“Unite Round” to be reworked
As a result of the Australian Professional Leagues’ deal with Visit NSW to host three Grand Finals in New South Wales collapsing, the APL introduced a new ‘Unite Round’ last season.
Like the AFL’s Gather Round and NRL’s Magic Round all A-League teams would play a round of matches in one city. A new contract with Visit NSW, meant the 2023-2025 editions would be held in NSW.
The first edition, in January 2024, did not go over well. While there being two seven-goal thrillers and multiple hat tricks scored, poor attendances and poor organising overall marred the event.
There were also instances of fans clashing between matches and rival fan groups co-mingling between matches with little to no security present.
Given the problems, the APL decided they need to rework their new marquee event. Nothing has been announced yet, but the APL is reportedly considering a number of options
Sydney Derby to headline 2024/25 Unite Round
One of the biggest ways the APL is going to rework the Unite Round is by scheduling a Sydney Derby match between Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers during the 2024/25 edition. Reports also say that the Unite Round will be played earlier in the season than last year.
The inaugural edition in the 2023/24 season took place in January. The 2024/25 Unite Round is set to take place in Sydney this November with matches from both the A-League Men’s and Women’s leagues.
Men’s matches will be played at the Allianz Stadium in Moore Park, while the Leichhardt Oval in Lilyfield will host the A-League Women’s fixtures.
Melbourne City FC will have a bye during the 2024/25 Unite Round.
Questions for organisers
The APL and both A-Leagues have come under fire recently for how poorly managed it has been in recent years. Club owners received just $530,000 in distributions this year, a 75% cut compared to last season.
Multiple clubs have also been forced to layoff significant amounts of staff. In past years, the APL has focused on growth. It now seems to be solely focused on survival.
Whether a league in this state can organise such a major event still remains to be seen. If things continue on their current path, the 2024/25 Unite Round could be a “make-or-break” event for the league. If it doesn’t go well, the Unite Round could be scrapped forever.
