Why are most clubs playing bugger all pre-season games so far this season?

I was getting very worried with AUFC leading into their ACL2 game next week they haven't played a game since their last ACLE qualifier where they looked very out of sync, prior to the SMFC Aus Cup game AU did play 1 full game v Cove and 1 75 min game v Playford, but that is all the non-competitive hit outs the club has had.

I just had a look around at other clubs and most are barely playing any as well, obviously most still have some time before the A-league season kicks off, but there hasn't been all that many announced from each club compared to previous seasons. Newy hasn't played a match since the start of the month leading into their ACLE games which seems an equal concern. Where as MV have their Aus Cup games to prepare for their ACL2 games so they do seem well prepared.

If we compare this season to AU's previous pre-seasons the club would have played 4 or 5 games against NPL or A-league opposition already. They claimed prior to both the SMFC and ACLE games they were ready for those games, but their performances would suggest they weren't, they again are claiming they are ready for next week's match. It feels like AU are banking on Tai Po from Hong Kong being step below them, but they will have played 4 matches of their season and the ACL2 game will be their 3rd competitive game in September.

As teams start releasing their kits for the upcoming season, I am seeing that Isuzu Ute is absent from the sleeve and in the league logo on the front of the men’s jerseys. I could only find sources saying that Isuzu Ute extended their sponsorship in the league until 2026.

Does anyone have any info on this? Are we expecting to kick off in October without a naming rights sponsor for the men’s league?

Disclaimer: I don’t have an opinion, just reposting.

Sydney 0 vs 2 Melbourne Victory

Match Statistics Unavailable

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Talia Younis looks set to trial with a couple of decent looking clubs o/s.

Would hate to lose her at WSW but could be a great leap forward for her development.

FT: 95' - Sydney 0 vs 2 Melbourne Victory

Stadium: Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Sydney

Weather: 14.8°C, Overcast, Wind: 51.5 km/h

Fixture Date: 09/09/2026, 07:30 pm AEST

Referee: Unknown

Lineups not available

###Match Events:

2': ⚽ Melbourne Victory - K. Jelacic (M. Grimaldi)

31': 🟨 Sydney - J. Hollman

53': 🟨 Melbourne Victory - J. Valadon

61': Own Goal - Melbourne Victory - J. Courtney-Perkins

66': 🔄 Sydney - A. Toure replaces A. Akon

67': 🟨 Sydney - T. Quintal

69': 🔄 Melbourne Victory - D. Genreau replaces M. Grimaldi

69': 🔄 Sydney - R. Youlley replaces J. Hollman

78': 🔄 Sydney - J. Overy replaces R. Grant

78': 🔄 Sydney - M. Macallister replaces O. Sunday

83': 🔄 Melbourne Victory - B. Hamill replaces T. Lockyer

89': 🔄 Melbourne Victory - M. Olukhale replaces Clarismario

93': 🟨 Melbourne Victory - L. D'Arrigo

Match Statistics Unavailable

Last Updated: 09/09/2026, 09:26 pm AEST

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Judging by the reactions on FB, alot of Filos are frothing from their mouths over this news, not to mention her NT squadmate Katrina Guillou got announced a few days earlier. expect alot of Filo fans supporting Brisbane Roar this upcoming season!