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A-League Playoff System Under Fire: Defender Proposes Major Change

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, January 28th 2026 at 21:33 GMT by Daily Mail
      Locale: New South Wales, AUSTRALIA

Sydney, Australia - January 29, 2026 - Sydney FC defender Ben Garuccio has ignited a debate surrounding the A-League's current playoff structure, proposing a significant overhaul that would abandon the existing Australian and New Zealand conference separation in favor of a unified top-six system. The call comes amidst growing concerns about competitive balance within the league, with some arguing the current setup artificially inflates the playoff representation of New Zealand teams at the expense of stronger Australian sides.

Speaking to KEEPUP earlier this week, Garuccio articulated his belief that the A-League's quality is being "diluted" by a system that guarantees playoff spots to the top two teams from the New Zealand conference, regardless of their overall standing compared to Australian teams. Currently, the top six teams from the Australian conference automatically qualify for the finals series. This discrepancy has led to situations where teams with significantly fewer points and a demonstrably weaker record can secure a finals berth simply by virtue of playing in the New Zealand conference.

"I think if you look at the quality of the teams right now, a top six including teams from both conferences would make for a much more exciting finals series," Garuccio stated. "At the moment, you've got teams that are comfortably better than others, and that's not what you want to see in a competition like this."

This season, the disparity in performance between Australian and New Zealand teams has been particularly stark. While several Australian clubs are consistently challenging for top positions, New Zealand sides have struggled to maintain a competitive edge. Garuccio's proposal, while potentially unpopular with those in New Zealand, would likely result in at least one strong Australian team missing out on the finals, but he argues the trade-off is worthwhile for a more competitive and engaging playoff series.

The current system was initially implemented to foster the growth of football in New Zealand and ensure their representation in the A-League finals. However, critics argue that it's now hindering the league's overall quality and credibility. The debate isn't new; for years, analysts and fans have pointed to the uneven playing field and questioned the fairness of the playoff qualification criteria.

Beyond the playoff system, Garuccio also advocated for an increase in local derbies, particularly within the league's expansion markets. Cities like Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane already feature fierce rivalries, driving significant fan engagement and attendance. Extending this model to newer markets, such as Western Sydney and potentially future expansion cities, could inject further excitement and local flavor into the competition.

"More local derbies are always going to be a drawcard for fans," Garuccio explained. "That's something the league should be looking at." This echoes a sentiment shared by many football supporters who believe passionately in the importance of local rivalries as a core element of a successful league.

The A-League is currently in a period of significant change. The introduction of new ownership groups at several clubs, coupled with increasing investment in youth academies, suggests a commitment to long-term growth. However, addressing the structural issues within the competition, like the playoff system, is crucial to unlock its full potential.

Football Australia is expected to review the current A-League structure at the end of the 2025-2026 season. While no immediate changes are planned, Garuccio's comments, along with ongoing discussions amongst fans and analysts, are likely to feature prominently in those deliberations. The goal is to create a league that is not only competitive but also consistently delivers exciting and meaningful matches, attracting both loyal fans and new audiences. The question remains: will Football Australia embrace a unified top-six system, or will they maintain the status quo and risk further diluting the quality of the A-League finals?