It’s an age-old debate that has raged on for years: which achievement ranks higher – the Premiership or the Championship?
That question was up for debate on this week’s episode of Total A-Leagues.
There were jubilant scenes at Go Media Stadium last weekend as Auckland FC partied long into the night with their adoring fans after clinching the Premiers Plate in the club’s first season in existence.
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As such, Sydney Morning Herald sports reporter Vince Rugari and former Socceroos winger Tommy Oar discussed whether or not they felt the Premiers Plate had garnered more respect in recent years, particularly given how competitive the top six has been this season.
“My feeling around the prioritisation or the importance that we place on that trophy and finishing top of the ladder in Australia has definitely grown over time,” said Rugari when kicking off the debate.
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“I feel like if you compare it to say, 10 years ago, people used to use the term ‘Minor Premiership’ to describe it. That doesn’t really happen anymore.
“I think a lot of people recognise that it is a significant prize.
“The Federation and the organisation behind the league recognises that too by giving the winner a direct spot into the Asian Champions League.
“Obviously Auckland can’t do that this season, but that means that it’s an important prize.
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Rugari went on to say: “That’s the thing though, we still think the team that won the A-League wins the Grand Finals…”
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Weighing in on the debate, former Brisbane Roar, Central Coast Mariners and Macarthur Bulls midfielder Oar believes the finals series brings something unique to the Australian sporting landscape.
“I think that’s a cultural thing, and I don’t think that’ll change anytime soon and I think that’s because of the excitement of the final series creates.
“It’s a unique thing in terms of football on an international stage, but it’s why we love this game. We’ve seen teams – remember Kevin Muscat’s team went on to win the grand final from coming fourth in the league, which was, you know, nobody expected it.
“Obviously it’s good for the teams to get that recognition for winning the premiership, but I’m huge on the finals. I love it.
“It might not be the purest, most, fairest way of rewarding the winning team, but it’s all about excitement and entertainment, and that’s what the sports all about.”
Rugari added: “I just think we’re getting the balance as close to right, or as most right as we can in Australia, given our sporting history and culture, and we do have a final series. We’ve had it.
“It’s not just an Australian sport thing. It’s an Australian football thing and has been for decades as well.
“And the good thing is, we didn’t even have scenes like that until relatively recently, in terms of Auckland lifting the Premiers Plate.
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“Because if my memory’s correct, there’s been years where the Premiers Plate has been awarded at half-time of a finals game…”
Oar added: “And the fans, to have a day, you know, celebrating before and after and during the game with the team, the team celebrating with the fans after, that’s what it’s all about.
“I think for Auckland this year, their first year, to get the kind of support they have, the feel good factor around the club, playing awesome football… could not be a more positive story, and they’re fully deserving of it.”
