For both games, Sydney FC fielded mainly youth players and trialist's, of which included Matt Simon and Alex Mullen who would later go on to sign for the club.

[5] Rumours throughout the end of the 2014–15 A-League season that Sydney FC had signed Newcastle Jets and Young Socceroo midfielder, Andrew Hoole were confirmed on 30 April 2015.

Initially it was thought the services of Golden Boot winner, Marc Janko would be secured[7] but after he left for Europe the day after the grand final to plan his wedding, rumours circled that he would not return.

[8] This was confirmed a week later with the club citing the number of games Janko would miss throughout the season as the A-League does not stop during FIFA breaks a factor in the decision.

However, with the departure of Nikola Petković to Westerlo[18] there still remained one visa spot available, and on 28 July 2015, Sydney FC announced that he had re-signed for a further two years.

[19] With two days remaining before the commencement of the 2015 FFA Cup, Sydney FC announced the services of another former student of Arnold's (during his time with the Central Coast Mariners), when the club signed Matt Simon.

[20] The club then lost the services of talented Socceroos midfielder Terry Antonis when he was transferred to Greek powerhouse PAOK on 19 August 2015.

[21] On 25 August 2015, Sydney FC became the first club to utilise the "Mature Age Rookie" concept, signing Alex Mullen on a one-year deal.

However, the Sky Blues bounced back in injury time of the first half after a clever ball from Brandon O'Neill allowed skipper Alex Brosque to set up international marquee Filip Hološko with the equaliser.

[26] The match also involved a sickening collision between Sydney FC striker Shane Smeltz and Newcastle Jets goalkeeper Mark Birighitti which left the shotstopper requiring hospitalisation and major dental surgery.

Serbian international Miloš Ninković latched onto a splendid through-ball from rookie central midfielder Brandon O'Neill to put the game to bed.