A-League Previews, Predictions & Betting Tips
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A-League
The A-League is a professional men’s football league organised by Football Federation Australia (FFA). It was established in 2004 as a replacement for the National Soccer League with competition commencing in August 2005.
Ten teams compete in the A-league, nine from Australia and one based in New Zealand. The regular season runs mainly during the Australian summer from early October to April the following year. The competition consists of 27 rounds, with each team playing every other team three times.
The finals series involves the top six teams and culminates with the Grand Final to decide the winner. Unlike most European leagues, there is currently no system for promotion and relegation.
The A-League Premiers (regular season winners) and A-League Champions (winners of grand final) qualify for the Asian Champions League group stage the following season. The team determined to be the third best enter the Asian Champions League playoffs.
The A-League is known for rivalries and local derbies that include the Melbourne Derby between Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory, the Sydney Derby between Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers, the Big Blue between Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC and the F3 Derby featuring the Central Coast Mariners against the Newcastle Jets.
Due to the salary cap in Australia each club is allowed to have two "marquee" players whose salaries are exempt from the cap. Some of the high profile marquee players to grace the A-League stage include Alessandro Del Piero, William Gallas, Dwight Yorke, Emile Heskey, Robbie Fowler, David Villa, Romário and Keisuke Honda.
Melbourne Victory are the most successful A-League team with four titles. Sydney FC are next best with three, followed by Central Coast Mariners, Adelaide United and Brisbane Roar who all have two A-League titles.
Besart Berisha is the record goal scorer in the A-League with 116 goals in spells at Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory. Shane Smeltz is sedonc with 92 goals and Archie Thompson is third with 90 A-League goals.
Melbourne Victory are the defending champions after winning the 2017-18 Grand Final 1-0 against the Newcastle Jets.
Recent A-League Champions and Premiers
Season | Champions | Premiers |
|---|---|---|
| 2018-19 | ||
| 2017-18 | Melbourne Victory | Sydney FC |
| 2016-17 | Sydney FC | Melbourne Victory |
| 2015-16 | Melbourne Victory | Melbourne Victory |
| 2014-15 | Adelaide United | Adelaide United |
| 2013-14 | Brisbane Roar | Brisbane Roar |
| 2012-13 | Central Coast Mariners | Western Sydney Wanderers |
| 2011-12 | Brisbane Roar | Central Coast Mariners |
| 2010-11 | Brisbane Roar | Brisbane Roar |
| 2009-10 | Sydney FC | Sydney FC |
| 2008-09 | Melbourne Victory | Melbourne Victory |
Don't forget to check in at FreeTips.com for our A-League tips including A-League First Goalscorer Tips and A-League Over/Under 2.5 Total Goals Tips. Our football betting experts will also share their Outright / Futures tips such as A-League winner.
