Sydney FC

Last Season: 7th

This Season: 1st

Has there ever been a better A-League team than the one which Graham Arnold assembled this campaign?

Sydney FC recorded the highest ever points tally in A-League history, amassing 66 points over 27 games- breaking the previous record of 65 points held by Brisbane Roar, when the season was 30 games long.

The Sky Blues built from the back, conceding just 12 goals in the regular league season.

Arnold’s men lost just once all year in the A-League as they stormed to a Premiership and Championship double, narrowly edging out Melbourne Victory in a thrilling Grand Final.

Highlight

Winning their third A-League Championship at Allianz Stadium was a just reward following a stellar season for the Sky Blues.

Melbourne Victory provided a stern test in the Grand Final, taking the lead through Bersart Berisha before half time.

Graham Arnold’s side then went on the attack and were rewarded when the ball dropped to Rhyan Grant inside the opposition’s penalty area, allowing the dogged defender to equalise from close-range.

In the end, it was fitting that Sydney’s talisman and Johnny Warren Medal winner Milos Ninkovic received the chance to convert the winning spot kick.

Lowlight

The Sky Blues went into the Sydney derby against Western Sydney Wanderers in Round 20 as strong favourites, and with a 26 point lead over their local rivals.

Brendon Santalab scored the only goal of the game on 26 minutes after showing great composure inside the visitor’s penalty area.

Sydney captain Alex Brosque was denied a late penalty in stoppage time, as Graham Arnold’s men suffered their only league defeat of the season.

Star Player(s)

Tricky winger Milos Ninkovic deservingly won the Johnny Warren Medal, after being recognised as the A-League’s best player.

The 32-year-old Serb terrorised A-League defences throughout the campaign, creating 47 chances while also registering 9 goals and 11 assists.

A lot of credit must also go to Sydney’s defenders, in particular Alex Wilkinson and the industrial Rhyan Grant.

Joshua Brillante and Brandon O'Neill were also vital, due to their tireless work in the midfield engine room.