Macarthur Bulls will play finals football in 2024, despite a 3-0 loss to Phoenix in their last game of the regular season on Saturday night.
The Bulls finished equal fourth with Sydney FC on 41 points, but the cross city rivals won more games (12) than Macarthur (11).
It means Sydney get to host the elimination final between fourth and fifth at Allianz Stadium.
The match is scheduled for this Saturday, May 4 at Allianz Stadium, 7:45pm kick off. Tickets go on sale tomorrow (April 30).
Melbourne Victory will host Melbourne City in the second A-League elimination final between third and sixth on Sunday, May 5.
Macarthur finished last in the 2022-23 season, after turbulence in the coaching ranks that saw high profile Dwight Yorke leave.
Mile Sterjovski, pictured above, stepped up and took the reins a third of the season in, but despite some promising signs the team finished at the bottom of the table.
He has quietly changed things around this season, with the Bulls rarely out of contention of a finals appearance.
His squad, a blend of youth and experience, has exceeded expectations, especially after being hit hard by injuries and suspensions at various stages of the season.
But now the tide of good fortune may be turning for the former Socceroo and the Campbelltown based club.
Ulises Davila returned to the side on Saturday night, joining Jerry Skotadis and Daniel de Silva, among others, who are now available for selection.
Bulls have been more than a match for Sydney FC this season and are sure to give them a run for their money, even if the elimination final is at Allianz Stadium in front of 20,000 fans.
Across the ditch, Macarthur were 2-0 down at half time and unlucky not to eke out a draw at least.
A penalty in added time gave the New Zealanders a 3-0 win but the Bulls could hold their heads high.
From wooden spoon to finals in one season is a mighty effort and they deserve the accolades that come their way.
The Grand Final is scheduled for week four of the finals, on Saturday, May 25 – will the Bulls be there?
On their day they can beat anybody, so they just need three good performances to get there.
Time will tell.
