New A-League campaign to begin with a rematch of last season’s grand final between Melbourne City and Western United

Melbourne City will get an immediate chance to avenge last season’s grand final loss when the new A-League campaign starts.

A grand final rematch and a return to Australia’s best rectangular football venue – Suncorp Stadium – will highlight the opening round of the new A-League season.

The 2022-23 campaign kicks off at AAMI Park on October 7 when Melbourne City attempt to exact revenge on reigning champions Western United in a rematch of last season’s decider.

Less than 24 hours later, A-League football will make its long awaited return to Suncorp Stadium with a match between Brisbane Roar and the Dwight Yorke-coached Macarthur FC.

The Roar turned their back on the venue two years ago to move to the smaller and more financially viable Moreton Daily Stadium in Redcliffe.

However, a lack of support at Redcliffe has led the Roar to deciding to play at least three home matches at Suncorp Stadium this season, with the two of them to take place on the opening two weekends of the season.

The first round of the season will also include a “Big Blue” between Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory at the revamped Allianz Stadium and a Central Coast Mariners-Newcastle Jets F3 derby in Gosford.

Western United coach John Aloisi celebrates his side’s A-League grand final win last season. Picture: Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images

“Delivering a draw for our clubs and their members and fans is always an exciting and

important milestone.” A-League commissioner Greg O’Rourke said.

“This season we hope for a more healthy environment in our community with Covid reducing its impact on our daily lives.

“We have worked hard to reflect the feedback from the fans and deliver a draw that

makes it easy to know when our games will be played, with 90 per cent of them being

scheduled in just four timeslots.

“Our Saturday night game returns to stand-alone status, and we have worked to deliver

as many games as possible in the slots that each club has told us their fans prefer.”

Now, this is a season opener 😤

Can @MelbourneCity exact revenge for their Grand Final defeat at the hands of @wufcofficial? 🤔

🗓️: https://t.co/piFkrpTKDtpic.twitter.com/GeL9NB21ti

— Isuzu UTE A-League (@aleaguemen) July 28, 2022

The 26-round regular season will going into recess from November 14 to December 8 for this year’s World Cup.

The finals series starts on May 5, with the grand final scheduled to take place on May 27.

“We have had some unique challenges with some stadiums out of action at various

points, particularly in preparation for the FIFA Women’s World Cup next year, but with

some eye-catching new signings and more young talent coming through, we are

genuinely excited about the season ahead,” O’Rourke said.

2022-23 A-League Round 1 (all local times):

Friday, October 7: Melbourne City v Western United, AAMI Park, 7.45pm

Saturday, October 8: Brisbane Roar v Macarthur FC, Suncorp Stadium, 4pm; Central Coast Mariners v Newcastle Jets, Central Coast Stadium, 5pm; Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory, Allianz Stadium, 7.45pm.

Sunday, October 9: Wellington Phoenix v Adelaide United, Sky Stadium, 3pm; Western Sydney Wanderers v Perth Glory, CommBank Stadium, 3pm.

Originally published as New A-League campaign to begin with a rematch of last season’s grand final between Melbourne City and Western United