Both the last two winners of the A-League have missed the mark in 2021/22; Western United have placed bottom under the leadership of John Aloisi, and Central Coast Mariners are eleventh with just three points. Melbourne City also appear to be struggling, having lost to Phoenix in Round 5. Sydney FC does not seem to be faring any better, with a recent loss to ladder-leading Western Sydney. Despite the underperformance of these teams, the competition is more vibrant than the European leagues, where the same teams seem to dominate year after year. The A-League is unpredictable, with Western Sydney Wanderers and Wellington Phoenix currently leading, and Brisbane Roar, Adelaide United, and Melbourne Victory close behind. This unpredictability is a result of the A-League’s working salary cap, which ensures parity and competitiveness among its teams.