In a thrilling encounter, fierce rivals Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory will clash in a single-match knockout event next Saturday evening, right after Auckland takes on Melbourne City for a place in the semifinals.
The Crucial Stats
Round 26’s Standout Performers
Adelaide United clinched second place in a dramatic finale, courtesy of some late heroics from Luka Jovanovic at AAMI Park during the last outing of the regular season.
With 15 minutes remaining on Sunday night, The Reds were languishing in fifth place, which would have required a rematch with Melbourne City in their next game. However, they now have the luxury of an extra week to prepare to face the highest-ranked winner from the elimination finals.
Head coach Airton Andrioli stood firm in his decision to field Anselmo over Jovanovic, asserting it was a tactical choice tailored to the opponent. This speaks volumes of the team’s resilience when a late substitute can alter the outcome so significantly.
Adelaide’s journey to this point seemed unlikely at the season’s start, following significant player departures like Archie Goodwin, compounded by the injury of wing back Dylan Pierias in December. Nevertheless, Andrioli’s familiarity with many players from his time coaching the under-23 NPL South Australia squad has forged a cohesive unit that plays an attractive style of transition football.
They finished the season as the top home team, amassing 24 out of a possible 39 points, meaning their home advantage in the semi-finals could be pivotal.
It’s worth noting that Jovanovic will be suspended for the crucial first leg due to a moment of indiscretion in Melbourne, picking up a second yellow for removing his shirt after scoring his winner.
Round 26’s Disappointments
Melbourne City finds itself as the least successful traveller among the remaining six teams. Hence, it’s no surprise that head coach Aurelio Vidmar expressed his frustration after they squandered an excellent chance to face the Reds again at AAMI Park next weekend.
Their previous victory over Adelaide could have propelled them into the last elimination final with momentum, having already secured wins in their last four games at AAMI Park.
Now, Vidmar’s side faces a challenging away match in Auckland, a venue where they have struggled to find the net—losing both prior encounters 3-0 in February and January 2025.
A lapse in concentration late in the game, triggered by sideline altercations, may have contributed to conceding two goals against Adelaide. However, this should not overshadow their commendable form as the season’s end neared; they are certainly still contenders for next weekend’s clash.
The Race for the Golden Boot
Last season, the Golden Boot was shared between Sydney FC’s Adrian Segecic and emerging Adelaide United star Archie Goodwin before both headed overseas for lucrative contracts.
This year, it would not come as a shock if Western Sydney’s Luka Jovanovic joins them, as his match-winning brace against Melbourne on Sunday secured him a tie for the top scorer position alongside Sam Cosgrove, who had an impressive start to the campaign.
Team of the Week
Click here for more details about our Round 26 Team of the Week.
Manager Comments
Mark Milligan (Newcastle Jets):
“This feeling is incredibly special. I’m immensely proud of what this group has achieved thus far. We’ve pushed them hard, aiming to restore this club to the days I remember from many years ago. This goal has influenced everything we do, from the players’ harsh training to the match performances on weekends.”
“We are where we wanted to be. This is down to the players’ dedication, as we made it challenging from day one. We presented them with situations that we expected them to struggle with, yet they consistently rose to the occasion. The style of play we adopted isn’t easy. I am not surprised by our success, as their commitment has motivated us as coaches.”
Gary van Egmond (Western Sydney Wanderers):
“Having a strong Western Sydney Wanderers is crucial, not only for our supporters but for Australian football’s overall landscape. The club is progressing well with the appointment of a football director and there are more positions we can enhance within our structure. Strengthening the connection between the academy and the senior team is also an area for improvement.”
“This region is the heartland of Australian football. I’ve relished every moment at this iconic club. I regret that I couldn’t position them where they should be. Sometimes, you endure hardship before experiencing joy, and hopefully, we’ve endured enough.”
Michael Valkanis (Brisbane Roar):
“The 2026 season has been painfully disappointing, that is undeniable. We’ve faced a lot of bad luck in critical moments where we could’ve secured victories. We certainly need to address this heading into next season.”
“We also fell victim to our early success, raising expectations and ultimately disappointing our fans. This season has been disheartening, especially considering the optimism we stirred earlier by competing at the top of the table. We know precisely what we need to do to build on that strong start next season.”
For post-game comments from all 12 managers over the weekend, click here.
Goal of the Week
Next Weekend’s Matches
The top two teams, Newcastle Jets and Adelaide United, progress to the two-legged semi-finals and enjoy a bye this weekend.
The lowest-ranked winner of the two elimination finals will face Newcastle, while the highest-ranked victor will take on Adelaide.
Compiled by SportArena.au
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