Auckland FC Eyes Historic A-League Men Title as Premiers’ Plate Looms

Auckland, NEW ZEALAND — Auckland FC is on the cusp of rewriting A-League Men history. With two rounds remaining in the 2024–25 regular season, the league leaders could clinch the Premiers’ Plate this weekend—marking the first time the silverware would cross the Tasman.

The scenario is clear: if Western United fail to win against bottom-placed Brisbane Roar on Thursday, Auckland defeat Melbourne Victory on Saturday, and Melbourne City stumble against Western Sydney Wanderers later that night, the Premiers’ Plate will belong to Auckland with a game in hand.

That result would not only cap a dream debut season for the expansion club but also be a landmark achievement for New Zealand football, as cross-town rivals Wellington Phoenix have never won the title in their 18 seasons in the competition.

Even if the stars don’t align this weekend, Auckland remains firmly in the driver’s seat. They hold a six-point buffer over third-placed Western United and a four-point advantage over second-placed City with three games remaining.

Western United’s 2-0 loss to the Wanderers last Sunday halted their five-match win streak and defused mounting pressure on Auckland. Had United secured a sixth straight victory, the race would have narrowed to a mere three points. Instead, Auckland can breathe easier—but not for long.

City, now the nearest threat, would require Auckland to drop at least four points across their final three fixtures. A difficult schedule awaits City, with clashes against top-six opposition in Western Sydney, Adelaide United, and Sydney FC.

Auckland, meanwhile, will face Melbourne Victory away, then host struggling Perth Glory before closing the campaign in a potential title-decider at Western United on May 3. Saturday’s match in Melbourne looms large—victory there would virtually secure the Plate, giving Steve Corica’s squad a clear runway into the playoffs.

Though Auckland has drawn five of their last six matches, their consistency across the season has been unmatched. Still, complacency won’t be an option. Perth, next week’s opponent, is one of just two sides to have beaten Auckland this year, snatching a 1-0 upset back in January.

Elsewhere in the table, Western Sydney and Victory—both eight points adrift—remain mathematical contenders, albeit hanging by a thread.

Sydney FC, Adelaide United, and Macarthur FC continue to jostle for the sixth and final playoff spot. With just two points separating those three clubs, the final weeks of the season promise drama not just at the summit, but across the top-eight cut line.

A-League Men Finals Format

The top two teams will earn direct passage to the semifinals. Third plays sixth and fourth hosts fifth in the elimination finals on the weekend of May 10.

The semifinal matchups are two-legged affairs on May 17 and 24, with the higher-ranked side choosing the order of home advantage. If Auckland finishes in the top two—as expected—they will host at least one leg at Go Media Stadium.

The grand final is slated for May 31, hosted by the highest-seeded finalist. Eden Park, usually a preferred venue for such marquee events, is unavailable due to a Super Rugby booking, making Go Media Stadium the likely destination if Auckland qualifies.

The Run-In: Remaining Fixtures

Auckland FC (1st; 47 points):
@ Melbourne Victory, vs Perth Glory, @ Western United

Melbourne City (2nd; 43 points):
@ Western Sydney, vs Adelaide United, vs Sydney FC

Western United (3rd; 41 points):
@ Brisbane Roar, vs Sydney FC, vs Auckland FC

Western Sydney Wanderers (4th; 39 points):
vs Melbourne City, @ Newcastle Jets, @ Macarthur FC

Melbourne Victory (5th; 39 points):
vs Auckland FC, @ Macarthur FC, vs Newcastle Jets

Sydney FC (6th; 34 points):
vs Newcastle Jets, @ Western United, @ Melbourne City

Adelaide United (7th; 33 points):
vs Wellington Phoenix, @ Brisbane Roar, @ Melbourne City

Macarthur FC (8th; 32 points):
@ Central Coast, vs Victory, vs Wanderers

Stay tuned as Auckland FC chases history and eyes the chance to bring A-League Men glory to New Zealand soil for the very first time.