Western United’s Ironbark Fields and Sydney FC’s Leichhardt Oval have earned the title of A-League Women PFA Stadiums of the Season for the 2024-25 campaign, voted by players as the best for pitch quality and match-day atmosphere, respectively.
Throughout the season, the players rate A-League Women stadiums on key performance factors after every match. Selected players assess every ground they play on across four criteria: surface quality, hardness, pace, and smoothness. The players also assess the atmosphere and any extreme weather impacts.
Only stadiums hosting at least five matches are eligible for the end-of-season awards.
Ironbark Fields proved a standout in its first full season as a home base for Western United, with the pitch receiving a near-perfect average score from the players of 4.9 (on a 1-5 scale) for pitch quality. Players praised the consistency and playability of the surface across the season and its atmosphere, scoring 3.9 (on 1-5 scale).
“I would like to thank the PFA, Western United, Green By Nature and our women’s side for all the support and collaboration,” Western United groundskeeper Justin Lang said.
“I see this as something to benchmark ourselves on for the future and a win for a standalone football facility not having to compete with other codes. To not only represent the turf industry but the game itself to help improve standards has been a massive honour.
“This is something that I will continue to develop and leave in a better place.”
Western United’s General Manager of Football Mal Impiombato added: “We are immensely proud as a club to receive this recognition and extend our thanks to the PFA and all players who voted.
“Justin has been an integral part of our team since moving out to Ironbark Fields and we are indebted to his passion, meticulous work and expertise.
“Not only does this create the best conditions for our players to perform, it also helps to create a fantastic spectacle for our game and for our fans to enjoy. We hope to continue raising the standard in pitch quality across Australian football.”
Meanwhile, Leichhardt Oval – which has been Sydney FC’s home base this season – was hailed as generating the best atmosphere this season, receiving an average of 4 out of 5.
“We’ve always said our Members and fans are second to none and this fantastic recognition is further proof,” Sydney FC CEO Mark Aubrey said.
“Everyone who comes to our games at Leichhardt Oval brings with them their passion for Sydney FC, their desire to spur the team on and their willingness to congratulate our girls at full time, win, lose or draw.
“It’s a superb place to be on game day and I recommend those who haven’t been to come and try it.”
Michelle Morris, who is the Capo of the The Cove (Sydney FC’s active group) at the Sky Blues’ A-League Women’s games added: “Leichhardt Oval provides the perfect setting for an electric atmosphere.
“The Cove brings the noise in full voice from behind the goal, setting the tone while the grandstand adds to the vibrant energy that lifts the team.”
Other high-scoring venues this season included:
- Coopers Stadium, Adelaide United – Pitch: 4.5 | Atmosphere: 3.5
- Home of the Matildas, Melbourne – Pitch: 4.5 | Atmosphere: 3.5
- Industree Group Stadium, Central Coast – Pitch: 4.4 | Atmosphere: 3.4
- McKellar Park, Canberra United – Pitch: 3.4 | Atmosphere: 3.9
- Perry Park, Brisbane – Pitch: 3.4 | Atmosphere: 3.8
Standout one-match venues included:
- McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle – Pitch: 5.0 | Atmosphere: 4.0
- Maitland Sports Ground, Newcastle – Pitch: 4.0 | Atmosphere: 4.0
The top stadiums in the A-League Men’s competition will be revealed during the A-League Men Finals Series later this month.
Full A-League Women Stadium Ratings
*Less than five games played at the venue this season
| Stadium | Pitch Avg |
| McDonald Jones Stadium* | 5 |
| CommBank Stadium* | 5 |
| Ironbark Fields | 4.9 |
| ctrl:cyber Pitch | 4.6 |
| Coopers Stadium | 4.5 |
| Home of the Matildas | 4.5 |
| Industree Group Stadium | 4.4 |
| Netstrata Jubilee Stadium | 4.1 |
| Maitland Sports Ground | 4 |
| Sam Kerr Football Centre | 4 |
| Marconi Stadium* | 4 |
| ServiceFM Stadium* | 4 |
| Wanderers Football Park | 3.6 |
| Allianz Stadium* | 3.5 |
| McKellar Park | 3.4 |
| Perry Park | 3.4 |
| AAMI Park (MCY) | 3.2 |
| AAMI Park (MVC)* | 3 |
| Porirua Park | 2.7 |
| Leichhardt Oval | 2.5 |
| Woy Woy Oval* | 2.4 |
| No.2 Sportsground | 2.1 |
| Marden Sports Complex* | 1.5 |
| Cessnock Sportsground* | 1 |
Atmosphere Ratings
| Stadium | Atmos Avg |
| McDonald Jones Stadium* | 4 |
| Maitland Sports Ground* | 4 |
| Leichhardt Oval | 4 |
| Ironbark Fields | 3.9 |
| McKellar Park | 3.9 |
| Perry Park | 3.8 |
| Porirua Park | 3.8 |
| Coopers Stadium | 3.5 |
| Home of the Matildas | 3.5 |
| Allianz Stadium* | 3.5 |
| Industree Group Stadium | 3.4 |
| Sam Kerr Football Centre | 3.4 |
| Woy Woy Oval* | 3.3 |
| No.2 Sportsground | 3.1 |
| Netstrata Jubilee Stadium | 3 |
| Marconi Stadium* | 3 |
| ServiceFM Stadium | 3 |
| Marden Sports Complex* | 3 |
| ctrl:cyber Pitch | 2.8 |
| Wanderers Football Park | 2.8 |
| AAMI Park (MVC) | 2.5 |
| AAMI Park (MCY)* | 2.2 |
| CommBank Stadium* | 2 |
| Cessnock Sportsground* | 2 |
