The series was played over three weeks culminating in the 2021 A-League Grand Final, where premiers Melbourne City won their first championship 3–1 against reigning champions Sydney FC.
[3] Adelaide United became the last to finish in the top six and qualify for the finals series after a 2–2 draw with the Western Sydney Wanderers.
Third-placed Central Coast Mariners qualified for the finals series for the first time since 2014 to set up a home elimination-final against inaugural sixth-placed Macarthur FC.
[10] The 2021 Grand Final was the first rematch of two teams from the previous edition, of Melbourne City and Sydney FC.
[11] Melbourne City were looking for their first Grand Final success, while Sydney FC were on the verge of three consecutive A-League championships.
Sydney opened the scoring through Kosta Barbarouses, until City immediately responded with an equalising goal by Nathaniel Atkinson.