The recent slashing of half its 80-strong staff by the Australian Professional Leagues is indicative of the competition’s continued slump since the APL took the reins of power from Football Australia, with attendances and TV viewing figures concerning and the ambience of the game muted.
 
The promised regeneration trumpeted by the clubs when they became masters of their own destiny has failed to transpire and the game looks to be at yet another crossroads as it seeks to re-engage the fans its shed whilst speaking to a broader base.
 
Last week’s takeover of Perth Glory by property tycoon Ross Pelligra is a positive, whilst both Auckland and Canberra are poised to enter the competition as expansion continues unabated.
 
But disquiet abounds with PFA co-CEO Beau Busch telling FTBL: “There are many positive trends, such as the production of young talent, the quality on the pitch and the A-League Women’s crowd growth.
 
“But equally, there is a gap between where we find ourselves in the leagues and where the players believe we could and should be.
 
“We are absolutely committed to making the leagues work, and the CBA (collective bargaining agreement) has been essential in providing much-needed labour market stability, which has helped clubs and our members.
 
“However, the results of many of the big decisions that lie outside the scope of the current CBA have been mixed, at best.”
 
Busch believes more player input into the direction of the competition might prove a circuit breaker.
 
“What is clear is that the success of the A-Leagues will hugely be shaped by clubs, players and fans," he said.
 
"But the reality at the moment is that only one of those three parties has a say over key decisions such as expansion and football strategy despite all being impacted.
 
“From the player's perspective, we think our input can help lead to better decisions. However, the current governance model is not set up in a way that facilitates this.” 
 
With Auckland and Canberra due to enter the competition next season, taking the number of teams to 14, Busch raised concerns over a “short lead in" time.
 
“To have great careers we know we need a great industry. Whilst eager to see the professional footprint of the game increase, expansion must add to the A-Leagues’ strength just as the introduction of Western Sydney did,” he said.
 
“For that to be the case, any expansion team must bring to the table great ownership, infrastructure that ensures an outstanding match day atmosphere, and, importantly, a market that is waiting to be tapped.
 
“Another precondition is adequate time to build teams. The task is never easy, but the timeframe shouldn't add to the challenge.
 
“With players set to return to pre-season for the 2024/25 season in just over three months, the players do have concerns about the short lead-in."
 
Looking at a broader perspective of where the game needs to go to maximise its potential, co-CEO Kathryn Gill added: “The game needs a laser-focus on a strategy that aligns all parties around what matters most and the necessary will to achieve the agreed objectives.
 
“As a sport we have regularly changed strategy and course, searching for a silver bullet that doesn’t exist. Instead we need a long-term plan that builds our sport year-on-year and that we can unite behind.
 
“The players believe in the A-Leagues and feel that by having greater input into the direction of the game they can help shape better outcomes to the benefit of all.”
 
The imposition of a fee-paying internal transfer system has long been mooted as a potential fund raiser for clubs, in tandem with players departing on overseas deals.
 
“Currently, we are mid-way through the Leagues CBA, and like the National Team CBA, we are encouraged by its impact to date on our members and the industry,” said Busch.
 
“If we were to shift away from the current model and move to a domestic transfer system, it would require the agreement of the players.
 
"In the past two seasons the A-Leagues has been able to tap into the global transfer market, which is delivering economic returns to clubs: this season is likely to deliver record transfer returns for Australian football for male and female players.
 
"So, the current settings within the A-Leagues allow us to generate transfer fees on the international market.
 
“If we were to make further changes we would need to be satisfied by research and evidence that it would lead to better outcomes.”