AAMI Park was unanimously voted by the players as the best venue in the Hyundai A-League on Wednesday while the best atmosphere award went to Melbourne Victory fans.

Melbourne's boutique AAMI Park was the runaway winner this year from the drastically improved Etihad Stadium while Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium, winner in the last two seasons, slipped to third.

Under the Professional Footballers Association Stadium Rating System which was introduced in 2010, PFA chief executive Brendan Schwab highlighted two elements of criteria for the success of the A-League – the quality of play and the fan experience.

Schwab, Victory captain and PFA executive member Adrian Leijer as well as PFA president Simon Colosimo were on hand to present the awards.

Leijer presented the award to the Blue and White Brigade leader Adam Tennenini, whose group was again overwhelmingly regarded by the players as the best set of fans.

"One of the real pleasures of playing for Melbourne Victory is the tremendous support we get from our fans, particularly at this stadium," Leijer said.

"It's a fantastic place to play, the pitch is always immaculate.

"Our fans - credit to them for receiving the award for the best atmosphere because the game day atmosphere they create is second to none, it's always a pleasure to come out and play for them so hopefully we can reward them a little bit more next season."

Tennenini accepted the award on behalf of the Victory fans and couldn't resist the temptation to have a quick jibe at Colosimo's Heart.

"I want to thank all Melbourne Victory supporters I think we've been by far the benchmark over the seven seasons of A-League football," Tennenini said.

"Their (Heart's) average attendance is second or third in the league but you take away those derbies and they're right down the bottom."

The visiting captains were asked to give the pitch a rating out of five after each league game and Colosimo, who handed the award to AAMI Park's head groundsman, Justin Lang, said AAMI Park was hands down the best venue in the A-League for play and atmosphere.

"It's not only the pitch but it's the stadium," Colosimo said.

"This stadium is built for supporters, built for football. At the start of the season I went around to see where my family was sitting and I don't think there is a bad seat in the stadium.

"The derbies are the biggest crowds there's no doubt about that but it makes it special for the supporters and players as well.

"I wish to congratulate AAMI Park and the head groundsman, Justin Lang, for preparing such an outstanding field of play throughout the 2011-12 season."

Schwab said it was a chance to give due recognition to the entire maintenance staff at AAMI Park.

"It's an opportunity for our players to say thank you to the people of AAMI Park for preparing such a wonderful venue in which our players can perform," Schwab said.

Suncorp Stadium and its head groundsman, Mal Caddies, took out the past two awards.

Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide and NIB Stadium in Perth decreased in quality, according to the players, while Etihad Stadium (second) dramatically improved.

[quote] Tennenini accepted the award on behalf of the Victory fans and couldn't resist the temptation to have a quick jibe at Colosimo's Heart.

"I want to thank all Melbourne Victory supporters I think we've been by far the benchmark over the seven seasons of A-League football," Tennenini said.

"Their (Heart's) average attendance is second or third in the league but you take away those derbies and they're right down the bottom."

Stadium makes a mega difference. When I went to Melbourne I had a mate sitting above our away bay. He reckons because of the roof it sounded like our singing was coming from behind him when we were actually below/in front. Not saying Melbourne fans don't make noise - but it wouldn't hurt to get those acoustics. Certainly Sydney seem to be the only supporters who seem to make tifos that don't resemble bed sheets with spray paint. Should be more criteria than crowd attendance.

...I am assuming of course that it is a cumulative score.

Perhaps you don't know what a tifo is nhub. Not your fault of course, if all you've seen is four coloured flags waved around...

I can't find a comp video of this years efforts, so I'll just show you this one from a few years back. FWIW I think this seasons effort by the guys making the tifos was the best yet.

[youtube]_MnUaXuZ6e0[/youtube]

Perhaps you don't know what a tifo is nhub. Not your fault of course, if all you've seen is four coloured flags waved around...

I'm quite sure I do.

Err, nhub said Tifosi, not tifo.

Tifosi (pronounced [tiˈfoːzi]) is an Italian word to describe a group of supporters or fans, especially in sports. Tifosi is used for a mixed gender or an all-male group; masculine singular tifoso, feminine singular tifosa, feminine plural tifose.

Err, nhub said Tifosi, not tifo.

Tifosi (pronounced [tiˈfoːzi]) is an Italian word to describe a group of supporters or fans, especially in sports. Tifosi is used for a mixed gender or an all-male group; masculine singular tifoso, feminine singular tifosa, feminine plural tifose.

It was in reply to my comment that Sydney had the best tifos. Don't know why "tifosi" is coming into it. Wasn't even part of my point.

Err, nhub said Tifosi, not tifo.

Tifosi (pronounced [tiˈfoːzi]) is an Italian word to describe a group of supporters or fans, especially in sports. Tifosi is used for a mixed gender or an all-male group; masculine singular tifoso, feminine singular tifosa, feminine plural tifose.

The point was that Melbourne tifosi is better than a Sydney tifo.

A bit of a substance over style debate, if you will.

I always disliked the colour of seats at SFS, although from a distance it can actually look like there are real fans filling them.

Clearly got nothing to say about the level of difference in tifo. I completely accept Melbourne have a better attendance average. No need to debate it!

Dont think Sydney fans can claim their Tifo's as the best when the club pays for them.

Pretty sure the fund for them is through the sale of the Coves merchandise. If you got any evidence to support that though feel free to show.

Pretty sure the fund for them is through the sale of the Coves merchandise. If you got any evidence to support that though feel free to show.