The 2025/26 A-League regular season has concluded, setting the stage for the Finals Series. Premiers Newcastle Jets and second-placed Adelaide United have secured direct passage to the semi-finals, where they await the winners of Auckland FC vs Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory vs Sydney FC.
| Date | Match |
|---|---|
| May 2 | Elimination Finals: Auckland FC vs Melbourne City |
| May 2 | Elimination Finals: Melbourne Victory vs Sydney FC |
| May 8-10 & 15 | Semi-Finals: Adelaide United vs TBA |
| May 8-10 & 16 | Semi-Finals: Newcastle Jets vs TBA |
| May 23-24 | Grand Final |
Here’s how each of the six teams booked their place.
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Newcastle Jets
Best Finals performance: Champions (2008)
Few would have predicted Newcastle Jets to finish on top after a difficult start to the campaign, which saw them lose six of their opening 10 matches.
However, their season turned around after the turn of the year, beginning with a 3-1 win over Auckland FC that sparked an eight-game winning streak, which lifted them from ninth to the top of the table.
Results elsewhere, including a crucial favour from F3 rivals Central Coast Mariners in the penultimate round, confirmed their Premiership triumph. Having also won the Australia Cup earlier in the season, Mark Milligan’s side are now chasing a rare domestic treble.
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Adelaide United
Best Finals performance: Champions (2016)
Adelaide United built their campaign on a strong second half, recovering from an inconsistent start to emerge as one of the most efficient sides in the run-in.
Under head coach Airton Andrioli, they steadily accumulated points to remain within reach of the top two before delivering when it mattered most. Luka Jovanovic’s late winner against Melbourne City on the final day secured second place ahead of Auckland FC, earning them a direct route to the semi-finals.
Definition of Clutch 😍
The goal that seals second and Asia 🙌#MCYvADL https://t.co/dSsHLsBu4b pic.twitter.com/ILVf3jorar
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) April 26, 2026
Auckland FC
Best Finals performance: Semi-finals (2025)
Auckland FC spent much of the season in the top two, underpinned by the league’s second-best defensive record.
However, their form dipped at a crucial stage, with three draws and two defeats in the final five rounds costing them a semi-final berth. Despite that late slide, a third-place finish still guarantees home advantage in their elimination final against Melbourne City — a fixture they won 3-0 in the regular season at Go Media Stadium.
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Melbourne Victory
Best Finals performance: Champions (2007, 2009, 2015, 2018)
After collecting just five points from their first seven matches, Melbourne Victory improved significantly, largely due to the influence of Juan Mata. The former Manchester United and Chelsea playmaker’s creativity and control in possession lifted their attacking output and earned him two Player of the Month awards.
Even after Mata’s late-season elbow injury, Victory maintained enough consistency to secure their place in the top six.
Who else but Juan Mata to finish top of the assists charts! 🔵🔥
The Melbourne Victory star’s 13 assists tally is the third-most of any player in an Isuzu UTE A-League season. Inevitable 🪄 pic.twitter.com/yPHU4h4RNC
— Isuzu UTE A-League (@aleaguemen) April 28, 2026
Sydney FC
Best Finals performance: Champions (2006, 2010, 2017, 2019, 2020)
Sydney FC looked on course for a top-two finish, even leading the standings at one stage. However, unfortunate injuries, particularly to key player Joe Lolley, disrupted their attacking rhythm.
A return of four wins in 12 matches after the new year saw them slide down the standings and prompted a coaching change, with Ufuk Talay replaced by Patrick Kisnorbo in March.
Kisnorbo steadied the side with an unbeaten finish to the regular season, highlighted by a 2-0 win over rivals Western Sydney Wanderers.
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Melbourne City
Best Finals performance: Champions (2021, 2025)
Balancing domestic competition with AFC Champions League Elite fixtures appeared to affect Melbourne City’s early form, as they managed just five wins in their first 19 league matches.
Following their continental exit, their domestic performances improved significantly. They collected 16 points from the final seven rounds, including key wins over direct competitors Central Coast Mariners and Wellington Phoenix to make the cut.
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