Finals Race Heats Up as Jets Hold Nerve: Round 24 A-League Wrap

Alexander Bebendorf

A-League Round 24 set the stage for a dramatic finish to the regular season, with just two games remaining and the race for both the Premiership and finals spots tightening. Newcastle Jets remain in control at the top, while several sides below them are locked in a tense battle for positioning inside the top six.

Jets Stay Three Clear Amid Late Drama

Newcastle Jets maintained their grip on top spot with a 1-1 draw against Adelaide United, courtesy of a dramatic late equaliser from Daniel Wilmering. Adelaide will feel aggrieved after having two goals ruled out by VAR, but the result keeps the Jets three points clear heading into the final rounds.

Auckland Held, Gap Remains

Auckland FC were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw with Melbourne Victory despite rescuing a point through Lachie Brook’s late free-kick. The result leaves Auckland three points behind the Jets, while Victory remain well placed in fifth and closing in on a finals berth.

Sydney Rise, Wanderers Sink

Sydney FC secured a crucial 2-0 derby win over Western Sydney Wanderers, their first victory in five matches and the first under new head coach Patrick Kisnorbo. The win lifts Sydney into third and puts them in a strong position to host an Elimination Final. For the Wanderers, the defeat leaves them on the brink of a first Wooden Spoon.

City Move Into the Six

Melbourne City continued their late-season surge with a 2-0 win over Wellington Phoenix, moving into sixth place on the ladder. City now sit four points clear of seventh-placed Macarthur Bulls, while the Phoenix’s finals hopes are all but extinguished with just two matches remaining.

Mariners Stumble, Roar Struggle Continue

Central Coast Mariners’ finals push took a hit in a 2-2 draw with Brisbane Roar. The result extends Brisbane’s winless run in 2026 to 10 matches and leaves them down in 11th, while the Mariners lose valuable ground in the race for the top six.

Glory Dent Bulls’ Finals Hopes

Perth Glory delivered a strong 3-1 win over Macarthur Bulls, dealing a significant blow to the Bulls’ finals chances. Macarthur now sit four points outside the top six with only two games remaining, leaving them needing results elsewhere to keep their season alive.