If finals match is played and there's no one there to see it, is it still a showpiece? 

This, and a general attempt to boost atmosphere at the competition's business-end, is the general philosophy behind FFA's decision to reduce ticket prices for A-League finals matches.

While Newcastle Jets are expecting a record crowd to watch their semi-final against Melbourne City on Friday night, poor ticket sales for Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC - arguably the biggest match of the year - have prompted the reductions. 

Unlike regular season matches, FFA controls the ticket prices for finals series matches. Last season's preliminary final between Sydney FC and Perth Glory - which drew 21,000 at Allianz Stadium - cost families $98 for the cheapest family pass.

The equivalent family pass for the NRL's preliminary final between the Cronulla Sharks and North Queensland Cowboys cost $49. This season, the cheapest family ticket to Saturday's Big Blue will be $88.

A-League boss, Greg O'Rourke, told Fairfax last year that they "carefully designed" ticket prices to "strike a balance between the affordability for families and the premium nature of finals matches."

"Ticket prices for the 2016-17 finals series were structured with families in mind."

Poor A-League crowds and television ratings this season have prompted the further reduction, with average attendances down 12% compared to 2016/17.