Auckland FC secured their first A-League Men championship title by defeating Sydney FC 1-0 in front of a record crowd. Cameron Howieson scored the decisive goal in the 60th minute, marking Auckland's second trophy in two seasons.
Juan Mata, a World Cup winner, has won the A-League Men's Johnny Warren Medal for player of the year after a career resurgence with Melbourne Victory. The 38-year-old playmaker, who struggled for game time at Western Sydney Wanderers, found renewed joy and form in his second Australian season.
Sydney FC secured a spot in the A-League Men grand final by defeating Newcastle Jets on penalties after a 2-2 aggregate draw in their semi-final. They will face Auckland FC in the final.
