After seeing his all-conquering Sydney FC side knocked out in the semi-finals by Melbourne Victory, Graham Arnold has defended the finals format but conceded there could be room for improvement.
The Sky Blues ended the regular season with consecutive Premiers Plates having finished 14 points clear of second-placed Newcastle Jets.
Given a week off and a semi-final berth as a result, Sydney FC couldn't claim consecutive championships however falling to Victory 3-2 in extra time.
Their inability to cash in on such a successful season has inevitably raised questions about the place of finals football in the A-League.
Feeling the brunt of the format, Arnold believes that the finals do belong in the competition but should potentially offer first and second place another chance should they lose.
"I think there's a place for finals," Arnold said after being awarded A-League Coach of the Year.
"I think it could be tinkered with, with the top two getting another bite at the cherry if things don't go well.
"But I think finals series is the Australian way. It brings excitement and there is a place for finals series for sure."
Johnny Warren medalist Adrian Mierzejewski was also left reeling after seeing his side knocked out in the finals.
Arriving this season, the Polish winger revealed after claiming his award that as a foreigner the most important title for him is that of being premiers.
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