Star of Australia’s most under-performing sport gives his blisteringly honest take on what’s been going wrong for 20 years – and how to fix it

Sydney FC star Ben Garuccio has outlined what the embattled A-League must consider doing if they are to stay relevant in the highly-competitive Australian sporting landscape.

After more than 200 appearances dating back to 2012 with four clubs, Garuccio is better qualified than most to offer his forthright opinion.

Speaking to the Daily Mail ahead of Saturday’s derby against Western Sydney Wanderers at Allianz Stadium, Garuccio pointed to a ‘lack of vision’ dating back to 2005.

‘The A-League came in when the NSL (National Soccer League) was struggling,’ the left-back said.

‘Initially there was a massive buy-in from fans, but that has disintegrated in recent years…and [for me] a lack of vision hasn’t helped, some clubs don’t seem to have a clear identity.

‘Besides a football licence, many current professional clubs don’t own much…they hire grounds [for game days] and some don’t even have their own training facilities.

After more than 200 appearances dating back to 2012 with four clubs, Garuccio is better qualified than most to offer his forthright opinion on the dire state of the game

‘Football has the highest number of participants at grassroots level in Australia, but that doesn’t translate to the professional game here. Why is that?

‘The AFL and NRL consistently pull huge crowds, week-in, week-out. Why can’t we do the same?

‘In saying that, I can’t wait for the Sydney derby on Saturday, it will be an amazing atmosphere, hopefully a full house… but will the same supporters be at our next home game?

‘No players want to walk out and see the stadium half-empty.’

Garuccio’s proposed solution for A-League bosses is radical – but it has merit.

‘Look at the success of boutique grounds, Auckland (25,000) have been successful from day one (since their 2024 inception) and Adelaide United’s capacity at Coopers Stadium is just over 16,000,’ he said.

‘You only need to look at their (Adelaide) recent match against Melbourne Victory… the place was heaving and the level of football was unbelievable. 

‘If every club played out of smaller grounds like those two (Auckland FC and Adelaide United), you would have bumper crowds and consistent eyeballs on the sport.

Talisman Joe Lolley will make a welcome return from injury this weekend for Sydney FC

‘For me, it simply has to happen in Australian football.’

The veteran – who made his A-League debut in 2012 at Melbourne City followed by stints at Adelaide, Melbourne City for a second time, Western United and Sydney FC –  also wants to see a shorter off-season.

Additionally, Garuccio believes the competition can continue to be played over the summer months, provided fixtures kick-off at night.

‘I remember some previous games we started at 3pm [in January],’ he recalled.

‘Thankfully those days are over…but even the 5pm starts aren’t easy, with daylight saving [in some Australian states] it is still hot at that time.

‘I love the sport, I have given my life to football… [ultimately] I just want to see it excel in the short and long term.’

Tickets are still available online for the Sydney derby, with kick-off at 7:35pm AEDT on January 31.