [[A-League 2006-07|2006-07]] season, on [[September 2]] [[2006]], was originally a one-off game at Docklands Stadium. After the success of the event, a further seven home games were relocated to Docklands Stadium, which went on to become Melbourne finals series home venue, and as of the [[A-League 2007-08|2007-08]] season, the full-time home ground of the club. == Crowds == Average crowds for the regular season are listed below. These figures do not include finals, international friendlies or AFC Champions League matches. {| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%;" ! rowspan=2 | Team ! colspan=3 | Crowd average |- ! [[A-League 2005-06|2005-06]] ! [[A-League 2006-07|2006-07]] ! [[A-League 2007-08|2007-08]] |- | {{ALeague MV}} | 14,158 | 27,728 | 26,064 |- | {{ALeague QR}} | 14,785 | 16,465 | 16,951 |- | {{ALeague SFC}} | 16,669 | 14,999 | 16,373 |- | {{ALeague NUJ}} | 8,912 | 11,442 | 13,209 |- | {{ALeague CCM}} | 7,899 | 9,828 | 12,741 |- | {{ALeague AU}} | 10,947 | 12,162 | 12,697 |- | {{ALeague WP}} | - | - | 11,683 |- | {{ALeague PG}} | 9,734 | 7,671 | 7,596 |- | {{ALeague NZK}} | 3,909 | 3,014 | - |- | Whole season | 10,955 | 12,927 | 14,610 |} == Referees == The A-League also features Australia and New Zealands top match officials. Referees include: {| class="wikitable" |- ! Referee ! Home State ! FIFA Badge/AFC Panel |- | Mark Shield | Queensland | FIFA/AFC |- | Matthew Breeze | New South Wales | FIFA/AFC |- | Peter Green | Queensland | FIFA/AFC |- | Ben Williams | Australian Capital Territory | FIFA/AFC |- | Simon Pryzdacz | New South Wales | FIFA |- | Craig Zetter | South Australia | FIFA |- | Peter O'Leary | New Zealand | FIFA |} == Champions and premiers == {{main|List of A-League champions}} The "Premier" is the team at the top of the league table at the end of the regular season although the common term for this type of competition in Australia is "minor premier". Media reports sometimes erroneously refer to the Premiers as minor premier. The "Champion" is the team that wins the [[Grand Final]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=2747&pageid=12 |title=Australia's finest designers in trophy challenge |date=[[2005-12-19]] |publisher=[[Football Federation Australia]] |accessdate=2006-11-29}}</ref> {| class="wikitable" |- ! rowspan=2 width=10% | Season ! rowspan=2 width=18% | Pre-season cup ! colspan=2 width=36% | Regular season ! colspan=2 width=36% | Grand Final |- ! width=18% | Premiers ! width=18% | Runners-up ! width=18% | Champions ! width=18% | Runners-up |- align=center | [[A-League 2005-06|2005-06]] | {{ALeague CCM}} | '''{{ALeague AU}}''' | {{ALeague SFC}} | '''{{ALeague SFC}}''' | {{ALeague CCM}} |- align=center | [[A-League 2006-07|2006-07]] | {{ALeague AU}} | '''{{ALeague MV}}''' | {{ALeague AU}} | '''{{ALeague MV}}''' | {{ALeague AU}} |- align=center | [[A-League 2007-08|2007-08]] | {{ALeague AU}} | '''{{ALeague CCM}}''' | {{ALeague NUJ}} | '''{{ALeague NUJ}}''' | {{ALeague CCM}} |} See also the [[National Soccer League#Champions and runners up|list of champions from 1977 to 2004]] in the previous National Soccer League competition. === AFC Champions League === Two A-League clubs will participate in the [[AFC Champions League]] competition<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=4304 |title=Australia received two spots in AFC Champions League |date=[[2006-07-18]]}}</ref> from the 2007 competition on. The teams for the 2007 competition were determined by finishing positions in the 2005-06 A-League season, the 2008 competition by finishing positions in the 2006-07 season, and so on. The Champions and Premiers qualify for the cup. In the case where the same team is Champion and Premier, the losing grand finalist qualifies. {| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;" |- ! Season ! Qualified clubs |- | [[AFC Champions League 2007|2007]] | Sydney FC and Adelaide United |- | [[AFC Champions League 2008|2008]] | Melbourne Victory and Adelaide United |- | [[AFC Champions League 2009|2009]] | Newcastle Jets and Central Coast Mariners |} == Top scorers == === All-time === {| class="wikitable" |- ! Rank ! Player ! Club/s ! Goals |- | 1 | style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|Australia}} '''[[Archie Thompson]]''' | [[Image:MelbourneVictoryColours.png|20px]] {{ALeague MV}} | 29 |- | 2 | style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|Australia}} '''[[Danny Allsopp]]''' | [[Image:MelbourneVictoryColours.png|20px]] {{ALeague MV}} | 22 |- | 3 | style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|Australia}} '''[[Joel Griffiths]]''' | [[Image:NewcastleJetsColours.png|20px]] {{ALeague NUJ}} | 21 |- | 4 | style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|Australia}} '''[[Alex Brosque]]''' | [[Image:SydneyFCColours.png|20px]] {{ALeague SFC}}, [[Image:QueenslandRoarColours.png|20px]] {{ALeague QR}} | 20 |- | 4 | style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|Australia}} '''[[Sasho Petrovski]]''' | [[Image:SydneyFCColours.png|20px]] {{ALeague SFC}}, [[Image:CentralCoastColours.png|20px]] {{ALeague CCM}} | 20 |- | 6 | style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|Australia}} '''[[Kevin Muscat]]''' | [[Image:MelbourneVictoryColours.png|20px]] {{ALeague MV}} | 17 |- | 6 | style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|Australia}} '''[[Jamie Harnwell]]''' | [[Image:PerthGloryColours.png|20px]] {{ALeague PG}} | 17 |- | 8 | style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|Australia}} [[Damian Mori]] | [[Image:QueenslandRoarColours.png|20px]] {{ALeague QR}} , [[Image:PerthGloryColours.png|20px]] {{ALeague PG}}, [[Image:CentralCoastColours.png|20px]] {{ALeague CCM}} | 15 |- | 9 | style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|Australia}} '''[[Travis Dodd]]''' | [[Image:AdelaideUnitedColours.png|20px]] {{ALeague AU}} | 13 |- | 9 | style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|Australia}} '''[[Adam Kwasnik]]''' | [[Image:WellingtonPhoenixColours.png|20px]] {{ALeague WP}} , [[Image:CentralCoastColours.png|20px]] {{ALeague CCM}} | 13 |} ''See Also: [[A-League all-time records]]'' === Notable Past players === {{col-begin}} {{col-3}} ;Australia * {{flagicon|Australia}} [[Stan Lazaridis]] * {{flagicon|Australia}} [[Michael Beauchamp]] * {{flagicon|Australia}} [[Nick Carle]] * {{flagicon|Australia}} [[David Carney]] * {{flagicon|Australia}} [[Bobby Despotovski]] * {{flagicon|Australia}} [[Adrian Leijer]] * {{flagicon|Australia}} [[Damian Mori]] * {{flagicon|Australia}} [[Paul Okon]] * {{flagicon|Australia}} [[Carl Veart]] * {{flagicon|Australia}} [[Dario Vidosic]] * {{flagicon|Australia}} [[Ned Zelic]] * {{flagicon|Australia}} [[Tony Vidmar]] ;Austria * {{flagicon|Austria}} [[Richard Kitzbichler]] {{col-3}} ;Belgium * {{flagicon|Belgium}} [[Geoffrey Claeys]] ;Brazil * {{flagicon|Brazil}} [[Helbert Frederico Carreiro da Silva|Fred]] * {{flagicon|Brazil}} [[Fernando Rech]] * {{flagicon|Brazil}} [[Juninho Paulista|Juninho]] * {{flagicon|Brazil}} [[Mario Jardel]] * {{flagicon|Brazil}} [[Reinaldo Elias da Costa|Reinaldo]] * {{flagicon|Brazil}} [[Romario]] ;China * {{flagicon|China}} [[Qu Shengqing]] * {{flagicon|China}} [[Zhang Yuning]] ;Colombia * {{flagicon|Colombia}} [[Milton Rodriguez]] {{col-3}} ;England * {{flagicon|England}} [[Michael Bridges]] * {{flagicon|England}} [[Brian Deane]] ;Italy * {{flagicon|Italy}} [[Benito Carbone]] ;Japan * {{flagicon|Japan}} [[Kazuyoshi Miura]] ;Trinidad and Tobago * {{flagicon|Trinidad and Tobago}} [[Dwight Yorke]] ;Scotland * {{flagicon|Scotland}} [[Ian Ferguson (footballer born 1967)|Ian Ferguson]] * {{flagicon|Scotland}} [[Scot Gemmill]] * {{flagicon|Scotland}} [[Stewart Petrie]] {{col-end}} === Current foreign players in the league === {{col-begin}} {{col-3}} ;Argentina * {{flagicon|Argentina}} [[Adrian Trinidad|Adrian Dario Trinidad]] ([[Perth Glory]]) ;Bosnia and Herzegovina * {{flagicon|Australia}}{{flagicon|Bosnia}} [[Dino Djulbic]] ([[Perth Glory]]) ;Brazil * {{flagicon|Brazil}} [[Jose de Abreu Oliveira|Cássio]] ([[Adelaide United FC|Adelaide United]]) * {{flagicon|Brazil}} [[Daniel Lins Cortês|Daniel]] ([[Wellington Phoenix FC|Wellington Phoenix]]) * {{flagicon|Brazil}} [[Diego Walsh|Diego]] ([[Adelaide United FC|Adelaide United]]) * {{flagicon|Brazil}} [[Cristiano dos Santos Rodrigues|Cristiano]] ([[Adelaide United FC|Adelaide United]]) * {{flagicon|Brazil}} [[Alemão]] ([[Adelaide United FC|Adelaide United]]) * {{flagicon|Brazil}} [[Ney Fabiano de Oliveira]] ([[Melbourne Victory FC|Melbourne Victory]]) * {{flagicon|Brazil}} [[Alexandre da Silva Mariano|Amaral]] ([[Perth Glory FC|Perth Glory]]) {{col-3}} ;China * {{flagicon|China}} [[Gao Leilei]] ([[Wellington Pheonix]]) ;Costa Rica * {{flagicon|Costa Rica}} [[Carlos Hernández Valverde|Carlos Hernández]] ([[Melbourne Victory FC|Melbourne Victory]]) * {{flagicon|Costa Rica}} [[José Luis López Ramírez|José Luis López Ramírez]] ([[Melbourne Victory FC|Melbourne Victory]]) ;Cote d'Ivoire * {{flagicon|Cote d'Ivoire}} [[Eugene Dadi]] ([[Perth Glory FC|Perth Glory]]) ;England * {{flagicon|England}} [[Joe Keenan (football player)|Joe Keenan]] ([[Melbourne Victory FC|Melbourne Victory]]) * {{flagicon|England}} [[James Robinson (footballer)|James Robinson]] ([[Perth Glory FC|Perth Glory]]) ;Germany * {{flagicon|Germany}}{{flagicon|Australia}} [[Andre Gumprecht]] ([[Central Coast Mariners]]) {{col-3}} ;Netherlands * {{flagicon|Netherlands}} [[Sergio van Dijk]] ([[Queensland Roar]]) ;Northern Ireland * {{flagicon|Northern Ireland}} [[Terry McFlynn]] ([[Sydney FC]]) ;Scotland * {{flagicon|Scotland}} [[Grant Brebner]] ([[Melbourne Victory FC|Melbourne Victory]]) * {{flagicon|Scotland}} [[Ross Foley]] ([[Queensland Roar]]) ;South Korea * {{flagicon|South Korea}}{{flagicon|Australia}} [[Hyuk-Su Seo]] ([[Queensland Roar FC|Queensland Roar]]) * {{flagicon|South Korea}} [[Song Jin-Hyung]] ([[Newcastle United Jets|Newcastle Jets]]) ;United States * {{flagicon|United States}} [[Michael Enfield]] ([[Sydney FC]]) {{col-end}} == Awards == === Johnny Warren Medal === The [[Johnny Warren Medal]], named after the late former Socceroo and media advocate [[Johnny Warren]], is presented to the player who is deemed to be the best player overall at the end of the season as judged by his fellow players. Each player in the A-League votes three times over the season: after Round 7, Round 14 and Round 21. Players are not allowed to vote for other players on their own team. {| class="wikitable" |- ! Year ! Player ! Club |- | 2006 | style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|Australia}} '''[[Bobby Despotovski]]''' | [[Image:PerthGloryColours.png|20px]] {{ALeague PG}} |- | 2007 | style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|Australia}} '''[[Nick Carle]]''' | [[Image:NewcastleJetsColours.png|20px]] {{ALeague NUJ}} |- | 2008 | style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|Australia}} '''[[Joel Griffiths]]''' | [[Image:NewcastleJetsColours.png|20px]] {{ALeague NUJ}} |} === Rising Star Award === The Rising Star Award is awarded to a youth (under 20) player judged by a panel of experts to be the best young performer throughout the season. {| class="wikitable" |- ! Year ! Player ! Club |- | 2006 | style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|Australia}} '''[[Nick Ward (footballer)|Nick Ward]]''' | [[Image:PerthGloryColours.png|20px]] {{ALeague PG}} |- | 2007 | style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|Australia}} '''[[Adrian Leijer]]''' | [[Image:MelbourneVictoryColours.png|20px]] {{ALeague MV}} |- | 2008 | style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|Australia}} '''[[Bruce Djite]]''' | [[Image:AdelaideUnitedColours.png|20px]] {{ALeague AU}} |} === Reebok Golden Boot === The Reebok Golden Boot is presented to the player who scores the most goals during the season. Only regular Hyundai A-League matches between Round 1 and Round 21 are included. {| class="wikitable" |- ! Year ! Player/s ! Club ! Goals |- | 2006 | style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|Australia}} '''[[Alex Brosque]]''',<br>{{flagicon|Australia}} '''[[Bobby Despotovski]]'''<br>{{flagicon|Scotland}} '''[[Stewart Petrie]]'''<br>{{flagicon|Australia}} '''[[Archie Thompson]]''' | [[Image:QueenslandRoarColours.png|20px]] {{ALeague QR}}<br>[[Image:PerthGloryColours.png|20px]] {{ALeague PG}}<br>[[Image:CentralCoastColours.png|20px]] {{ALeague CCM}}<br>[[Image:MelbourneVictoryColours.png|20px]] {{ALeague MV}} | 8 |- | 2007 | style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|Australia}} '''[[Danny Allsopp]]''' | [[Image:MelbourneVictoryColours.png|20px]] {{ALeague MV}} | 11 |- | 2008 | style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|Australia}} '''[[Joel Griffiths]]''' | [[Image:NewcastleJetsColours.png|20px]] {{ALeague NUJ}} | 12 |} === Goalkeeper of the year === {| class="wikitable" |- ! Year ! Player ! Club |- | 2006 | style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|Australia}} '''[[Clint Bolton]]''' | [[Image:SydneyFCColours.png|20px]] {{ALeague SFC}} |- | 2007 | style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|Australia}} '''[[Michael Theoklitos]]''' | [[Image:MelbourneVictoryColours.png|20px]] {{ALeague MV}} |- | 2008 | style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|Australia}} '''[[Michael Theoklitos]]''' | [[Image:MelbourneVictoryColours.png|20px]] {{ALeague MV}} |} === Coach of the Year Award === {| class="wikitable" |- ! Year ! Name ! Club |- | 2006 | style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|Scotland}} '''[[Lawrie McKinna]]''' | [[Image:CentralCoastColours.png|20px]] {{ALeague CCM}} |- | 2007 | style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|Scotland}} '''[[Ernie Merrick]]''' | [[Image:MelbourneVictoryColours.png|20px]] {{ALeague MV}} |- | 2008 | style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|Australia}} '''[[Gary van Egmond]]''' | [[Image:NewcastleJetsColours.png|20px]] {{ALeague NUJ}} |} === Fair Play Award === The Fair Play Award will go to the team with the lowest points on the fair play ladder at the conclusion of the home and away season (Yellow Card = 1 point, Direct Red Card = 3 points, 2nd Caution Red Card = 2 points). {| class="wikitable" |- ! Year ! Club |- | 2006 | [[Image:PerthGloryColours.png|20px]] {{ALeague PG}} |- | 2007 | [[Image:PerthGloryColours.png|20px]] {{ALeague PG}} |- | 2008 | [[Image:NewcastleJetsColours.png|20px]] {{ALeague NUJ}} |} === Zurich Referee of the Year === {| class="wikitable" |- ! Year ! Referee |- | 2006 | [[Mark Shield]] |- | 2007 | [[Mark Shield]] |- | 2008 | [[Mark Shield]] |} == TV Coverage == The Hyundai A-League, being a relatively minor league internationally, only has a small broadcast base, compared to the giant European competitions such as the [[FA Premier League]] or [[Serie A]]. The countries where the A-League is shown are mostly other [[Commonwealth]] nations, which have a larger than normal base of Australian immigrants. * Australia - [[Fox Sports (Australia)|Fox Sports]] (live coverage & highlights) * [[New Zealand]] - [[Sky Sports NZ]] (live coverage & highlights) * [[United States]] - [[Fox Soccer Channel]] (highlights) * [[Canada]] - Fox Soccer Channel (highlights) * [[United Kingdom]] - [[Sky Sports]] (highlights) == Rivalries == Although there are no [[local derby|local derbies]], due to the league's one-city one-team policy, many 'rivalries' have formed between A-League sides: '''Major Rivalries''' * ''{{ALeague SFC}} v {{ALeague MV}}'': The clash between Australia's two biggest cities is considered the biggest rivalry in the league by both sets of fans. Sydney and Melbourne have been historical rivals for over a century, and their football teams are no exception. The rivalry between Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory has become arguably the most bitter in the A League, with almost every match between the two teams characterised by spiteful confrontations, controversy and consistently record-breaking crowds. There is also an intense rivalry emerging between the supporters of the clubs. * ''{{ALeague NUJ}} v {{ALeague CCM}}'': Labelled the "F3 Derby" by commentators,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/football/fans-steamed-up-for-derby--if-they-get-there/2006/11/10/1162661897396.html |title=Fans steamed up for derby - if they get there |publisher=[[Sydney Morning Herald]] |date=[[2006-11-11]] |accessdate=2006-11-12}}</ref> the two regional clubs, only an hour apart, are also big rivals. Due to their close geographic proximity, the Mariners/Jets rivalry is identified as the closest thing to a true 'local derby' that the league offers. * ''{{ALeague AU}} v {{ALeague MV}}'': Contested the 2006-07 A-League Grand Final, in which Melbourne won 6-0. Also the confrontation with Melbourne's captain [[Kevin Muscat]] and Adelaide coach at the time [[John Kosmina]] has done nothing to help the situation. '''Minor Rivalries''' * ''{{ALeague AU}} v {{ALeague SFC}}'': The clash between the two most successful teams in the A-League's inaugural year (Adelaide the Premiership and Sydney the Championship). The finals series between the two teams was explosive and led to the establishment of a rivalry between the clubs. * ''{{ALeague NUJ}} v {{ALeague SFC}}'': ''(NSW Derby)'' Newcastle have never beaten Sydney in the regular season since 2005. The rivalry between these teams was originally mild, with most Newcastle supporters more concerned with the Central Coast and most Sydney supporters more concerned with Melbourne. However, the on-field rivalry reached explosive levels in the 2006-2007 Minor Semi-Final, especially in the second leg in Newcastle, where Alex Brosque was sent off and the ensuing arguments led to Iain Fyfe falling over after being tapped by Jade North.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/Sport/Jets-down-Sydney-FC-in-night-of-spite/2007/02/02/1169919535736.html |title=Jets down Sydney FC in night of spite |publisher=[[Sydney Morning Herald]] |date=[[2007-02-02]] |accessdate=2006-02-04}}</ref> Sydney won all 3 encounters in the 2007/08 season. * ''{{ALeague CCM}} v {{ALeague SFC}}'': ''(NSW Derby)'' Although not the most intense rivalry in the competition, there is still a history that adds an element of importance for the fans in this fixture. {{ALeague SFC}} beat the {{ALeague CCM}} in the inaugural A-League grand final in 2005. Due to this it is considered by the fans as the grudge match of the A-League. The {{ALeague CCM}} supporters ''(The Marinators)'' take great pride in beating {{ALeague SFC}}, and Sydney supporters ''(The Cove)'' take great pleasure in reminding them of the score in the final. This rivalry intensified after Round 15 of the 2007-08 season, where Central Coast were beaten at home 5-4. Two of Central Coast's players were sent off, the second being in the 94th minute for a handball in the penalty area which gave Sydney FC a penalty that won the match in the last play of the game. == References == {{Reflist|2}} == External links == * [http://www.a-league.com.au/ A-League official website] * [http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/ Football Federation Australia] * [http://www.theworldgame.com.au/a-league/ SBS The World Game A-League section] * [http://www.foxsports.com.au/football/aleague/ FOX Sports Australia A-League section] * [http://www.oztifo.com/ A-League active support] * [http://www.aleague-news.com.au/ #1 A-League news portal] {{fb start}} {{AUS fb general}} {{AUS fb A-League}} {{AFC Leagues}} {{fb end}} {{Sports leagues of Australia}} [[Category:A-League]] [[Category:Australian football (soccer) competitions]] [[Category:National football (soccer) premier leagues]] [[Category:Sports leagues in Australia]] [[Category:Summer football (soccer) leagues]] [[de:A-League]] [[es:A-League]] [[fr:Championnat d'Australie de football]] [[ko:A-리그]] [[id:A-League]] [[it:Campionato di calcio australiano]] [[lt:Hyundai A-League]] [[ms:A-League]] [[nl:A-League (voetbal)]] [[ja:Aリーグ]] [[no:A-League]] [[pl:A-League]] [[pt:A-League]] [[fi:A-League]] [[tr:A-Ligi]] [[zh:澳大利亚足球甲级联赛]]