Welcome to Best of the Press, where aleagues.com.au brings you everything you need to know from coach press conferences after the weekend’s matches.
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Melbourne Victory 2-2 Newcastle Jets
MATCH REPORT: Jets strike late to seal valuable point in race for Silverware
Arthur Diles
Melbourne Victory will be playing Finals football for the 15th time in club history after Friday night’s 2-2 draw with the Jets.
Head Coach Arthur Diles discussed that and plenty more during his post-match press conference.
Mark Milligan
Eli Adams’ dramatic late equaliser would ultimately prove to be the goal that got Newcastle Jets over the line in their bid to secure the 2025-26 Isuzu UTE A-League Premiers Plate.
Jets boss Mark Milligan discussed the result and the importance of that goal during his post-match press conference.
Wellington Phoenix 2-1 Western Sydney Wanderers
MATCH REPORT: Wellington win consigns Wanderers to first ever wooden spoon
Chris Greenacre
Wellington Phoenix gave the Christchurch crowd something to cheer about on Saturday afternoon as they ended their home season on a high by defeating the Wanderers 2-1.
Head Coach Chris Greenacre is out of contract at the end of the season and was asked whether or not the side’s upturn in results increases his chances of getting the job on a permanent basis.
Gary van Egmond
The Western Sydney Wanderers were officially handed their first ever wooden spoon on Saturday afternoon after they were beaten 2-1 by the Nix.
An unwanted record for the club, interim Head Coach Gary van Egmond discussed the disappointment of the result and the wooden spoon in his post-match press conference.
Brisbane Roar 2-3 Melbourne City
MATCH REPORT: Melbourne City lock in finals spot with Marcus Younis inspired win over Brisbane
Michael Valkanis
Brisbane Roar’s dismal run of form in 2026 continued in Round 25 as they went down 3-2 at home to Melbourne City.
The result means Michael Valkanis’ side have now registered just one win in four months and sit second last on the ladder.
Aurelio Vidmar
As for Melbourne City the win at Suncrop Stadium ensures they’ll be playing Finals football this season.
A double from young gun Marcus Younis helped seal a 3-2 win in Queensland and the City boss discussed his performance and indeed the result itself…
Sydney FC 0-0 Perth Glory
MATCH REPORT: Top two finish slips away from Sydney FC after fiery draw
Patrick Kisnorbo
Sydney FC remain unbeaten since Patrick Kisnorbo took charge of the club, albeit Saturday night’s goalless draw against Perth Glory would have been a frustrating result to take.
The draw means the Sky Blues are all but mathematically ruled out of finishing second this season and Kisnorbo discussed that and plenty more after the full-time whistle.
Adam Griffiths
Perth Glory’s chances of playing Finals football have long been over but Saturday night’s draw with Sydney FC would have given Head Coach Adam Griffiths yet further indication of who he believes can play a role heading into next season.
Check out the Glory boss’ post-game thoughts below…
Auckland FC 0-1 Central Coast Mariners
MATCH REPORT: Mariners stun Auckland to hand Premiers Plate to rivals Newcastle
Danny Hay
With Steve Corica suspended, assistant coach Danny Hay took over post-match media duties in the aftermath of Auckland’s disappointing 1-0 loss to the Mariners.
The result means the Black Knights have handed their Premiership crown over to Newcastle Jets with a week left to go in the season and Hay discussed that after the full-time whistle.
Warren Moon
The Central Coast Mariners were the party poopers in Auckland on Sunday afternoon as they stunned Auckland FC to win 1-0.
Ali Auglah’s fifth goal of the campaign sealed all three points for Warren Moon’s side and the outgoing head coach discussed that and plenty more in his post-match press conference.
Adelaide United 3-1 Macarthur Bulls
MATCH REPORT: Adelaide chasing top-two finish as brilliant Brazilian downs the Bulls
Airton Andrioli
A double from Anselmo de Moraes fired Adelaide United to a 3-1 win over Macarthur on Sunday afternoon and with it, the chance to potentially seal second spot on the final day of the season.
Head Coach Airton Andrioli discuss the result, a potential second placed finish on the ladder and the form of his Brazilian midfielder after the game.
Mile Sterjovski
Macarthur’s finals hopes were already extinguished heading into their Round 25 clash against the Reds and Sunday’s match ultiamtely produced another frustrating result for the Bulls.
Take a watch of Head Coach Mile Sterjovski’s post-match press conference below.
