The A-League has seen one of its most eventful off-seasons in years, with a mountain of incomings and outgoings to run the rule over as we get set for kick-off on Friday.
A grand final rematch at the iconic Industree Group Stadium will open the new campaign, there’ll be lots of intrigue around Auckland FC’s inaugural competitive fixture on Saturday, before all attention turns to CommBank Stadium for the first Sydney Derby of the season.
Let’s get into the ultimate guide for season 2024-25.
How many leagues can make you feel like this? A-Leagues 2024/25 Season kicks off 18 October.
Auckland
The new kids on the block have recruited well and are a good chance of being competitive right out of the gate. Steve Corica is Auckland FC’s first head coach after a difficult end to his Sydney tenure.
Key man
Neyder Moreno has drawn comparisons with Victory No.9 Bruno Fornaroli – he’ll be one to watch at Mount Smart Stadium. The speedy winger arrives at a good age and has an eye for goal.
The gaffer
Corica’s time at Sydney FC came to an unceremonious end early last season, and he’ll be hoping to wipe the slate with the league’s new boys. Not exactly known for champagne football at Allianz Stadium, it’ll be interesting to see if Bimbi adapts his playing style to something more exciting.
Prediction: tenth.
Perth Glory
There was some optimism over in the west at the back-end of last season with Ross Pelligra announced as the new owner following the demise of the Tony Sage era.
Unfortunately, it’s difficult to see those good vibes replicated on-field as the Glory’s squad will be simply incapable of matching the likes of Sydney FC and Victory. There’s no way they play finals football with such a dearth of quality.
Key man
A clear choice here, with captain Adam Taggart to be Perth’s main source of goals. At 31, the local boy is not that far removed from his prime and clearly still a very effective goal-scorer, but not to the extent it will offset their myriad problems.
The gaffer
Former Sydney FC assistant David Zdrilic has a big job on his hands after making the move west. Known for deploying a highly effective press, it remains to be seen if the 50-year-old can mould his tactics from higher level football to the Perth side.
Prediction: 12th.
Western United
Pressure is on John Aloisi and his side after two seasons without finals football – a third surely will not be looked upon fondly by club brass. Managing fewer goals than Perth and Newcastle last season is some feat, but the addition of Hiroshi Ibusuki should help them climb off the bottom in that metric.
(Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)
They still lack star power and haven’t recruited well enough to move the dial much after a dreadful campaign last time out. United will be in and around the finals places but will ultimately miss out on a competitive top-six finish.
Key man
Ibusuki, while not offering much in general play, proved he is a quality No.9 at A-League level over a three-season stint at Copers Stadium and will be relied upon for goals by United.
The gaffer
As mentioned, the former Socceroo is under considerable pressure to make a return to the playoffs in 2024-25. Tweaking the attack is a must after a measly 36 goals scored in 27 games.
Prediction: Eighth.
Newcastle Jets
Also enjoying some off-field stability after years of tumult, Newcastle’s work in the transfer market still left a lot to be desired. That’s problematic because it was already one of the worst rosters in the league before the big blow of Apostolos Stamatelopoulos’ departure.
Losing Stamatelopoulos will really sting, look for Lachie Rose to start up front against City on Saturday.
There’s not a lot for Rob Stanton to work with at McDonald Jones Stadium. Their only visa signing is Wellissol, and when all is said and done they will finish some distance from the top six.
Key man
Despite an unflattering scoring record, Brazilian import Wellissol looks like their biggest goal threat.
The gaffer
Stanton is entering his second season with the Jets and can only play the hand he’s been dealt. It’s unlikely he favours the uptempo passing style his NPL sides were known for, in favour of a more conservative approach.
Prediction: 13th.
Brisbane Roar
Once an A-League powerhouse, Brisbane have spent three seasons finishing outside the top six. Ruben Zadkovich is the new man in the hot seat at Suncorp Stadium after their almost comical game of musical chairs in 2023-24.
I’m not expecting great things from the Roar, and a finals place will be outside their reach but if some of the youngsters develop quicker than anticipated, they will not be easy beats.
Key man
Despite being on a scholarship deal, Thomas Waddingham is Brisbane’s likeliest route to goal. The 19-year-old netted seven times in 23 appearances in 2023-24, a solid return for his first professional season. The number of goals will go north this campaign, it’s just a question of how many he can bang in.
The gaffer
Zadkovich’s record at Perth may not look good on paper, but he had that side at least looking competitive. It’s going to be another uphill battle to return this club to relevance and it won’t turn around overnight but a workman-like attitude will ensure Brisbane are not easy beats.
Prediction: 11th.
Adelaide United
The Reds will be hoping to rebound after a disappointing eight-placed finish last season. Nestory Irankunda’s departure is, of course, the headline but Carl Veart has been busy in the transfer market. He has made some solid signings, including Ben Folami, Dylan Pierias and the exciting but still quite raw Archie Goodwin.
Dylan Pierias of the Wanderers celebrates a goal with fans. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Key man
Luka Jovanovic is one of the most promising young players in the league. The 19-year-old will be aiming to make the central striker role his own in 2024-25.
The gaffer
After missing the finals in 2023-24, Veart will be under some pressure to return to playoff football. In the last year of his contract, could a tactical mix-up be on the cards to make a finals push?
Prediction: Ninth.
Western Sydney Wanderers
There’s been a lot of change at CommBank Stadium, with ex-Man United star Juan Mata coming to Wanderers as one of the highest-profile players to ever grace an A-League pitch. Alen Stajcic has replaced Marko Rudan in the dugout in every content creator’s worst nightmare, and former captain Marcelo departed at the end of last season.
The new-look Western Sydney should be entertaining to watch, but the lack of depth in the squad will see them battling for a finals place.
Key man
A pretty obvious one. Mata is coming off just one game for Vissel Kobe, so there’s reason to doubt his body will stand up to the demands of a full season. When he’s fit, he will dominate as classy imports like Joe Lolley and Tolgay Arslan did last season.
The gaffer
In his second A-League (Men) job, Stajcic will need to mould his play style around a squad that is lacking top quality in the spine.
Prediction: Sixth.
Melbourne City
Despite the incredible resources at the disposal of the City Football Group, they have rarely gone after true marquees and that trend has continued, resisting any temptation to keep up with the Joneses over the off-season.
(Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)
Having said that, this is a squad bursting with talent that should be good enough for a top-two finish.
Key man
The return of Marco Tilio on loan from an unsuccessful stint in Glasgow was perhaps predictable, but is a big boon for City nonetheless. Tilio will be an integral part of City’s forward line.
The gaffer
Aurelio Vidmar begins his first full A-League season in the dugout after replacing Rado Vidosic just weeks into the 2023-24 campaign. Boasting a quality engine room, City will control lots of possession and the likes of Tilio and Mat Leckie will feast on the chances they create.
Prediction: Second.
A new era of the UEFA Champions League is here, only on Stan Sport.
Macarthur
After a mixed off-season for the Bulls, they’ll be looking to improve upon their one finals victory in the club’s history. The shadow of the betting scandal that saw inspirational leader Ulises Davila leave the club in disgrace still looms but the Australia Cup triumph provided some joy during a difficult time in southwest Sydney.
Key man
New captain Valere Germain may not attract the headlines of a Mata or Douglas Costa but he is a proven, quality goal-scorer.
The gaffer
Mile Sterjovski’s stock is rising after winning the club’s second Australia Cup last month. With a formidable attack corps at his disposal, the Bulls should an exciting watch this season, playing an attractive style.
Prediction: Seventh.
Douglas Costa (Photo by Steve Christo – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)
Sydney FC
Douglas Costa’s acquisition was a statement from the Sky Blues that they’re ready to contend once again. After a meandering campaign Ufuk Talay has gone to market and produced several quality signings with Sydney now boasting one of the best squads in the league.
This club – the players, fans and staff – don’t take too kindly to multiple years without adding to the trophy cabinet, which combined with the money outlaid by Scott Barlow, means Talay may be under the most pressure of any manager.
Key man
Costa arrives in the Harbour City with quite the CV, including stints at European giants Bayern Munich and Juventus.
The gaffer
Talay’s pressing style suffocated a lot of teams last season and his new additions should only make it more formidable. With their midfield stocks, few teams will be able to prevent the Sky Blues from controlling possession.
Prediction: First.
Melbourne Victory
After being just minutes away from a championship, there’s been a big change at AAMI Park as former City boss Patrick Kisnorbo has replaced now-Socceroos manager Tony Popovic. The additions of internationals Nikos Vergos and Santos are encouraging but Victory look a little light at the back.
This is a top-four side, but I’m unconvinced they have the quality for a premiership tilt.
Key man
Zinedine Machach is such a silky player. His attacking instincts are fantastic and he’s formed a good understanding with Bruno Fornaroli and Daniel Arzani.
The gaffer
Returning home after a quite dismal time in France, Kisnorbo will likely go back to a possession-based game at AAMI Park. His defection across town will add spice to the Melbourne Derby.
Prediction: Fourth.
Wellington
The establishment of Auckland FC can only be a good thing for Wellington as they look to go one better than 2023-24. Giancarlo Italiano often mentioned his side were farther along than anyone around the league could have envisaged, clearly cognisant of the face no one expected the Nix to be genuine title contenders.
I’m really not sure exactly what to expect of Chiefy’s men, but I think a regression on the table is pretty likely. Italiano has recruited well but is without the services of budding star Alex Paulsen (on loan at Auckland from EPL side Bournemouth), Bozhidar Kraev (Wanderers) and Oskar Zawada.
Key man
Alex Rufer had a tremendous 2023-24 season. He’s the leader of that side – the (c) next to his name is just a formality.
(Photo by Jeremy Ng/Getty Images)
The gaffer
Italiano is a hard man to dislike, and the Nix became most fans’ second team (if they weren’t already) with his positive approach to the pitch and press conferences. He’ll have to adapt to the losses of Kraev and Zawada, however.
Prediction: Third
Mariners
The back-to-back champions will be hoping to make history with a third straight A-League crown in 2024-25. It’s been said a lot over the last few pre-seasons, but is this the year when the club’s recruitment and retention strategy finally falls apart?
Mark Jackson proved he is a quality coach by reversing a dreadful start to the season to claim the club’s third toilet seat. I’m just not sure he can overcome the very significant departures from the championship-winning campaign.
Key man
Trent Sainsbury brings a ton of experience back to the club where it all started for the 58-time Socceroo. Immediately handed the captaincy, much could hinge on Sainsbury’s ability to stay on the park.
The gaffer
It’s never easy defending a title, let alone two, especially with all of the quality that’s gone out the door at the Mariners. His ability to develop young players is obviously a good fit with the Gosford club, and he’ll need to discover some more diamonds in the rough to keep his side competitive.
Prediction: Fifth