A-League Perth Glory Sydney FCGetty

A-League fixtures released as season looks to start with a bang

Football Federation Australia has revealed the full A-League draw for the coming season with the competition set to start with a few blockbuster fixtures. 

Round One will kick off in Adelaide at Coopers Stadium as the Reds host reigning A-League champions Sydney FC on Friday, October 11. 

A day later things get even bigger with Bankwest Stadium to host its first A-League game as Western Sydney Wanderers entertain Central Coast Mariners in the early evening before the attention will shift to Marvel Stadium for a Melbourne derby.

Article continues below

To add even more spice to the opening round, Wellington Phoenix will then welcome former coach Mark Rudan back to New Zealand on the Sunday as they tackle Western United on home soil. 

Perth Glory then face off against Brisbane Roar to complete Round One with Newcastle Jets handed the first bye of the season. 

An F3 derby is then the highlight of a more lowkey second round before a Sydney derby at Bankwest on Saturday October 26 headlines Round Three, which will also see Western United square off against Melbourne City for the first time. 

Of some interest when it comes to the new A-League side is the fact they will play three of their home games this season at Mars Stadium in Ballarat which holds a capacity of around 11,000. 

After drawing a record crowd at Eden Park last season, the Phoenix will play two games at the venue this season against the Wanderers (December) and Melbourne City (February).

When it comes to kick-off times this season there have also been a few key changes with Friday matches set to start at 7.30pm (AEDT) rather than 7.50pm, Saturday's first game to begin at 5.15pm and Sunday games also generally starting an hour earlier wherever possible.  

"The Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season draw is all about accessibility for fans whether at the ground or through our broadcast partners," FFA Head of Leagues Greg O’Rourke said.

"This is the product of genuine collaboration of all stakeholders of the game. The outcome is a draw that delivers the best games, at the best grounds, at the best times for our fans.

"You will also see that we have moved match kick-off times earlier to encourage better fan engagement across the league."

Check out the full A-League draw here. 

Advertisement