2009–10 A-League
The 2009–10 A-League was the 33rd season of top-flight soccer in Australia, and the fifth season of the A-League competition since its establishment in 2004. The season marked the addition of two new teams from Queensland. Gold Coast United FC and the North Queensland Fury FC made their A-League debuts at the start of the season. Because of this, Queensland Roar were renamed to Brisbane Roar, as they were no longer the only A-League club from Queensland. With the inception of the two new clubs, many club transfers took place both within Australia and New Zealand, and around the world.
| Season | 2009–10 |
|---|---|
| Dates | 6 August 2009 – 20 March 2010 |
| Champions | Sydney FC (2nd title) |
| Premiers | Sydney FC (1st title) |
| AFC Champions League | Sydney FC, Melbourne Victory |
| Matches played | 135 |
| Goals scored | 348 (2.58 per match) |
| Top goalscorer | Shane Smeltz (19 goals) |
| Best goalkeeper | Eugene Galekovic |
| Biggest home win | Wellington Phoenix 6–0 Gold Coast United (25 October 2009) |
| Biggest away win | Melbourne Victory 0–4 Central Coast Mariners (7 November 2009) North Queensland Fury 1–5 Central Coast Mariners (21 November 2009) |
| Highest scoring | Melbourne Victory 6–2 Perth Glory (16 January 2010) (8 goals) |
| Highest attendance | 30,668 |
| Lowest attendance | 2,616 |
| Average attendance | 9,796 ( 2384) |
← 2008–09 2010–11 → | |
The length of the regular season was longer than in previous years, with 27 rounds rather than 21, plus finals. The season began on 6 August, with Melbourne hosting the Central Coast at home. As well as these major changes to the league, the Pre-Season Challenge Cup was no longer held as part of the 2009–10 season due to a busier regular season schedule, and clubs attracting higher profile pre-season friendlies. The Premiership and Championship double was completed by Sydney FC with victory over Melbourne in the final match of the regular season and on penalties in the Championship Grand Final.