2021–22 A-League Men Explained
The 2021–22 A-League Men, known as the Isuzu UTE A-League for sponsorship reasons, was the 45th season of national level men's soccer in Australia, and the 17th since the establishment of the competition as the A-League in 2004.
Melbourne City were the defending champions and premiers, having won their first titles respectively the previous season. They retained the premiership, but lost the Grand Final to first-time grand finalists Western United.
Clubs
Twelve clubs participated in the 2021–22 season.
| Club | City | Home ground | Capacity |
|---|
| Adelaide United | Adelaide | Coopers Stadium | 16,500 |
| Brisbane Roar | Brisbane | Moreton Daily Stadium | 11,500 |
| Central Coast Mariners | Gosford | Central Coast Stadium | 20,059 |
| Mudgee | Glen Willow Regional Sports Stadium | 10,000 |
| Macarthur FC | Sydney | Campbelltown Stadium | 20,000 |
| BlueBet Stadium | 22,500 |
| Newcastle | McDonald Jones Stadium | 33,000 |
| Melbourne City | Melbourne | AAMI Park | 30,050 |
| Melbourne Victory | Melbourne | AAMI Park | 30,050 |
| Newcastle Jets | Newcastle | McDonald Jones Stadium | 33,000 |
| Perth Glory | Perth | HBF Park | 20,500 |
| Launceston | UTAS Stadium | 19,000 |
| Sydney | Netstrata Jubilee Oval | 20,500 |
| Sydney FC | Sydney | Netstrata Jubilee Oval | 20,500 |
| Leichhardt Oval | 20,000 |
| Wellington Phoenix | Auckland | Eden Park | 50,000 |
| Gosford | Central Coast Stadium | 20,059 |
| Sydney | Netstrata Jubilee Oval | 20,500 |
| Leichhardt Oval | 20,000 |
| Campbelltown Stadium | 20,000 |
| Endeavour Field | 22,000 |
| Wellington | Sky Stadium | 34,500 |
| Wollongong | WIN Stadium | 23,000 |
| Western Sydney Wanderers | Sydney | CommBank Stadium | 30,000 |
| Western United | Ballarat | Mars Stadium | 11,000 |
| Morshead Park | 8,500 |
| Geelong | GMHBA Stadium | 26,000 |
| Launceston | UTAS Stadium | 19,000 |
| Melbourne | AAMI Park | 30,050 | |
Personnel and kits
Managerial changes
Foreign players
The following do not fill a Visa position:
1Those players who were born and started their professional career abroad but have since gained Australian citizenship (or New Zealand citizenship, in the case of Wellington Phoenix);[40]
2Australian citizens (or New Zealand citizens, in the case of Wellington Phoenix) who have chosen to represent another national team;
3Injury replacement players, or National team replacement players;
4Guest players (eligible to play a maximum of fourteen games)Salary cap exemptions and captains
Transfers
Regular season
AFC Champions League qualification
Due to the re-formatting of the AFC Champions League to have an inter-year schedule from September (northern hemisphere autumn-to-spring) instead of an intra-year schedule (northern hemisphere spring-to-autumn),[60] the qualification for the 2023–24 AFC Champions League was changed. The single qualification spot for this competition goes to whichever of which of the Premiers for the current season or the following season accrues the most combined points over both seasons.[61] Melbourne City won the Premiership in both the 2021–22 and 2022–23 seasons,[62] thereby automatically qualifying for the Champions League.
Finals series
See main article: 2022 A-League Men finals series.
Format
The finals series, which ran over three weeks, consisted of the top six teams from the regular season. In the first week of fixtures, the third-through-sixth ranked teams played a single-elimination match, with the two winners of those matches joining the first and second ranked teams in two-legged semi-final ties. The first and second placed teams chose whether they would play home or away in the first leg.[63] The two winners of those matches meet in the Grand Final.[64] This season was the first to use this format.
Elimination-finals
----
Semi-finals
Summary|}
Matches
Western United won 4–2 on aggregate.----
Melbourne City won 2–1 on aggregate.
Grand Final
See main article: 2022 A-League Men Grand Final.
Regular season statistics
Top scorers
Hat-tricks
See main article: List of A-League Men hat-tricks.
Clean sheets
Awards
Annual awards
The following end of the season awards were announced at the 2021–22 Dolan Warren Awards night on 26 May 2022.[70]
Team of the season
See also
Notes and References
- Web site: Attendance Statistics :: Totals / Averages . Ultimate A-League. 18 May 2022.
- Web site: United announce club-record Global Technical Partnership with UCAN and unveil new home kit. Adelaide United. 16 September 2020.
- Web site: Reds announce Flinders University as new Premier Partner. Adelaide United. 10 October 2019.
- Web site: Reds and UCAN drop new home kit for 2021/22. Adelaide United. 13 September 2021. 13 September 2021. 27 October 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211027080126/https://www.adelaideunited.com.au/news/reds-and-ucan-drop-new-home-kit-202122. dead.
- Web site: United announce Australian Outdoor Living as Platinum Partner. Adelaide United. 29 September 2020.
- Web site: Reds and UCAN reveal eye-catching away kit for 2021/22. Adelaide United. 17 September 2021. 17 September 2021. 27 October 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211027080125/https://www.adelaideunited.com.au/news/reds-and-ucan-reveal-eye-catching-away-kit-202122. dead.
- Web site: New Balance to Bring The Roar as new Official Apparel Partner. Brisbane Roar. 6 August 2021.
- Web site: Brisbane Roar & ActronAir to Roar for Two More. Brisbane Roar. 18 July 2020.
- Web site: Mariners partner with Paladin Sports as official kit supplier. Central Coast Mariners. 10 September 2021. 13 September 2021. 27 October 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211027080127/https://www.ccmariners.com.au/news/mariners-partner-paladin-sports-official-kit-supplier-0. dead.
- Web site: 16 September 2021. MATE become better "mates" with Mariners as they take on role of major sponsor for 2021/22. Central Coast Mariners. 16 September 2021. 27 October 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211027080127/https://www.ccmariners.com.au/news/mate-become-better-mates-mariners-they-take-role-major-sponsor-202122. dead.
- Web site: Macarthur FC Lock In Italian Sportwear Giant Macron with Long-term Apparel and Retail Partnership Deal. Macarthur FC. 29 July 2020.
- Web site: 31 October 2019. $15m in corporate support sets solid foundations for Macarthur FC. 27 June 2022. A-League.
- Web site: Manchester City replaces Nike with Puma in kit deal. BBC News. 28 February 2019.
- Web site: 2021-22 Football Kit Preview: A-League Men (Australia). Glenn. Cook. Sportslogos.net. 18 November 2021.
- News: Special report: Manchester City's sponsors, the links to Abu Dhabi and what it means for Newcastle United. Adam. Crafton. The Athletic. 17 February 2022. Etihad, to this day, sponsor the front of City’s shirts and the club’s stadium, as well as the surrounding academy building known as the Etihad Campus, in addition to exposure at City’s stable of clubs in cities such as New York and Melbourne..
- Web site: Victory joins forces with Macron. Melbourne Victory. 30 July 2021.
- Web site: Melbourne Victory extends its Principal Partnership with Metricon Homes. Melbourne Victory. 15 November 2021. 15 November 2021. 15 November 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211115131157/https://www.melbournevictory.com.au/news/melbourne-victory-extends-its-principal-partnership-metricon-homes. dead.
- Web site: 22 September 2021. Jets unveil 2021/22 playing kits, Bonded by Gold with Port of Newcastle as Major Partner. Newcastle Jets. 22 September 2021. 27 October 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211027080127/https://www.newcastlejetsfc.com.au/news/jets-unveil-202122-playing-kits-bonded-gold-port-newcastle-major-partner. dead.
- Web site: 5 November 2021. Ampcontrol unveiled as a Major Partner for 2021/22 A-League Men's Season. Newcastle Jets. 5 November 2021. 5 November 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211105102545/https://www.newcastlejetsfc.com.au/news/ampcontrol-unveiled-a-major-partner-202122-a-league-mens-season. dead.
- Web site: Glory confirms four-year extension to Macron partnership. Gareth. Morgan. Perth Glory. 15 January 2021.
- Web site: BHP to remain Glory's principal partner for 2021/22 season. Gareth. Morgan. Perth Glory. 2 August 2021.
- Web site: Sydney FC In Australian First Partnership With Under Armour. Sydney FC. 1 July 2019.
- Web site: Sydney FC & The Star Sydney Sign Four Year Deal. Sydney FC. 8 October 2019.
- Web site: Wellington Phoenix Announce Paladin New Zealand As New Strip Partner. Wellington Phoenix. 5 August 2019.
- Web site: Wellington Phoenix Unveils New Playing Kits; Announces Spark and OPPO as Principal Sponsors. Wellington Phoenix. 21 September 2021. 22 September 2021. 27 October 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211027080127/https://www.wellingtonphoenix.com/news/wellington-phoenix-unveils-new-playing-kits-announces-spark-and-oppo-principal-sponsors. dead.
- Web site: Wanderers announce three-year partnership with Kappa Australia. Western Sydney Wanderers. 17 September 2020.
- Web site: Voltaren sign two-year Co-Major Partnership extension. Western Sydney Wanderers. 16 September 2021.
- Web site: 21 October 2021. Turner Freeman Lawyers sign Co-Major Partnership. 23 October 2021. Western Sydney Wanderers.
- Web site: Western United and Kappa drop new season kit designs for 2021/22. Western United. 17 September 2021. 17 September 2021. 27 October 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211027080127/https://www.wufc.com.au/news/kappa-upcoming-season-kit-design-reveal. dead.
- News: 'Hard work ahead': Popovic named Victory coach. Anthony. Colangelo. The Age. 22 April 2021.
- News: A-League: Craig Deans to step down as coach of Newcastle Jets. Craig. Kerry. The Newcastle Herald. 3 June 2021.
- News: Arthur Papas finally gets A-League job as tide turns on NPL coaches. FTBL. 28 June 2021.
- Web site: Mark Rudan axed following Western United's shocking run to finish season. Marco. Monteverde. Fox Sports. 8 June 2021.
- News: A-League: John Aloisi signs two-year coaching deal with Western United. Marco. Monteverde. News.com.au. 15 July 2021.
- News: Uncertainty again for Mariners as Alen Stajcic quits A-League club. The Guardian. 17 June 2021.
- Web site: Nick Montgomery appointed as A-League Head Coach!. Central Coast Mariners. 2 July 2021.
- News: Wanderers finally sack Carl Robinson after latest A-League debacle. Vince. Rugari. The Sydney Morning Herald. 30 January 2022.
- News: Mark Rudan appointed as coach of Western Sydney Wanderers following sacking of Carl Robinson. Marco. Monteverde. news.com.au. 31 January 2022.
- News: Former Socceroo Richard Garcia axed as Perth Glory coach. Marco. Monteverde. The Australian. 20 March 2022.
- Web site: A-League Collective Bargaining Agreement – 2008/9 – 2012/13 . Australian Professional Footballers' Football Association . 9 October 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140204110810/http://pfa.net.au/fileadmin/user_upload/_temp_/MINUS_LETTERS_A-League_CBA_08-13_1_.pdf . 4 February 2014 . dead .
- News: A-League: Reds proudly go local in appointing Stefan Mauk as their new captain. Marco. Monteverde. news.com.au. 1 December 2020.
- Web site: Goodwin announced as Reds' new Captain. Adelaide United. 5 March 2022.
- Web site: Tom Aldred commits long-term future to Brisbane Roar. Brisbane Roar. 4 February 2021. Captain Tom Aldred has today committed his long-term future to Brisbane Roar.
- News: MARINERS NAME NEW CAPTAIN FOR F3 DERBY. Skaie. Hull. NBN News. 30 December 2020.
- Web site: 6 November 2021. The Bulls announce Ulises Dávila as Captain. Macarthur FC. 6 November 2021. 7 November 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211107233702/https://www.macarthurfc.com.au/news/bulls-announce-ulises-davila-captain. dead.
- Web site: Jamie Maclaren says the lure of playing in front of family was crucial to his decision to sign for Melbourne City. Ben. McKay. Fox Sports. 5 February 2019. signed a long-term deal that elevates him to marquee next season.
- Web site: Scott Jamieson re-signs for two years. Melbourne City. 2 July 2021. Melbourne City FC is delighted to announce the re-signing of Captain Scott Jamieson until the end of the 2022/23 season..
- Web site: Melbourne Victory signs Chris Ikonomidis. Melbourne Victory. 21 July 2021. Ikonomidis will join Marco Rojas as the Club's second designated player for the 2021/22 season..
- Web site: New rules bolster ALM clubs' firepower in hunt to sign top talent. Matt. Comito. KeepUp. 10 July 2022.
- Web site: Melbourne Victory announces its 2021/22 Club Captains. Melbourne Victory. 15 November 2021. 15 November 2021. 22 November 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211122085636/https://melbournevictory.com.au/news/media-release-melbourne-victory-announces-its-202122-club-captains. dead.
- News: Victory's Miranda ready to step up again. Anna. Harrington. The Leader. 25 November 2021. Vice-captain Miranda captained the Victory on debut....
- NewcastleJetsFC. Newcastle Jets. 1458598769222582276. Now here's someone we can all get behind… We're pleased to announce Matt Jurman as our new @aleaguemen Captain. 11 November 2021.
- Web site: Glory in sensational swoop for former Liverpool and England star Sturridge. Gareth. Morgan. Perth Glory. 1 October 2021. 1 October 2021. 1 October 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211001020329/https://www.perthglory.com.au/news/glory-sensational-swoop-former-liverpool-and-england-star-sturridge. dead.
- News: Marquee striker Bruno Fornaroli calls Perth Glory home for another two A-League seasons. Nick. Taylor. The West Australian. 15 June 2021.
- News: Brandon O'Neill and Natasha Rigby to lead Perth Glory into new A-League era as captains. Nick. Taylor. The West Australian. 28 October 2021.
- Web site: Captain Alex Wilkinson Back To Break More Records. Sydney FC. 17 July 2021.
- Web site: Rufer and Sail to lead the Wellington Phoenix. Wellington Phoenix. 18 November 2021.
- Web site: Rhys Williams named Wanderers captain. Western Sydney Wanderers. 4 November 2021. 4 November 2021. 4 November 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211104090139/https://www.wswanderersfc.com.au/news/williams-named-captain. dead.
- Web site: Alessandro Diamanti and Josh Risdon to lead Western United this season. Western United. 10 November 2021. 10 November 2021. 10 November 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211110104419/https://www.wufc.com.au/news/alessandro-diamanti-and-josh-risdon-lead-western-united-season. dead.
- Web site: AFC Executive Committee unveils dynamic enhancements to the AFC Club Competitions. 25 February 2022. 25 February 2022. the-AFC.com. Asian Football Confederation. en.
- Web site: A big AFC change has sparked a new A-Leagues table scramble: How it works. Australian Professional Leagues. 30 March 2023 . 2 April 2023.
- News: Melbourne City quietly make history with third-straight A-League title. Joey. Lynch. 17 April 2023. The Guardian. 4 May 2023.
- Web site: Competition Rules. KeepUp.com.au.
- Web site: Extra finals adds to drama for 2021/22 Isuzu UTE A-League season. A-League. 29 October 2021.
- Web site: Player Statistics (Goals) . Ultimate A-League. 10 May 2022.
- News: Le Fondre hat-trick keeps Sydney FC's season alive as Wanderers throw theirs away. Vince . Rugari. The Sydney Morning Herald. 9 April 2022. 10 April 2022.
- News: Jets thump Glory to boost finals push. Joey. Lynch. Australian Associated Press. The Canberra Times. 10 April 2022. 10 April 2022.
- News: Young Perth Glory suffer record equaling A-League flogging to high-flying Western United . Nick . Taylor. The West Australian. 16 April 2022. 17 April 2022.
- Web site: Player Statistics (Clean Sheets). Ultimate A-League. 10 May 2022.
- News: Fiona Worts and Jake Brimmer take out A-Leagues' top gongs at 2021/22 Dolan Warren Awards. Samantha. Lewis. ABC News. 26 May 2022.
- News: PFA reveals player-voted Austraffic A-League Men Team of the Season on eve of Grand Final. Professional Footballers Australia. 27 May 2022.
Carl Veart
Alex Rufer
Alessandro Diamanti
Isaías
Ulises Dávila[45] 
Beka Mikeltadze
Florin Berenguer (Melbourne City)
Daniel Penha (Newcastle Jets)
