Adelaide City entered the final series having finished second in the league to the Melbourne Knights.
In the major semi-final, they won both legs with an aggregate score of 3–1, qualifying for the grand final ahead of the minor premiers.
After losing the major semi-final to Adelaide City, the Knights followed up with a narrow 3–2 preliminary final victory over South Melbourne, who had finished sixth in the league.
[4] Assistant referees: Fourth official: Match rules The championship was the Knights' first win after having lost three grand finals since 1991.
[4] Melbourne Knights defender Steve Horvat was awarded the Joe Marston Medal for best player in the grand final.