3. Warren Joyce

City Football Group heavyweight Brian Marwood recently pledged full support behind Old Smiley, and if you look past his slightly agricultural style, it’s easy to see why.

Joyce secured the highest finish in the club’s history, also finishing above Victory for the first time. They now stand a fantastic chance of a debut Asian Champions League campaign – a motivator that could see heavy investment in the club.

While Joyce’s defensive tactics drew the ire of fans at times, his decision to make Daniel Arzani work to secure a spot in the side is now paying dividends, with the former Manchester United youth coach showing a knack for dealing with prodigal talent.

Although much will depend on how City perform in the finals, at an almost 50% win ratio it’s been an impressive debut season for the English coach.

2. Graham Arnold

While a record-breaking second successive Premiership, FFA Cup and Socceroos head coaching appointment makes second-place on this list admittedly a little ridiculous, it was too hard to look past the unbelievable turnaround at Newcastle Jets this season.

That said, Arnold’s astute leadership has taken Sydney to the stratosphere. They may even be a greater side than Ange Postecoglou’s era at Brisbane Roar. While a win-ratio of 74% was a slight decrease on last season, there isn’t a bad word you can say about Arnold’s terrific season.

Should they win a second-successive Championship – and they remain clear favourites – Arnie will have done enough to leave no doubt he deserves another shot at the Socceroos.

1. Ernie Merrick

This season Merrick arguably became the most over-performing coach in A-League history.

The Scot’s jaw-dropping ability to raise a side that finished dead-last the previous season to within an inch of stealing the title from Sydney FC – although they fell away towards the end – deserves the utmost credit.

The dynamic attacking-style Merrick implemented broke the league record for most consecutive games scored in, while it attracted the Hunter crowds back in droves. As if a 2017/18 record of 15 – 3 against the Mariners wasn’t reward enough.

All this from a coach many fans were criticising as an uninspired, recycled appointment. The fairytale’s not over yet.