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<h1>A-League 2005-06</h1>
<p><a href="http://encycl.opentopia.com/">Encyclopedia</a> : <a href="http://encycl.opentopia.com/A">A</a> : <a href="http://encycl.opentopia.com/A/AL">AL</a> : <a href="http://encycl.opentopia.com/A/AL/ALE">ALE</a> : A-League 2005-06</p>
<hr />
<p>
<!--cur_id:2398126-->
The <strong>2005-06 season</strong> saw the start of the <strong><a href="/term/A-League">A-League</a></strong>, a new domestic club competition for <a href="/term/Football_(soccer)_in_Australia">football (soccer) in Australia</a>. After over 12 months without a national professional club competition, the first match in the A-League was played on <a href="/term/August_26">August 26</a>. The competition was made up of a triple round robin league stage before a championship playoff featuring the top four teams. <p>

The first A-League Grand Final took place on <a href="/term/March_5">March 5</a>, 2006, with <a href="/term/Sydney_FC">Sydney FC</a> becoming the league's inaugural <a href="/term/List_of_A-League_champions">champions</a>, winning 1-0 against the <a href="/term/Central_Coast_Mariners">Central Coast Mariners</a>. <a href="/term/Adelaide_United_FC">Adelaide United FC</a> were the named <a href="/term/List_of_A-League_premiers">premiers</a> after finishing the season seven points clear at the top of the league.<p>

<div class="tabcontent">
<div class="tabconthead">Contents</div>
<ul class="tabcontlist">
<li><a href="#2005-6_League_Participants">1&nbsp;2005-6 League Participants</a></li><li><a href="#Preliminary_Competitions">2&nbsp;Preliminary Competitions</a></li><ul class="tabcontlist t2"><li><a href="#World_Club_Qualification_Competition">2.1&nbsp;World Club Qualification Competition</a></li><li><a href="#Pre-Season_Challenge_Cup">2.2&nbsp;Pre-Season Challenge Cup</a></li><ul class="tabcontlist t3"><li><a href="#Group_Stage">2.2.1&nbsp;Group Stage</a></li><li><a href="#Finals">2.2.2&nbsp;Finals</a></li></ul><li><a href="#Regular_season">3&nbsp;Regular season</a></li><ul class="tabcontlist t2"><li><a href="#Home_and_away_season">3.3&nbsp;Home and away season</a></li><ul class="tabcontlist t3"><li><a href="#Round_1">3.3.1&nbsp;Round 1</a></li><li><a href="#Round_2">3.3.2&nbsp;Round 2</a></li><li><a href="#Round_3">3.3.3&nbsp;Round 3</a></li><li><a href="#Round_4">3.3.4&nbsp;Round 4</a></li><li><a href="#Round_5">3.3.5&nbsp;Round 5</a></li></ul><li><a href="#League_table">3.4&nbsp;League table</a></li><li><a href="#Finals_series">3.5&nbsp;Finals series</a></li></ul><li><a href="#2005-06_League_Records_(Regular_Season)">4&nbsp;2005-06 League Records (Regular Season)</a></li><ul class="tabcontlist t2"><li><a href="#Awards">4.1&nbsp;Awards</a></li><li><a href="#Leading_Goalscorers">4.2&nbsp;Leading Goalscorers</a></li><li><a href="#Disciplinary_Records">4.3&nbsp;Disciplinary Records</a></li><li><a href="#Biggest_Victories">4.4&nbsp;Biggest Victories</a></li><ul class="tabcontlist t3"><li><a href="#5_goals">4.4.1&nbsp;5 goals</a></li><li><a href="#4_goals">4.4.2&nbsp;4 goals</a></li></ul><li><a href="#Highest_Aggregate_Scores">4.5&nbsp;Highest Aggregate Scores</a></li><li><a href="#Home_Attendances">4.6&nbsp;Home Attendances</a></li><li><a href="#League_Statistics">4.7&nbsp;League Statistics</a></li></ul><li><a href="#External_links">5&nbsp;External links</a></li></ul>
</div>
<a name="2005-6_League_Participants" id="2005-6_League_Participants"></a><h2>2005-6 League Participants</h2>
<table   align="center" class="wikitable"><tr >
<th > Team 
</th><th > Region 
</th><th > 2005-06 Chairman 
</th><th > 2005-06 Manager 
</th><th > Home Ground 
</th><th > Capacity 
</td></tr><tr >
<td > <strong><a href="/term/Adelaide_United_FC">Adelaide United FC</a></strong> 
</td><td > <strong><a href="/term/South_Australia">SA</a></strong> 
</td><td > <a href="/term/Gordon_Pickard">Gordon Pickard</a> 
</td><td > <a href="/term/John_Kosmina">John Kosmina</a> 
</td><td > <a href="/term/Hindmarsh_Stadium">Hindmarsh Stadium</a> 
</td><td > 16,500 
</td></tr><tr >
<td > <strong><a href="/term/Central_Coast_Mariners_FC">Central Coast Mariners</a></strong> 
</td><td > <strong><a href="/term/New_South_Wales">NSW</a></strong> 
</td><td > <a href="/term/Ian_Kiernan">Ian Kiernan</a> 
</td><td > <a href="/term/Lawrie_McKinna">Lawrie McKinna</a> 
</td><td > <a href="/term/Central_Coast_Stadium">Central Coast Stadium</a> 
</td><td > 20,059
</td></tr><tr >
<td > <strong><a href="/term/Melbourne_Victory">Melbourne Victory</a></strong> 
</td><td > <strong><a href="/term/Victoria_(Australia)">VIC</a></strong> 
</td><td > <a href="/term/Geoff_Lord">Geoff Lord</a> 
</td><td > <a href="/term/Ernie_Merrick">Ernie Merrick</a> 
</td><td > <a href="/term/Olympic_Park,_Melbourne">Olympic Park</a> 
</td><td > 18,500
</td></tr><tr >
<td > <strong><a href="/term/Newcastle_United_Jets">Newcastle United Jets</a></strong> 
</td><td > <strong><a href="/term/New_South_Wales">NSW</a></strong> 
</td><td > <a href="/term/Con_Constantine">Con Constantine</a> 
</td><td > <a href="/term/Richard_Money">Richard Money</a> 
</td><td > <a href="/term/Energy_Australia_Stadium">Energy Australia Stadium</a> 
</td><td > 28,000
</td></tr><tr >
<td > <strong><a href="/term/New_Zealand_Knights_FC">New Zealand Knights</a></strong> 
</td><td > <strong><a href="/term/New_Zealand">NZL</a></strong> 
</td><td > <a href="/term/Anthony_Lee">Anthony Lee</a> 
</td><td > <a href="/term/John_Adshead">John Adshead</a> 
</td><td > <a href="/term/North_Harbour_Stadium">North Harbour Stadium</a> 
</td><td > 25,000
</td></tr><tr >
<td > <strong><a href="/term/Perth_Glory">Perth Glory</a></strong> 
</td><td > <strong><a href="/term/Western_Australia">WA</a></strong> 
</td><td > <a href="/term/Nick_Tana">Nick Tana</a> 
</td><td > <a href="/term/Steve_McMahon">Steve McMahon</a> (Aug 26 - Dec 7) </br> Alan Vest (Dec 7 2005 - ) 
</td><td > <a href="/term/Members_Equity_Stadium">Members Equity Stadium</a> 
</td><td > 18,450
</td></tr><tr >
<td > <strong><a href="/term/Queensland_Roar_FC">Queensland Roar</a></strong> 
</td><td > <strong><a href="/term/Queensland">QLD</a></strong> 
</td><td > <a href="/term/John_Ribot">John Ribot</a> 
</td><td > <a href="/term/Miron_Bleiberg">Miron Bleiberg</a> 
</td><td > <a href="/term/Suncorp_Stadium">Suncorp Stadium</a> 
</td><td > 52,000
</td></tr><tr >
<td > <strong><a href="/term/Sydney_FC">Sydney FC</a></strong> 
</td><td > <strong><a href="/term/New_South_Wales">NSW</a></strong> 
</td><td > <a href="/term/Walter_Bugno">Walter Bugno</a> 
</td><td > <a href="/term/Pierre_Littbarski">Pierre Littbarski</a> 
</td><td > <a href="/term/Aussie_Stadium">Aussie Stadium</a> 
</td><td > 41,159
</td></tr></table><p>

Of the A-League participants, four come from the <a href="/term/National_Soccer_League">National Soccer League</a> (1977-2004): <a href="/term/Perth_Glory">Perth Glory</a> (established 1995), <a href="/term/New_Zealand_Knights">NZ Football Kingz</a> (1999), <a href="/term/Newcastle_United_Jets">Newcastle United</a> (2000) and <a href="/term/Adelaide_United_FC">Adelaide United</a> (2003). The New Zealand Knights had previously entered the NSL as the Auckland Football Kingz, but have been significantly restructured and have a vastly different playing roster. The <a href="/term/Queensland_Roar">Queensland Roar</a> previously competed in the NSL from <a href="/term/1977">1977</a>-<a href="/term/1988">1988</a> & had competed in the Queensland State League since then as the <em>Brisbane Lions</em>, who are no relation to the city's <a href="/term/Australian_Football_League">AFL</a> team, who share the same name as them.<p>

<a name="Preliminary_Competitions" id="Preliminary_Competitions"></a><h2>Preliminary Competitions</h2>
Two competitions were held prior to the start of the A-League season.<p>

<a name="World_Club_Qualification_Competition" id="World_Club_Qualification_Competition"></a><h3>World Club Qualification Competition</h3>
This competition was held in May 2005 to determine Australia's qualifier for the <a href="/term/Oceania_Club_Championship">Oceania Club Championship</a>.  It consisted of all Australian A-League clubs (i.e. all clubs except for the <a href="/term/New_Zealand_Knights_FC">New Zealand Knights</a>) and granted <a href="/term/Perth_Glory_F.C.">Perth Glory</a> - the reigning <a href="/term/National_Soccer_League_(Australia)">NSL</a> Champion - a bye into the Semi-finals.<p>

<p>

Sydney FC qualified for and subsequently won the <a href="/term/Oceania_Club_Championship_2004-05">2005 Oceania Club Championship</a> entitling it to a place in the <a href="/term/2005_FIFA_Club_World_Championship">2005 FIFA Club World Championship</a> to be played in <a href="/term/Tokyo">Tokyo</a>. They were by far the best prepared and best performing team in both competitions and thoroughly deserved to qualify for Tokyo.<p>

In the future, with <a href="/term/Football_Federation_Australia">Australia's</a> move into the <a href="/term/Asian_Football_Confederation">Asian Football Confederation</a>, it is likely that the teams finishing first and second in the league stage of the A-League competition will qualify for the <a href="/term/AFC_Champions_League">Asian Champions League</a>. However, Australian participation will probably not begin until the 2007 revamp of the competition.<p>

<a name="Pre-Season_Challenge_Cup" id="Pre-Season_Challenge_Cup"></a><h3>Pre-Season Challenge Cup</h3>
This competition was held in July and August in the lead up to the start of the A-League season. The competition featured a group stage and a knockout stage. Commentators did not give much weight to the competition as a guide for performance during the season proper, as injuries or club strategic policy ruled that many teams did not use their best players and often used experimental tactics.<p>

<a name="Group_Stage" id="Group_Stage"></a><h4>Group Stage</h4>
<strong><em>Group A</strong></em><p>

<table   class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"><tr >
<th  width=150 > Team
</th><th  width=20 >Pts
</th><th  width=20 >Pld
</th><th  width=20 >W
</th><th  width=20 >D
</th><th  width=20 >L
</th><th  width=20 >GF
</th><th  width=20 >GA
</td></tr><tr  style="background:#ccffcc;">
<td  style="text-align:left;"><strong>Melbourne Victory</strong>
</td><td ><strong>5</strong>
</td><td >3
</td><td >1
</td><td >2
</td><td >0
</td><td >2
</td><td >1
</td></tr><tr  style="background:#ccffcc;">
<td  style="text-align:left;"><strong>Perth Glory</strong>
</td><td ><strong>4</strong>
</td><td >3
</td><td >1
</td><td >1
</td><td >1
</td><td >4
</td><td >4
</td></tr><tr >
<td  style="text-align:left;">Adelaide United
</td><td ><strong>3</strong>
</td><td >3
</td><td >0
</td><td >3
</td><td >0
</td><td >3
</td><td >3
</td></tr><tr >
<td  style="text-align:left;">Newcastle United Jets
</td><td ><strong>2</strong>
</td><td >3
</td><td >0
</td><td >2
</td><td >1
</td><td >3
</td><td >4
</td></tr></table><p>

<strong><em>Group B</strong></em><p>

<table   class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"><tr >
<th  width=150 > Team
</th><th  width=20 >Pts
</th><th  width=20 >Pld
</th><th  width=20 >W
</th><th  width=20 >D
</th><th  width=20 >L
</th><th  width=20 >GF
</th><th  width=20 >GA
</td></tr><tr  style="background:#ccffcc;">
<td  style="text-align:left;"><strong>Sydney FC</strong>
</td><td ><strong>7</strong>
</td><td >3
</td><td >2
</td><td >1
</td><td >0
</td><td >5
</td><td >1
</td></tr><tr  style="background:#ccffcc;">
<td  style="text-align:left;"><strong>Central Coast</strong>
</td><td ><strong>6</strong>
</td><td >3
</td><td >2
</td><td >0
</td><td >1
</td><td >4
</td><td >3
</td></tr><tr >
<td  style="text-align:left;">Queensland Roar FC
</td><td ><strong>4</strong>
</td><td >3
</td><td >1
</td><td >1
</td><td >1
</td><td >6
</td><td >3
</td></tr><tr >
<td  style="text-align:left;">New Zealand Knights FC
</td><td ><strong>0</strong>
</td><td >3
</td><td >0
</td><td >0
</td><td >3
</td><td >1
</td><td >9
</td></tr></table><p>

<a name="Finals" id="Finals"></a><h4>Finals</h4><p>

<p>

Central Coast Mariners were the inaugural Pre-season Challenge Cup winners.<p>

<a name="Regular_season" id="Regular_season"></a><h2>Regular season</h2>
The A-League season commenced on <a href="/term/August_26">August 26</a>, <a href="/term/2005">2005</a> with two Friday night fixtures. Games each round are held throughout the weekend, though certain rounds will also feature Thursday night games. As there is no concurrent cup competition, midweek fixtures are uncommon unless they are held on Australian public holidays. Also, a three week break over December was scheduled to coincide with the <a href="/term/FIFA_Club_World_Championship">FIFA Club World Championship</a> in Tokyo.<p>

<a name="Home_and_away_season" id="Home_and_away_season"></a><h3>Home and away season</h3>
<a name="Round_1" id="Round_1"></a><h4>Round 1</h4><p>

|- bgcolor="#CCCCFF" font size=1
| <strong>Date</strong>
| align=right width| <strong>Home team</strong>
| align=center | <strong>Score</strong>
| align=left | <strong>Away team</strong>
| <strong>Venue</strong>
| <strong>Crowd</strong>
| <strong>Report</strong>
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| August 26
| align=right | <a href="/term/Perth_Glory_F.C.">Perth Glory</a>
| align=center | <strong>0-1</strong>
| align=left | <a href="/term/Central_Coast_Mariners_FC">Central Coast Mariners</a>
| <a href="/term/Members_Equity_Stadium">Members Equity Stadium</a>
| 11113
| &#091;<a href="http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=475" target="_blank">report</a>&#093;
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| August 26
| align=right | <a href="/term/Newcastle_United_Jets">Newcastle Jets</a>
| align=center | <strong>0-1</strong>
| align=left | <a href="/term/Adelaide_United_FC">Adelaide United</a>
| <a href="/term/EnergyAustralia_Stadium">EnergyAustralia Stadium</a>
| 13160
| &#091;<a href="http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=472" target="_blank">report</a>&#093;
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| August 28
| align=right | <a href="/term/Queensland_Roar_FC">Queensland Roar</a>
| align=center | <strong>2-0</strong>
| align=left | <a href="/term/New_Zealand_Knights_FC">New Zealand Knights</a>
| <a href="/term/Suncorp_Stadium">Suncorp Stadium</a>
| 20725
| &#091;<a href="http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=487" target="_blank">report</a>&#093;
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| August 28
| align=right | <a href="/term/Sydney_FC">Sydney FC</a>
| align=center | <strong>1-1</strong>
| align=left | <a href="/term/Melbourne_Victory">Melbourne Victory</a>
| <a href="/term/Aussie_Stadium">Aussie Stadium</a>
| 25208
| &#091;<a href="http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=488" target="_blank">report</a>&#093;<p>


<a name="Round_2" id="Round_2"></a><h4>Round 2</h4><p>

|- bgcolor="#CCCCFF" font size=1
| <strong>Date</strong>
| align=right width| <strong>Home team</strong>
| align=center | <strong>Score</strong>
| align=left | <strong>Away team</strong>
| <strong>Venue</strong>
| <strong>Crowd</strong>
| <strong>Report</strong>
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| September 2
| align=right | <a href="/term/Adelaide_United_FC">Adelaide United</a>
| align=center | <strong>0-0</strong>
| align=left | <a href="/term/Queensland_Roar_FC">Queensland Roar</a>
| <a href="/term/Hindmarsh_Stadium">Hindmarsh Stadium</a>
| 11020
| &#091;<a href="http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=553" target="_blank">report</a>&#093;
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| September 2
| align=right | <a href="/term/New_Zealand_Knights_FC">New Zealand Knights</a>
| align=center | <strong>1-3</strong>
| align=left | <a href="/term/Sydney_FC">Sydney FC</a>
| <a href="/term/North_Harbour_Stadium">North Harbour Stadium</a>
| 9827
| &#091;<a href="http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=551" target="_blank">report</a>&#093;
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| September 4
| align=right | <a href="/term/Central_Coast_Mariners_FC">Central Coast Mariners</a>
| align=center | <strong>1-1</strong>
| align=left | <a href="/term/Newcastle_United_Jets">Newcastle Jets</a>
| <a href="/term/Central_Coast_Stadium">Central Coast Stadium</a>
| 5917
| &#091;<a href="http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=561" target="_blank">report</a>&#093;
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| September 4
| align=right | <a href="/term/Melbourne_Victory">Melbourne Victory</a>
| align=center | <strong>2-2</strong>
| align=left | <a href="/term/Perth_Glory_F.C.">Perth Glory</a>
| <a href="/term/Olympic_Park">Olympic Park</a>
| 17960
| &#091;<a href="http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=563" target="_blank">report</a>&#093;<p>


<a name="Round_3" id="Round_3"></a><h4>Round 3</h4><p>

|- bgcolor="#CCCCFF" font size=1
| <strong>Date</strong>
| align=right width| <strong>Home team</strong>
| align=center | <strong>Score</strong>
| align=left | <strong>Away team</strong>
| <strong>Venue</strong>
| <strong>Crowd</strong>
| <strong>Report</strong>
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| September 9
| align=right | <a href="/term/Adelaide_United_FC">Adelaide United</a>
| align=center | <strong>1-0</strong>
| align=left | <a href="/term/Melbourne_Victory">Melbourne Victory</a>
| <a href="/term/Hindmarsh_Stadium">Hindmarsh Stadium</a>
| 8785
| &#091;<a href="http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=1498" target="_blank">report</a>&#093;
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| September 10
| align=right | <a href="/term/Perth_Glory_F.C.">Perth Glory</a>
| align=center | <strong>2-1</strong>
| align=left | <a href="/term/Queensland_Roar_FC">Queensland Roar</a>
| <a href="/term/Members_Equity_Stadium">Members Equity Stadium</a>
| 8509
| &#091;<a href="http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=1504" target="_blank">report</a>&#093;
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| September 10
| align=right | <a href="/term/Central_Coast_Mariners_FC">Central Coast Mariners</a>
| align=center | <strong>0-2</strong>
| align=left | <a href="/term/New_Zealand_Knights_FC">New Zealand Knights</a>
| <a href="/term/Central_Coast_Stadium">Central Coast Stadium</a>
| 5261
| &#091;<a href="http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=1502" target="_blank">report</a>&#093;
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| September 11
| align=right | <a href="/term/Newcastle_United_Jets">Newcastle Jets</a>
| align=center | <strong>2-1</strong>
| align=left | <a href="/term/Sydney_FC">Sydney FC</a>
| <a href="/term/EnergyAustralia_Stadium">EnergyAustralia Stadium</a>
| 9127
| &#091;<a href="http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=1508" target="_blank">report</a>&#093;<p>


<a name="Round_4" id="Round_4"></a><h4>Round 4</h4><p>

|- bgcolor="#CCCCFF" font size=1
| <strong>Date</strong>
| align=right width| <strong>Home team</strong>
| align=center | <strong>Score</strong>
| align=left | <strong>Away team</strong>
| <strong>Venue</strong>
| <strong>Crowd</strong>
| <strong>Report</strong>
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| September 16
| align=right | <a href="/term/Sydney_FC">Sydney FC</a>
| align=center | <strong>2-3</strong>
| align=left | <a href="/term/Central_Coast_Mariners_FC">Central Coast Mariners</a>
| <a href="/term/Aussie_Stadium">Aussie Stadium</a>
| 15614
| &#091;<a href="http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=1585" target="_blank">report</a>&#093;
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| September 17
| align=right | <a href="/term/Perth_Glory_F.C.">Perth Glory</a>
| align=center | <strong>1-2</strong>
| align=left | <a href="/term/Adelaide_United_FC">Adelaide United</a>
| <a href="/term/Members_Equity_Stadium">Members Equity Stadium</a>
| 8052
| &#091;<a href="http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=1591" target="_blank">report</a>&#093;
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| September 18
| align=right | <a href="/term/Queensland_Roar_FC">Queensland Roar</a>
| align=center | <strong>1-1</strong>
| align=left | <a href="/term/Melbourne_Victory">Melbourne Victory</a>
| <a href="/term/Suncorp_Stadium">Suncorp Stadium</a>
| 15444
| &#091;<a href="http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=1594" target="_blank">report</a>&#093;
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| September 18
| align=right | <a href="/term/Newcastle_United_Jets">Newcastle Jets</a>
| align=center | <strong>4-0</strong>
| align=left | <a href="/term/New_Zealand_Knights_FC">New Zealand Knights</a>
| <a href="/term/EnergyAustralia_Stadium">EnergyAustralia Stadium</a>
| 7495
| &#091;<a href="http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=1595" target="_blank">report</a>&#093;<p>


<a name="Round_5" id="Round_5"></a><h4>Round 5</h4><p>

|- bgcolor="#CCCCFF" font size=1
| <strong>Date</strong>
| align=right width| <strong>Home team</strong>
| align=center | <strong>Score</strong>
| align=left | <strong>Away team</strong>
| <strong>Venue</strong>
| <strong>Crowd</strong>
| <strong>Report</strong>
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| September 22
| align=right | <a href="/term/New_Zealand_Knights_FC">New Zealand Knights</a>
| align=center | <strong>0-1</strong>
| align=left | <a href="/term/Perth_Glory_F.C.">Perth Glory</a>
| <a href="/term/North_Harbour_Stadium">North Harbour Stadium</a>
| 4138
| &#091;<a href="http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=1642" target="_blank">report</a>&#093;
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| September 23
| align=right | <a href="/term/Queensland_Roar_FC">Queensland Roar</a>
| align=center | <strong>1-3</strong>
| align=left | <a href="/term/Sydney_FC">Sydney FC</a>
| <a href="/term/Suncorp_Stadium">Suncorp Stadium</a>
| 23142
| &#091;<a href="http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=1675" target="_blank">report</a>&#093;
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| September 25
| align=right | <a href="/term/Melbourne_Victory">Melbourne Victory</a>
| align=center | <strong>1-0</strong>
| align=left | <a href="/term/Newcastle_United_Jets">Newcastle Jets</a>
| <a href="/term/Olympic_Park">Olympic Park</a>
| 13831
| &#091;<a href="http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=1682" target="_blank">report</a>&#093;
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
| September 25
| align=right | <a href="/term/Adelaide_United_FC">Adelaide United</a>
| align=center | <strong>1-1</strong>
| align=left | <a href="/term/Central_Coast_Mariners_FC">Central Coast Mariners</a>
| <a href="/term/Hindmarsh_Stadium">Hindmarsh Stadium</a>
| 7013
| &#091;<a href="http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=1685" target="_blank">report</a>&#093;<p>


<a name="League_table" id="League_table"></a><h3>League table</h3><p>

As at completion of regular season: <a href="/term/February_6">February 6</a>, <a href="/term/2006">2006</a>:<p>

<table   class="wikitable"  style="text-align:center;"><tr >
<th  width=200 > Team
</th><th  width=25 > Pld
</th><th  width=25 > W
</th><th  width=25 > D
</th><th  width=25 > L
</th><th  width=25 > GF
</th><th  width=25 > GA
</th><th  width=25 > GD
</th><th  width=25 > Pts
</td></tr><tr  style="background:#ccffcc;">
<td  style="text-align:left;"><a href="/term/Adelaide_United_FC">Adelaide United</a>
</td><td >21
</td><td >13
</td><td >4
</td><td >4
</td><td >33
</td><td >25
</td><td >8
</td><td ><strong>43</strong>
</td></tr><tr  style="background:#ccffcc;">
<td  style="text-align:left;"><a href="/term/Sydney_FC">Sydney FC</a>
</td><td >21
</td><td >10
</td><td >6
</td><td >5
</td><td >35
</td><td >28
</td><td >7
</td><td ><strong>36</strong>
</td></tr><tr  style="background:#cceeff;">
<td  style="text-align:left;"><a href="/term/Central_Coast_Mariners_FC">Central Coast Mariners</a>
</td><td >21
</td><td >8
</td><td >8
</td><td >5
</td><td >35
</td><td >28
</td><td >7
</td><td ><strong>32</strong>
</td></tr><tr  style="background:#cceeff;" >
<td  style="text-align:left;"><a href="/term/Newcastle_United_Jets">Newcastle Jets</a>
</td><td >21
</td><td >9
</td><td >4
</td><td >8
</td><td >27
</td><td >29
</td></tr><tr 2>
<td ><strong>31</strong>
</td></tr><tr >
<td  style="text-align:left;"><a href="/term/Perth_Glory_F.C.">Perth Glory</a>
</td><td >21
</td><td >8
</td><td >5
</td><td >8
</td><td >34
</td><td >29
</td><td >5
</td><td ><strong>29</strong>
</td></tr><tr >
<td  style="text-align:left;"><a href="/term/Queensland_Roar_FC">Queensland Roar</a>
</td><td >21
</td><td >7
</td><td >7
</td><td >7
</td><td >27
</td><td >22
</td><td >5
</td><td ><strong>28</strong>
</td></tr><tr >
<td  style="text-align:left;"><a href="/term/Melbourne_Victory">Melbourne Victory</a>
</td><td >21
</td><td >7
</td><td >5
</td><td >9
</td><td >26
</td><td >24
</td><td >2
</td><td ><strong>26</strong>
</td></tr><tr >
<td  style="text-align:left;"><a href="/term/New_Zealand_Knights_FC">New Zealand Knights</a>
</td><td >21
</td><td >1
</td><td >3
</td><td >17
</td><td >15
</td><td >47
</td></tr><tr 32>
<td ><strong>6</strong>
</td></tr></table>
<strong>Key</strong>
<dl><dd><strong>Green</strong>: Qualified for Major Semi-final</dd>
<dd><strong>Blue</strong>: Qualified for Minor Semi-final</dd>
</dl>
<a name="Finals_series" id="Finals_series"></a><h3>Finals series</h3><p>

After the home and away season, the finals series began, with the top four teams. The finals series used a modified <a href="/term/Page_playoff_system">page playoff system</a>, with the difference that each first round game would be played over two legs.  The winner of the finals series is crowned as the Champion of Australia, regardless of position attained during the league stage.<p>

Standard "cup" rules - such as away goals (two-leg ties only), extra time and penalties were used to decide drawn games. <p>

Australia was not invited to participate in the <a href="/term/AFC_Champions_League">AFC Champions League</a> for 2006.  As a result, positions attained during the 2005-06 A-League season will have no bearing on continental qualification.<p>

<table   border=0 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 style="font-size: 90%; margin:1em 2em 1em 1em;"><tr>
<td > &nbsp;
</td><td   align="center" colspan="4" style="border:1px solid #aaa;" bgcolor=#f2f2f2>
</td><td   colspan=2>
</td><td   align="center" colspan="3" style="border:1px solid #aaa;" bgcolor=#f2f2f2>
</td><td   colspan=2>
</td><td   align="center" colspan="3" style="border:1px solid #aaa;" bgcolor=#f2f2f2><p>

</td></tr><tr >
<td > &nbsp;
</td><td   colspan="2" > &nbsp;
</td><td   align="center" colspan="1" style="border:1px solid #aaa;" bgcolor=#f2f2f2>L1
</td><td   align="center" colspan="1" style="border:1px solid #aaa;" bgcolor=#f2f2f2>L2
</td><td   colspan=2>
</td><td   colspan="3" >&nbsp;
</td><td   colspan=2>
</td><td   colspan="3" >&nbsp;<p>

</td></tr><tr >
<td   width=1>&nbsp;
</td><td   width=25>&nbsp;
</td><td   width=160 align=left>
</td><td   width=25>&nbsp;
</td><td   width=25>&nbsp;
</td><td   width=5>&nbsp;
</td><td   width=5>&nbsp;
</td><td   width=25>&nbsp;
</td><td   width=160>&nbsp;
</td><td   width=25>&nbsp;
</td><td   width=5>&nbsp;
</td><td   width=5>&nbsp;
</td><td   width=25>&nbsp;
</td><td   width=160>&nbsp;
</td><td   width=25>&nbsp;<p>

</td></tr><tr >
<td   height=14>
</td><td   align=center bgcolor="#98A1B2" style="border:1px solid #aaa;"> <font color="#ffffff"></font>
</td><td   style="border:1px solid #aaa;" bgcolor="#f9f9f9"> &nbsp;
</td><td   align=center style="border:1px solid #aaa;" bgcolor=#f9f9f9> 
</td><td   align=center style="border:1px solid #aaa;" bgcolor=#f9f9f9> 
</td><td   colspan="6" align=center style="border-width:0 0 2px 0; border-style:solid;border-color:black;">&nbsp;
</td><td   colspan="2" align=center style="border-width:0 0 0 0; border-style:solid;border-color:black;">&nbsp;
</td><td   colspan="1" align=left ><p>

</td></tr><tr >
<td   height=14>
</td><td   align=center bgcolor="#98A1B2" style="border:1px solid #aaa;"> <font color="#ffffff"></font>
</td><td   style="border:1px solid #aaa;" bgcolor="#f9f9f9"> &nbsp;
</td><td   align=center style="border:1px solid #aaa;" bgcolor=#f9f9f9> 
</td><td   align=center style="border:1px solid #aaa;" bgcolor=#f9f9f9> 
</td><td   rowspan="4" align=center style="border-width:2px 2px 2px 0; border-style:solid;border-color:black;">&nbsp;
</td><td   colspan="2">&nbsp;
</td><td   colspan="1">
</td><td   colspan="1">&nbsp;
</td><td   rowspan="2" align=center style="border-width:0 2px 2px 0; border-style:solid;border-color:black;">&nbsp;
</td><td   align=center style="border-width:0 0 2px 0; border-style:solid;border-color:black;">&nbsp;
</td><td   align=center bgcolor="#98A1B2" style="border:1px solid #aaa;"> <font color="#ffffff"></font>
</td><td   style="border:1px solid #aaa;" bgcolor="#f9f9f9"> &nbsp;
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<a name="2005-06_League_Records_(Regular_Season)" id="2005-06_League_Records_(Regular_Season)"></a><h2>2005-06 League Records (Regular Season)</h2>
As at completion of regular season: <a href="/term/February_6">February 6</a>, <a href="/term/2006">2006</a>.<p>

<a name="Awards" id="Awards"></a><h3>Awards</h3>
<table   style="text-align:center; border-collapse:collapse; width:95%;" border="1" cellpadding="3"><tr  style="background:#ffc0ff;">
<th >Award
</th><th >Player
</th><th >Team
</td></tr><tr >
<td  style="text-align:left;">Johnny Warren Medal (Player's Player of the Year)
</td><td ><a href="/term/Bobby_Despotovski">Bobby Despotovski</a>
</td><td ><a href="/term/Perth_Glory_FC">Perth Glory FC</a>
</td></tr><tr >
<td  style="text-align:left;">Reebok Golden Boot Award (Top Goalscorer)
</td><td >Four players (see below)
</td><td >
</td></tr><tr >
<td  style="text-align:left;">Hyundai Rising Star Award (U-20 Player of the Year)
</td><td ><a href="/term/Nick_Ward">Nick Ward</a>
</td><td ><a href="/term/Perth_Glory_FC">Perth Glory FC</a>
</td></tr><tr >
<td  style="text-align:left;">Hyundai A-League Coach of the Year
</td><td ><a href="/term/Lawrie_McKinna">Lawrie McKinna</a>
</td><td ><a href="/term/Central_Coast_Mariners_FC">Central Coast Mariners FC</a>
</td></tr><tr >
<td  style="text-align:left;">Zurich Referee of the Year
</td><td ><a href="/term/Mark_Shield">Mark Shield</a>
</td><td >
</td></tr><tr >
<td  style="text-align:left;"><a href="/term/Joe_Marston_Medal">Joe Marston Medal</a>(Best player in Grand Final)
</td><td ><a href="/term/Dwight_Yorke">Dwight Yorke</a>
</td><td ><a href="/term/Sydney_FC">Sydney FC</a>
</td></tr></table><p>

<a name="Leading_Goalscorers" id="Leading_Goalscorers"></a><h3>Leading Goalscorers</h3>
<table   style="text-align:center; border-collapse:collapse; width:60%;" border="1" cellpadding="3"><tr  style="background:#ffc0ff;">
<th >Player
</th><th >Team
</th><th >Goals
</td></tr><tr >
<td  style="text-align:left;"><a href="/term/Alex_Brosque">Alex Brosque</a>
</td><td ><a href="/term/Queensland_Roar_FC">Queensland Roar FC</a>
</td><td ><strong>8</strong>
</td></tr><tr  >
<td  style="text-align:left;"><a href="/term/Bobby_Despotovski">Bobby Despotovski</a>
</td><td ><a href="/term/Perth_Glory_FC">Perth Glory FC</a>
</td><td ><strong>8</strong>
</td></tr><tr >
<td  style="text-align:left;"><a href="/term/Archie_Thompson">Archie Thompson</a>
</td><td ><a href="/term/Melbourne_Victory_FC">Melbourne Victory FC</a>
</td><td ><strong>8</strong>
</td></tr><tr >
<td  style="text-align:left;"><a href="/term/Stewart_Petrie">Stewart Petrie</a>
</td><td ><a href="/term/Central_Coast_Mariners_FC">Central Coast Mariners FC</a>
</td><td ><strong>8</strong>
</td></tr><tr >
<td  style="text-align:left;"><a href="/term/Carl_Veart">Carl Veart</a>
</td><td ><a href="/term/Adelaide_United">Adelaide United</a>
</td><td ><strong>7</strong>
</td></tr><tr >
<td  style="text-align:left;"><a href="/term/Dean_Heffernan">Dean Heffernan</a>
</td><td ><a href="/term/Central_Coast_Mariners_FC">Central Coast Mariners FC</a>
</td><td ><strong>7</strong>
</td></tr><tr >
<td  style="text-align:left;"><a href="/term/Dwight_Yorke">Dwight Yorke</a>
</td><td ><a href="/term/Sydney_FC">Sydney FC</a>
</td><td ><strong>7</strong>
</td></tr><tr >
<td  style="text-align:left;"><a href="/term/Ante_Milicic">Ante Milicic</a>
</td><td >&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="/term/Newcastle_United_Jets">Newcastle United Jets</a>
</td><td ><strong>7</strong>
</td></tr><tr >
<td  style="text-align:left;"><a href="/term/Saso_Petrovski">Saso Petrovski</a>
</td><td ><a href="/term/Sydney_FC">Sydney FC</a>
</td><td ><strong>7</strong>
</td></tr><tr  >
<td  style="text-align:left;"><a href="/term/Damian_Mori">Damian Mori</a>
</td><td ><a href="/term/Perth_Glory_FC">Perth Glory FC</a>
</td><td ><strong>7</strong>
</td></tr></table><p>

<a name="Disciplinary_Records" id="Disciplinary_Records"></a><h3>Disciplinary Records</h3>
<table   style="text-align:center; border-collapse:collapse; width:60%;" border="1" cellpadding="3"><tr  style="background:#ffc0ff;">
<th >Player
</th><th >Team
</th><th >Yellow
</th><th >Red
</td></tr><tr >
<td  style="text-align:left;"><a href="/term/Terry_McFlynn">Terry McFlynn</a>
</td><td ><a href="/term/Sydney_FC">Sydney FC</a>
</td><td >7
</td><td >0
</td></tr><tr >
<td  style="text-align:left;"><a href="/term/Matt_McKay">Matt McKay</a>
</td><td ><a href="/term/Queensland_Roar_FC">Queensland Roar FC</a>
</td><td >5*
</td><td >2*
</td></tr><tr >
<td  style="text-align:left;"><a href="/term/Kevin_Muscat">Kevin Muscat</a>
</td><td ><a href="/term/Melbourne_Victory_FC">Melbourne Victory FC</a>
</td><td >6*
</td><td >1*
</td></tr><tr >
<td  style="text-align:left;"><a href="/term/Ross_Aloisi">Ross Aloisi</a>
</td><td ><a href="/term/Adelaide_United">Adelaide United</a>
</td><td >6
</td><td >0
</td></tr><tr >
<td  style="text-align:left;"><a href="/term/Remo_Buess">Remo Buess</a>
</td><td ><a href="/term/Queensland_Roar_FC">Queensland Roar FC</a>
</td><td >6
</td><td >0
</td></tr></table>
NB: * = totals include 1 red card awarded after 2 yellow cards in same match.<p>

<a name="Biggest_Victories" id="Biggest_Victories"></a><h3>Biggest Victories</h3>
<a name="5_goals" id="5_goals"></a><h4>5 goals</h4>
<table  style="text-align:center; border-collapse:collapse; width:67%;" border="1" cellpadding="3"><tr  style="background:#ffc0ff;">
<th > 
</th><th >Score
</th><th > 
</th><th >Date
</th><th >Round
</td></tr><tr >
<td  style="text-align:left;"><a href="/term/Melbourne_Victory_FC">Melbourne Victory FC</a>
</td><td >5-0
</td><td ><a href="/term/Sydney_FC">Sydney FC</a>
</td><td >16 Oct 2005
</td><td >8
</td></tr><tr  >
<td  style="text-align:left;"><a href="/term/Queensland_Roar_FC">Queensland Roar FC</a>
</td><td >5-0
</td><td >&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="/term/Newcastle_United_Jets">Newcastle United Jets</a>
</td><td >26 Jan 2006
</td><td >20
</td></tr></table><p>

<a name="4_goals" id="4_goals"></a><h4>4 goals</h4>
<table   style="text-align:center; border-collapse:collapse; width:67%;" border="1" cellpadding="3"><tr  style="background:#ffc0ff;">
<th > 
</th><th >Score
</th><th > 
</th><th >Date
</th><th >Round
</td></tr><tr >
<td  style="text-align:left;"><a href="/term/Perth_Glory_FC">Perth Glory FC</a>
</td><td >5-1
</td><td >&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="/term/Newcastle_United_Jets">Newcastle United Jets</a>
</td><td >8 Oct 2005
</td><td >7
</td></tr><tr >
<td  style="text-align:left;"><a href="/term/Sydney_FC">Sydney FC</a>
</td><td >5-1
</td><td ><a href="/term/Central_Coast_Mariners_FC">Central Coast Mariners FC</a>
</td><td >5 Nov 2005
</td><td >11
</td></tr><tr >
<td  style="text-align:left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="/term/Newcastle_United_Jets">Newcastle United Jets</a>
</td><td >4-0
</td><td ><a href="/term/New_Zealand_Knights">New Zealand Knights</a>
</td><td >18 Sep 2005
</td><td >4
</td></tr><tr >
<td  style="text-align:left;"><a href="/term/Central_Coast_Mariners_FC">Central Coast Mariners FC</a>
</td><td >4-0
</td><td ><a href="/term/Perth_Glory_FC">Perth Glory FC</a>
</td><td >8 Oct 2005
</td><td >8
</td></tr></table><p>

<a name="Highest_Aggregate_Scores" id="Highest_Aggregate_Scores"></a><h3>Highest Aggregate Scores</h3>
<table   style="text-align:center; border-collapse:collapse; width:67%;" border="1" cellpadding="3"><tr  style="background:#ffc0ff;">
<th > 
</th><th >Score
</th><th > 
</th><th >Date
</th><th >Round
</td></tr><tr >
<td  style="text-align:left;"><a href="/term/Perth_Glory_FC">Perth Glory FC</a>
</td><td >5-1
</td><td >&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="/term/Newcastle_United_Jets">Newcastle United Jets</a>
</td><td >8 Oct 2005
</td><td >7
</td></tr><tr >
<td  style="text-align:left;"><a href="/term/Sydney_FC">Sydney FC</a>
</td><td >5-1
</td><td ><a href="/term/Central_Coast_Mariners_FC">Central Coast Mariners FC</a>
</td><td >5 Nov 2005
</td><td >11
</td></tr><tr >
<td  style="text-align:left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="/term/Newcastle_United_Jets">Newcastle United Jets</a>
</td><td >4-2
</td><td ><a href="/term/Adelaide_United">Adelaide United</a>
</td><td >14 Oct 2005
</td><td >8
</td></tr><tr >
<td  style="text-align:left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="/term/Newcastle_United_Jets">Newcastle United Jets</a>
</td><td >4-2
</td><td ><a href="/term/New_Zealand_Knights">New Zealand Knights</a>
</td><td >4 Nov 2005
</td><td >11
</td></tr><tr >
<td  style="text-align:left;"><a href="/term/Perth_Glory_FC">Perth Glory FC</a>
</td><td >4-2
</td><td ><a href="/term/Adelaide_United">Adelaide United</a>
</td><td >6 Nov 2005
</td><td >11
</td></tr><tr >
<td  style="text-align:left;"><a href="/term/Adelaide_United">Adelaide United</a>
</td><td >4-2
</td><td ><a href="/term/Queensland_Roar_FC">Queensland Roar FC</a>
</td><td >1 Jan 2006
</td><td >16
</td></tr></table><p>

<a name="Home_Attendances" id="Home_Attendances"></a><h3>Home Attendances</h3>
<p>

<strong>Highest Attendances</strong>
<ul><li>41,689: <a href="/term/Sydney_FC">Sydney FC</a> vs <a href="/term/Central_Coast_Mariners">Central Coast Mariners</a>, <a href="/term/March_5">March 5</a>, <a href="/term/2006">2006</a> (Grand Final)</li><li>30,335: <a href="/term/Sydney_FC">Sydney FC</a> vs <a href="/term/Adelaide_United">Adelaide United</a>, <a href="/term/February_19">February 19</a>, <a href="/term/2006">2006</a> (Finals Week 2)</li><li>25,557: <a href="/term/Sydney_FC">Sydney FC</a> vs <a href="/term/Adelaide_United">Adelaide United</a>, <a href="/term/February_3">February 3</a>, <a href="/term/2006">2006</a> (Round 21)</li><li>25,208: <a href="/term/Sydney_FC">Sydney FC</a> vs <a href="/term/Melbourne_Victory">Melbourne Victory</a>, <a href="/term/August_28">August 28</a>, <a href="/term/2005">2005</a> (Round 1)</li><li>23,142: <a href="/term/Queensland_Roar">Queensland Roar</a> vs <a href="/term/Sydney_FC">Sydney FC</a>, <a href="/term/September_23">September 23</a>, <a href="/term/2005">2005</a> (Round 5)</li><li>20,725: <a href="/term/Queensland_Roar">Queensland Roar</a> vs <a href="/term/New_Zealand_Knights">New Zealand Knights</a>, <a href="/term/August_28">August 28</a>, <a href="/term/2005">2005</a> (Round 1)</li><li>18,276: <a href="/term/Sydney_FC">Sydney FC</a> vs <a href="/term/Adelaide_United">Adelaide United</a>, <a href="/term/October_9">October 9</a>, <a href="/term/2005">2005</a> (Round 7)</li><li>18,206: <a href="/term/Melbourne_Victory">Melbourne Victory</a> vs <a href="/term/Sydney_FC">Sydney FC</a>, <a href="/term/October_16">October 16</a>, <a href="/term/2005">2005</a> (Round 8)</li><li>17,960: <a href="/term/Melbourne_Victory">Melbourne Victory</a> vs <a href="/term/Perth_Glory">Perth Glory</a>, <a href="/term/September_4">September 4</a>, <a href="/term/2005">2005</a> (Round 2)</li></ul>
<a name="League_Statistics" id="League_Statistics"></a><h3>League Statistics</h3>
<ul><li><strong>Matches Played: 84</strong></li><li>*<em>Home Wins: 33%, Draws: 25%, Away Wins: 42%</em></li><li><strong>Total Goals: 232</strong></li><li>*<em>Average of 2.76 goals per match</em>.</li></ul>
<a name="External_links" id="External_links"></a><h2>External links</h2>
<ul><li>&#091;<a href="http://www.a-league.com.au/" target="_blank">A-League official website, including fixtures</a>&#093;</li><li>&#091;<a href="http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/" target="_blank">Football Federation Australia</a>&#093;</li><li>&#091;<a href="http://twg.sbs.com.au/a-league/" target="_blank">SBS The World Game A-League section</a>&#093;</li></ul>
<table   class="toccolours" style="margin:0.5em auto; text-align:center;"><tr>
<th  bgcolor="#BFD7FF"> <big><strong><a href="/term/A-League">Australian A-League</a></strong></big><br /><small> <strong><a href="/term/List_of_A-League_champions">Championships</a></strong> | <strong><a href="/term/List_of_A-League_premiers">Premierships</a> </br> <small> </strong>Seasons''': <a href="/term/A-League_2005-06">2005-06</a> | <a href="/term/A-League_2006-07">2006-07</a>
</td></tr><tr >
<td >
<small>
<a href="/term/Adelaide_United_FC">Adelaide United</a> | <a href="/term/Central_Coast_Mariners_FC">Central Coast Mariners</a> | <a href="/term/Melbourne_Victory">Melbourne Victory</a> | <a href="/term/Newcastle_United_Jets">Newcastle United Jets</a> <br /> <a href="/term/New_Zealand_Knights_Football_Club">New Zealand Knights</a> | <a href="/term/Perth_Glory">Perth Glory</a> | <a href="/term/Queensland_Roar_FC">Queensland Roar</a> | <a href="/term/Sydney_FC">Sydney FC</a>
</td></tr></table><p>

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