Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) has released the 2024-25 A-League Men Report featuring insights into the developments and challenges experienced across the men’s game throughout last season.
Recently published, the report collected data through PFA end of season surveys, post-match surveys and fan focus groups to gain a comprehensive understanding of player and fan experiences. The report’s findings will hopefully serve not only to highlight existing issues within the men’s game, but to provide a direction for future decisions by the Australian Premier League going into the 2025-26 season.
Key findings
Inconsistent Attendances
Aided by the introduction of Auckland FC, the average ALM attendance rose by 9% from last season. As the report shows, the club reached a league-high average crowd of 18,101, cementing Auckland as a dominating force both on the pitch and in the stands. Seven other clubs also increased their game attendances, most notably led by Newcastle Jets with a 14% improvement.
Despite this, five clubs saw attendances fall drastically. Melbourne City witnessed a concerning decline of 27% compared to the 2023-24 season, representing the highest drop-off in the league despite achieving on-pitch success and topping the PFA’s Club Index scorecard. Poor attendance is a common theme across the ALM and ALW, with the latter seeing all but two clubs (Adelaide United and Brisbane Roar) increase their attendance since the 2023-24 season.
Falling attendances are also emphasised by excessive stadium capacities. Only three clubs, Auckland, Adelaide and Western United, managed to fill over half of their stadium capacity, illustrating the need to address stadium infrastructure across the league in future seasons.
Player Dissatisfaction
Similar to the findings in the 2024-25 ALW Report, ALM players continue to prefer an independent commission to the current APL board. According to the 2024-25 end of season survey, 52% of players were dissatisfied with the APL’s management of the A-League, and 60% affirmed that the ALM board should be formed by individuals with no formal connections to clubs.
With the current board featuring five club representatives, decisions are increasingly likely to be impacted by conflicts of interest. To resolve such concerns, following the models of leagues like the AFL and NRL may offer a more effective form of governance, in which commissioners selected by the clubs satisfy the prerequisite balance of skills and experience.
Youth Representation
A record number of match minutes were given to players under the age of 21 in the ALM last season. According to the report’s findings, Under 21s made up 18% of match minutes, with players under 25 accounting for 56% of minutes played.
High levels of youth representation isn’t necessarily a cause for concern, as it implies that club academies are maturing and producing high-quality talents worthy of professional minutes. As future generations look to the professional game for inspiration, seeing young players be given the chance to prove themselves is an encouraging sign.
However, the increasing reliance on young players may also be influenced by clubs turning towards a transfer-focussed revenue and a desire to cut player costs while traditional revenue (such as from broadcasting) falls.
What Should the Focus be Moving Forward?
As the APL and competing clubs are currently competing in the 2025-26 season, addressing the issues revealed in the ALM Report will help professional football in Australia to flourish.
Improving Infrastructure
Increasing attendances and filling stadium capacity will help to elevate matchday atmospheres and thus create an incentive for consistent attendance throughout the season. To this end, following the model practised by MLS clubs in America could be crucial.
According to the report, 22 out of the 29 MLS clubs with stadium capacities of 18,000 to 30,000 all achieved utilisation rates of 79%. Stadia with lower capacity can drive an improved matchday atmosphere and ultimately encourage fans to regularly attend ALM games.
Inspire Collaboration
Earlier this week, the PFA and FSAA (Football Supporters Association Australia) announced a new partnership aimed at establishing connections between players and fans and giving them a voice in future decision-making.
This marks a step in the right direction for the men’s game and points to an optimistic future in which all parties can voice their opinion before changes are implemented. Increased collaboration will ensure decisions are collectively agreed upon and reduce conflicts among stakeholders and participants in the APL.
Pounce on International Opportunities
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ approaches, clubs in Australia should see the tournament as a unique opportunity for economic and cultural growth within the men’s game. As part of the altered Men’s World Cup Club Benefits Program, clubs who released players for qualifiers and for the final tournament will now receive a share of the pot totalling just under AUD 535 million. Although it remains unclear how much of this will go to ALM clubs, it remains an added incentive for clubs to propel their players into contention for the tournament in North America next year.
With more domestic players performing alongside the most successful footballing nations on the world stage, it proves to clubs, players and fans that football in Australia deserves high-quality governance, infrastructure and working conditions.
