“Winning isn’t everything. It’s the only thing” – Vince Lombardi.
Let’s see which teams prioritised Lombardi’s philosophy on their way to the winningest seasons in A-League Mens history.
1. Sydney FC (2016/17)
Record: 20 wins, 6 draws, 1 loss – 66 points
Sydney FC shocked the league by recording the winningest season in A-League Men’s history after missing the previous finals series with a negative record. Under manager of the year Graham Arnold the Sky Blues produced an unbeaten run spanning 19 games with a nine game winning streak to lead the league the entire season. 20 wins still stands as the most wins in a season from any club.
Goalkeeper of the year Danny Vukovic led from the back with 15 clean sheets and conceded only 12 goals as Sydney FC claimed both the championship and premiership. A goal differential of +43 and 66 season points saw Sydney FC record the most dominant season we’ve seen in the A-League Men.
2. Sydney FC (2017/18)
Record: 20 wins, 4 draws, 3 losses – 64 points
The previous season’s success meant the Sky Blues were out to prove their worth again. Graham Arnold’s men took out the premiership for the second-year running and dominated with an unbeaten 15 game run alongside a seven game winning streak. A 6-0 victory over Perth Glory portrayed their goal-scoring ability. Sydney FC had two league leaders with keeper Andrew Redmayne recording 12 clean sheets and striker Bobô scoring a record 27 goals.
Although crowned premiers for the second straight season (third all-time) hopes of back-to-back championships wins were short-lived. Their 64 goals scored wasn’t enough as Sydney FC were knocked out in the semi-finals by eventual grand final winners Melbourne Victory.
3. Brisbane Roar (2010/11)
Record: 18 wins, 11 draws, 1 loss – 65 points
The season saw Brisbane Roar always in contention for pole position. A 25 game unbeaten run mixed with wins and draws acknowledged their defensive persistence all-season-round. The only defeat Roar suffered was at the hands of Melbourne Victory in round five – 3-0. Six players named to the team of the year were from Roar, saluting their seasonal dominance.
Under Ange Postecoglou Brisbane won the Premiers Plate with two rounds remaining in the season. A two-leg finals showdown with Central Coast Mariners saw Brisbane progress into the grand final on aggregate. The pair met again in the grand final where an extraordinary comeback from Roar down 2-0 in extra-time with minutes left led to a shootout. Brisbane prevailed and claimed their maiden champion status.
4. Perth Glory (2018/19)
Record: 18 wins, 6 draws, 3 losses – 60 points
After a first-round draw Perth led the league from round four onwards to claim their maiden premiers title. Leading the league in goals scored with 56 showed Tony Popovic’s men weren’t to be taken lightly. A 5-0 thrashing of Wellington Phoenix showed just that.
Liam Reddy notched 12 clean sheets with a goal against record of only 23. The only trouble Glory faced all season was Sydney FC. Two losses in the regular season foreshadowed their finals fate where the two met in the grand final. Sydney FC smoked Glory 4-1 in penalties to capture the grand final and restrict Glory from collecting their maiden championship.
5. Western Sydney Wanderers (2012/13)
Record: 18 wins, 3 draws, 6 losses – 57 points
Their inaugural season in the A-League Wanderers surprised spectators. Tony Popovic’s men hovered around the middle of the table all season before making a late 10-game winning streak, snatching the premiers plate from Central Coast Mariners.
Conceding only 21 goals saw goalkeeper Ante Covic claim goalkeeper of the year. Kudos to their surprising first outing manager Tony Popovic who was rewarded with manager of the year. Their Cinderella story was short-lived as Central Coast Mariners took the ultimate crown in their 2-0 grand final victory, claiming their maiden title.
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