The A-League Men is back, with the 2023-24 season to kick off on Friday night.
Can the Central Coast Mariners go back-to-back despite several outgoings? Will Jamie Maclaren guide Melbourne City to a return to the top? Or could a new challenger emerge?
Ahead of the new campaign, The Sporting News share their predictions, including the champions, a surprise package and Golden Boot winner.
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Champions
Joshua Mayne: This year's competition is set to play host to an entertaining and open championship battle. Melbourne City's consistency will see them begin the campaign as favourites, but there are an array of teams set to challenge. The reigning champions — the Central Coast Mariners — are in with a shot, but will need to overcome some key departures, most notably their former coach Nick Montgomery. For 2023-24, I think it will be the Western Sydney Wanderers who take home the 'toilet seat'. They are entering their second full season with Marko Rudan at the helm and have signed experienced Swedish striker Marcus Antonsson. They have a nice mix of experienced and young talent which could see them go all the way.
Kieran Francis: It's criminal that Melbourne City have only won one championship during three consecutive seasons of clinching the Premiers Plate. Having lost in the last two grand finals, is there mental scarring? Is Rado Vidosic a good enough coach? To be honest, I'm not sure any of that matters with the quality of players City are able to sign and retain through their network built with their UAE owners. City set the standard every season and I'm not sure any of the rest are good enough to beat them this campaign.
Premiers
JM: Can Melbourne City finish the regular season as premiers for the fourth season in a row? I think so. It's hard to ignore their consistency and quality, and this season is unlikely to be different. Losing the likes of Tom Glover and Marco Tilio will hurt, although they have made some exciting signings including Aziz Behich and Steven Ugarkovic. Scars from last campaign's decider may dent their confidence, but over 26 games, they should have what it takes to finish at the top of the ladder.
KF: At the risk of being a broken record, there is a reason why Melbourne City have won the last three Premiers Plates — their squad is the deepest and they have the best centre-forward in the league in Jamie Maclaren. While other teams are hit or miss on foreign signings, City are normally bang on and this allows the team to regenerate despite reasonable player turnover. City are capable of being beaten in one-off matches like grand finals but I can't see a team being better than them over the entire season.
Surprise package
JM: Brisbane Roar are viewed by some as wooden spoon chances for 2023-24, but I could see them potentially sneaking into the finals. They were only five points off the top six last season despite an underwhelming campaign, and have since recruited smartly in the current transfer market. Florin Berenguer headlines the fresh arrivals, with the French attacking midfielder set to add immediate quality and experience. Joe Caletti will also make his return to the A-League Men with the Roar after a season in Japan. Ross Aloisi's side's pleasing run to the recent Australia Cup final must be noted, too.
KF: There are absolutely no expectations surrounding Melbourne Victory this season and that is intriguing in itself. While there are no big signings this campaign after the fanfare of Nani's acquisition last pre-season, coach Tony Popovic has had another winter with a largely unchanged squad. Expect huge improvement from the fallen giant, particularly from the likes of Chris Ikonomidis and Bruno Fornaroli. A finals beckons with a good run of injuries and no drama on the supporter front.
Keep an eye on...
JM: He may officially be listed as a midfielder, but Jake Girdwood-Reich could play a key role for Sydney FC as a defender this season. The 19-year-old performed well at centre-back for the Sky Blues in their Australia Cup final win in October and is set to make an impact this campaign regardless of where he lines up. He showcases physicality and organisation beyond his age while exhibiting confidence when progressing the ball up the pitch.
KF: Teenage Brisbane Roar striker Thomas Waddingham crashed on the scene during the FFA Cup, scoring four goals in five games as his team reached the final. Australian striking prospects don't come along too often and the 18-year-old looks like he has something about him. Hopefully, he gets plenty of opportunity during the season.
Wooden spoon
JM: It may be an uphill battle for the Wellington Phoenix this season. Four arrivals and eight departures will make things challenging for the sole New Zealand-based team in the competition. Steven Ugarkovic, in particular, is a significant loss as a cog in their midfield. It appears the intention of this campaign is to integrate academy talent, which could absolutely pay dividends. However, these things rarely succeed straight away, so they may have to endure some pain this season.
KF: Alen Stajcic returns to men's football with Perth Glory but even he might struggle to perform miracles with this squad. Adam Taggart is a diamond up front but can they get enough service to the former Socceroo hitman? A lot of players have to improve significantly on their recent form to ensure the Glory aren't in the doldrums of the league.
Johnny Warren Medal
JM: I'm tipping Joshua Brillante to be named the league's best player come season's end, with the midfielder in a strong position to shine at the Wanderers. After three years with the Victory, the former Socceroo now enters a senior stage of his career. At his best, the 30-year-old can pull his team to wins, commanding the centre of the pitch. If Western Sydney reach their potential this year, Brillante will be at the heart of it.
KF: After having a solid first season, Joe Lolley looks ready to take the competition in storm in 2023-24 if his FFA Cup form is anything to go by. Lolley has a goal and five assists in five FFA Cup games after only managing six goals and six assists for the entire previous campaign. With Brazilian striker Fabio Gomes to aim for, Lolley is primed for a chance to be named the competition's best player.
Golden Boot
JM: A boring pick, but it's too hard to look past Jamie Maclaren as this season's Golden Boot winner. He's the odds-on favourite to pick up the gong for a fifth consecutive campaign and it's easy to see why. The 30-year-old still has plenty to give and will be supported by a strong attacking cast again this season despite some significant outgoings at Melbourne City. Wanderers recruit Marcus Antonsson is a chance to challenge Maclaren's goal output this season, but the A-League veteran should have him covered.
KF: Just hand the Golden Boot to Jamie Maclaren already. Only injury can stop the Melbourne City striker. And his A-League record goals tally is going to be extremely hard to chase down as any player who is likely won't be in the competition for long. Sydney FC recruit Fabio Gomes looks a contender but he is going to have to hit the ground running to keep pace with Maclaren.