I understand the forum isn't what it used to be, however it is interesting that nobody is even discussing this.  Its pretty disgraceful.

Cant help but feel if the roles were reversed and the Cove were doing this there would be a thread 3 pages long by now.

Say what you like about MV and its fans, but at least as a club - we all got behind the decision to boycott the finals. Fans and players alike.

:)  Ive been boycotting Aleague finals for a solid 18 years now ..... you know "for the good of the game" hahahahahahahah

On a more serious note, sorry cant agree with this stance... Its not the players fault or the fans that the APL and the franchises are money grubbing arsehats..... 
I think you should ALWAY support your club if it is playing in the final .. make your protest another way....  just my 2 cents.... 

Agree the APL has shafted ALL Aleague fans with this decision though.... I hope whatever protests you guys plan really hurts them, from an outsiders perspective...  Sydney FC making the final against Wellington and 2k in attendance may be the straw that breaks the APLs back ..... Inshallah.

Fuck, finally a bit of sense from you 👏👏

Glad we finally agree on something mate :)

There is a simple solution to all of this, just bin the finals concept.

This is true

However, the problem is kinda the opposite

The quandry is why A-League customers are getting their knickers in a knot about this one incident of being shat on, but happily put up with every other one.

The straw that broke the camel’s back. Having the higher placed team on table earn their own home GF gave clubs more of a reward for the supporters if their club makes GF. Now it’s just like Afl where no matter who finishes higher on table GF is always played at MCG.

how many City, Reds or even Nix fans - during a cost of living crisis - can afford flights, accommodation etc to attend GF in Sydney anyway?! FFS APL…

If you did a survey of fans who do not follow SFC or WSW, and asked them which supporter group they think is more likely to cave into Danny Townsend and the APL… I don’t even think it’s a contest. 100% would say SFC.

Not so long ago, the prospect of the RBB and Danny Townsend aligning with one another would have been unthinkable. It only highlights how ridiculous the RBB stance is on this issue. The RBB statement last night was downright embarrassing. They will say publicly they don’t care what others think, but internally they would have to be massively conflicted.

"If"

"But"

"Mabye"

Ill stick to the facts thanks. The Cove are boycotting and the RBB aren't. Something tells me you're probably disspointed thats the case.

To be fair, it was you who started out with 'Cant help but feel if the roles were reversed and the Cove were doing this there would be a thread 3 pages long by now.'

What did rbb say?

Time to put politics aside and get behind the A league. Rare opportunity for a derby final, expecting a big crowd and bigger atmosphere. 

That can't happen.
WP are 6th if they win the elimination, they'll face city in the semi.

That would be City versus Adelaide 

Nope, its:
City vs Lowest ranked elimination-final winner
CCM vs Highest ranked elimination-final winner

As AU finished 3rd, there is no scenario in which Adelaide face City before the GF.

Agree.

I don't understand why fans would boycott the entire finals series. Isn't the problem the grand final? Why would you punish the clubs that are playing the elimination and semi finals in the city that earned the right to host it? What message are you sending to APL, that you don't like Sydney hosting the grand final, or you don't like finals at all? Almost seems like a trojan horse for those who want to abolish the concept of finals altogether.

What if you don't make the final? Can't really make a statement then.

In fact it shows more go than waiting in case they make the final.

haha fun
The city didn't earn anything but paid for it and the apl luv that.
Suppose knock off effect re the semis to the supporters barring wsw I suspect having good numbers for they have only made up the numbers the last 5/6yrs.
Msg hopefully is all you mention to them.
Fingers crossed finals finish one day not taking the shine off the Prem winner but for a mickey mouse round robin knock out series to appease those linking a Cup style finish to a competition over a short 26 round comp.
Like the trojan horse theory hope it works :)

This is about winning a Prem title -
https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2023/may/04/you-must-never-give-up-underdogs-napoli-reach-the-summit-again-serie-a
Not a play off GF - thats fine for a Cup but wheeez merican

Spot on re ‘phoney Grand Final winner = Champions’. 

I know this has been done to death but the A League does have a 'PREMIERS' champion and a 'FINALS' champion.

I can't see why we can't have both. The best team is clearly the team that finishes the league on top and this year that's City. The finals are now another tournament where the best team on the day wins. 

The issue is not the finals but the general public's indifference to the premiership. The public loves finals and, to be fair, it's a bit of a cash cow for the FA/APL which is only a good thing for a busted arse outfit league like ours.

In defence of the FA they have never (at least I don't think) called it the MINOR premiership when you win the league and always called it the 'Premiership'. 

Small steps.

I can't see how getting rid of the finals will add anything to the league. What they need to do, if they're going to continue with them, is keep emphasising the importance of finishing top of the league and slowly change people's perceptions.

AND...... emphasise the importance of it at grassroots level because I know from playing for over 40 years no one really cares about winning the league at all. 

Agree with this. I don't see why it is a point of contention with so many. So what if holding finals isn't like other leagues? This is our league and it's popular to have finals, on balance.

You can check in after 2 pm and no parties

Personally I have no issue with the RBB attending a final that they earned the right to host. That being said, I also commend the Cove for boycotting (if they actually do). 
If either SFC or WSW earn the right for a home GF (which is still a possibility), the fans should definitely show up as they earned the privilege of attending a home GF.

I thought it was in solidarity with other fans they'd boycott. 

Nobody should attend if they said they wouldn't, fans from NSW not attending makes a big statement and puts pressure on for this stupid deal.

Absolutely. It would be nice if they did, just saying I totally get it if they don't. A Sydney derby final is a bit of a rarity, totally understand fans wanting to be a part of the experience. Also, the actives boycotting probably won't send that big of a message. The APL and FA don't want them around anyway.

It takes so much effort to just follow football in this country. I'm pretty over it I'm gonna just watch it on tv I'm not going to our semi 

Stuff them all 

No it doesn't. Just buy a ticket, go and enjoy yourself.

Hey MCG Yeah I agree with JC dude... Its NOT hard at all... Just go and enjoy what you love, dont need me or any other dickhead on the internet or on an "ultras" facebook page telling you what you can and cant do.... 

I enjoy the sport 

The admins the clubs the governing body all of them stuff up frustrating as.

Watch them not capitalize on the women's world cup as well 

You can do both. Enjoy watching your team play and at the same time be frustrated by the owners, league and governance. 
Your team has been the best for 3 straight years. Enjoy it while it lasts. Especially if your up against WSW or SFC in the semi. Always enjoyable watching either of them lose.

If Phoenix somehow made the final from here, there would be absolute spasms of disbelieving joy from the Yellow Fever crowd, and trans-Tasman plane flights would be booked solid within 10 minutes. You've got to remember that Danny Townsend is very complimentary towards NZ's role in the A-League and is the biggest fan of getting an Auckland team here. The absolute hatred in which Australian active support holds him doesn't extend to Wellington; and Sydney is closer than any other Australian city.

(Meanwhile, actual Phoenix fans are actually furious with how the season's gone and many were actually hoping we'd miss the finals to punish the underachieving players, not to mention Talay on his way out after 4 years of mediocrity.)

But even if Nix make GF (finishing 6th on table) the game would be played in Australia anyway, before this Apl cock up.
are Nix fans cashed up for traveling/staying in Sydney? Most Aussies certainly aren’t 

Well, it's closer than Perth.
Seriously: going to any away games is a big expense for Nix fans (including the 2 home games every year in Auckland). Which is why we're always hospitable to any away fans who get over here. So one more away game, at the most convenient Oz city to get to, is much of a muchness.
There is of course grumbling at the removal of the possibility that a GF might one day be played at the "Ring of Fire" in Wellington, but get real, that would never ever happen anyway

You never know with Nix - they have done better than the 6 other Aussie teams who missed out on finals at least. Respect to Nix fans that travel to another country just to watch their club play. When Auckland are in AL that will be 1 less trip to Aus at least

Thanks for your confidence and your respect, but the Nix will never make a GF for two reasons:
1) Wellington will never, ever be able to recruit like the big Sydney or Melbourne teams because the country's poorer and the weather isn't as good; 9 times out of 10 if someone has a decent season at the Nix they'll be gone somewhere better immediately (we developed Barbarouses, Rojas and Oli Sail; look where that got us)
2) it is well known that A-League refs systematically (albeit perhaps unconsciously) do down the Nix. Both Rudan and Talay confirm that they didn't believe it until they were on the receiving end, but then it's all too obvious.

#ProRelforAUS

then it'll get a lot easier

Is a phoenix and city final possible? Would be delicious 

Nope. Nix would play City in the semi.
The only scenario in which there is a non-NSW GF is if it is City vs AU. Every other scenario would involve one NSW team. That being said, a City/AU GF would be fairly low attended also. City are one of only two clubs that have dropped attendance averages this season and it's hard to say how many reds fans would make the trip. I reckon they'd be more likely to watch in SA.

does we "unique" really apply now......

The more I think about this the more I respect the Cove.

Well done them.

RBB need to sit in the room of mirrors for a few hours.

It's really weird - since when did RBB put anything above their own egos - 'Supporting the team'? The majority of their songs are about themselves. 

Maybe they've got some Instagram photoshoot concepts ready for posting and sending to Ultras Tifo etc

To be fair, the last time they made finals was 16/17. They've been rubbish for so long that WSW in the finals has become a rarity. Probably makes it a tougher decision to boycott.

Shows the state of the A-League when a few facebook groups dreams of self importance manages to become vaguely relevant

Even in 'purist' countries like England they have a playoff for promotion for some spots rather than a straight up, straight down scenario.

Why?

Because people love the drama.

Champions get automatically promoted so there is the recognition of the league winners.

Third place is usually a play-off though. And there's no reason to not have that as automatic too but they do it for the drama and the money.

I'd disagree with lack of acknowledgement of the premiers. It's been pretty well covered. I mean you have to follow the A League to know about it but that's anything to do with the A League.

Do laugh at people (not you) who say 'where's the advertising and marketing?' Well if you watch the broadcast channel they're always flogging it on there. Channel 7 and 9 are hardly going to cover it are they.

Obviously I am not expecting the ‘msm’ to publicising anything about  football but looking at various football media outlets there’s no mention of league winners etc getting the chance to promote the a league in Asia.
Maybe this boils down to the insular thinking in this country.

Nah,  started as a way to 'fairly' re-jig the league sizes.

Then as a way to keep crowd numbers and interest up for upper Midtablers

NO-ONE wants to end up in the play-offs for the Drama.  EVERYONE would much rather the Automatic.

Which was my point. They don't have to have a play off at all but they do..

As for 'NO-ONE' you sure 4th, 5th and 6th team don't?

Correct. One would have to be numpty to think there was no interest.

Excellent turn-out to the WSW vs SFC too.

Yep I'm sure
Playoffs are there because they are good for EFL attendances overall
Gates are bigger if either Team involved are in with a shout in the lead up

NO-ONE wants to end up in the Hunger Games, but they'll take it if that's all that's on offer.  Certainly no LOVE for it.

And there'll be a fair few fans of the 6th place team that hope they got knocked out, realising they aren't really ready to step up a level.  It's bittersweet all round

I think the only positive to come out of all of this for the A league is that even the die hard Lowy/APL apologists now understand that their opinion DOESNT COUNT. That they are NOT part of the conversation, just customers to be taken advantage of.. Yes that may very well happen in other parts of the world but at least now we can move past the whole "football but not as you know it" philosophy that uncle Frank Brunoskevic introduced....  Just accept what you have is a Big Bash , KFC bucket hat style pretend league and either accept it and move on or abandon it in droves..... 

I mean, as expected everyone with their face in the trough from Danny Trashcan to idiotic little "Tik tock journalists"  is pushing the barrow, pleading with fans to go to the Syd WSW match... the game needs fans to survive YET the game can also survive without the fans according to APL?!?!?!?... Danny has even promised to arrange cruise ships for fans to be able to travel to Sydney next year .... Crusie ships???? FFS hahahha that is the best thing I have ever heard....  Will the APL 2024 ISUZU Mens but not Womens Subway Socceroos Aleague Grand Final Pty Ltd be played on the shuffle board deck of the SS Loveboat... while Isaac the bartender provided drinks during the commercials???? hahahahahah

Yeah nah. If you took a poll amongst the plebs you'd get easily north of 80% of people saying they love the finals. It's YOUR opinion that doesn't count.

A few purist, diehards, zealots, axe-grinders, 442'ers and that disagree which is fine but I'll walk to Wollongong if they're anywhere near even 20% of all football fans.

I dont mind the finals either big man...I mean I dont love them but it IS the Australian way.
No,  I was talking about all the "angst" by the "McHooligans" over Danny and the APL not listening to them about where the GF should be played and not consulting with their quasi paramilitary groups on private equity policy....... Their "manifestos" are hilarious.... This boycott will be futile... what do they think all of sudden the APL will "ask" a bunch of eshays what to do next regarding scheduling, broadcasting, which licenses to sell etc.... These people are in it to make a buck ffs.... Its hilarious.

Thumbs up.

I have no problem with people getting excited about finals but the lack of acknowledgment of the league winners gets up my nose.
How much publicity have you seen about the  league winners (Champions), runners up, and Australia Cup winners getting slots in various in AFC competitions?
By all means have an end of season cup but to call the winner of that ‘ a league champions’ is truly laughable.

What do you mean?  The League winners are crowned on Grand Final Day.  They are also known as The Champions. They get a trophy and all. 

Wow 🤩 cruise ships to Sydney idea totally makes up for the now cancelled  ‘festival of football’. Danny really believes AL fans are stupid enough to keep believing his BS?! He couldnt organise a root in a brothel 

Point is the League winners are still over shadowed by the GF itself and winners.
Applies forever here due to gayfl/nrl rhetoric for decades and decades, we follow what they do.
So for eg the League winner isn't in the GF, wow what a reception they get receiving their League trophy with countless other Club fans in the crowd and feck all of their own.
The League Champ isn't revered as the out and out Champion especially by the general public and casuals, media hype over the GF and winners is the click bait.

I have no issue having a Cup/Finals Series but get it in proper order of the football DNA not afl/nrl style of the norm done here.

By the way re the Cove and win against the westies, what were the Cove's numbers any idea fellas ?
Bitter pill for the many RBB there haha

What happened over the weekend, who won? Is it going to be an ALL Sydney final for the APL?

AU and SFC won you prob know by now.
SFC play City AU play CCM over 2 legs....
I copy pasted for you :)

The Semi Finals are played over two home-and-away legs, with the winners determined by an aggregate score from the two matches.

The first leg is hosted by the lower-ranked team in the respective tie this weekend, before the return leg takes place the following week at the venue of the higher ranked team.

The Away Goals rule will not be used in the Semi Finals.

As a result, if the scores are level on aggregate at the end of 90 minutes in the second leg – the winner will be determined via extra time or if required, a penalty shootout.

The winners of each two-legged Semi Final on an aggregate score over the two legs, advance to the Grand Final which will take place on Saturday, June 3 at CommBank Stadium.

Cheers brother... So does it look like Adelaide v City final??? 

what's this about cruise ships? 

DT was on a podacst or something last week and in response to criticism for not really offering anything to entice interstate fans to GF, or to make it financial viable, said that they are planning on organising a cruise ship with plenty of notice for "away" fans wanting to go to the festival of football next year.... bizarre take if you ask me..... The APL, "let them eat cake" moment.. hahahahah what a clown.

jesus bloody christ 

Not a fan of this podcast but if you want to hear about this muppet spin shit, here you go: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/47-super-exclusive-with-danny-townsend-apl-ceo/id1592087627?i=1000611780082

I actually thought Mono was taking the piss about the cruise ships. He was not. DT actually mentioned they've looked into this. The guy is completely delusional. First he doesn't seem to grasp the fact that fans want to watch their home GF at home. Second he seems to think interstate people actually want to travel to Sydney for fun. We don't. Other parts of NSW, absolutely, but Sydney is a hard no for me.
Then there is the issue of why is he making an appearance on this podcast and not the Keepup podcast or somewhere else that people might actually see or hear.

Moi spin shit abput the APL??? hahahahah NEVER, I dont have to mate they are the gift that keeps on giving :)

You're not wrong. Just think, in an alternative timeline SM could have been part of this conversation. You need to start thanking WU for taking that bullet.

Cheers brother... So does it look like Adelaide v City final??? 

Tough one to pick. CCM absolutely dominated AU last week (0-4) and that was an AU home game. Definitely possible for CCM to get the better of AU.
City vs SFC is also tough to pick. City are definitely the better side, but SFC have a good record when it comes to finals games. Unfortunately we could easily see an all NSW GF.