Five teams are confirmed as Finals Series contenders after an eight-game Matchweek 23 offered up a rollercoaster of emotions for sides in and around the top six.
Premiers Melbourne City and reigning Champions Sydney FC were joined by Brisbane Roar, Central Coast Mariners and Macarthur FC in the five sealed spots in the top six as Perth Glory and Western Sydney Wanderers bowed out of the Finals Series race.
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After their respective fast starts, Macarthur FC and Central Coast Mariners meet on Sunday afternoon with both sides intent on registering consecutive wins to begin the A-League campaign.
The Bulls wasted no time in announcing themselves to the league with a 1-0 win over Western Sydney Wanderers in Matchweek 1, a result decided by a goal to captain Mark Milligan, who deflected a free-kick off the boot of Macarthur s Spanish technician Beñat Etxebarria into the back of the net.
The slender victory was matched in Gosford by the Mariners, who clinched all three points in an F3 Derby clash with Newcastle Jets after teenage prospect Alou Kuol netted in the first half.