Sydney FC's former star import Alessandro Del Piero in action in 2014. Credit:Getty Images This season Sydney FC is spending $1.6 million on their two marquee players, Alex Brosque and Filip Holosko, roughly $400,000 less than last season when Austrian striker Marc Janko led the attack. It represents a growing trend of marquee expenditure decreasing since the club made arguably the biggest impact on Australian football by bringing in former Juventus captain Del Piero in 2012. It cost them $8 million across two years – a generous sum they never recouped financially – and boosted the profile of Sydney FC and the A-League competition. After their relationship with Il Pinturicchio ended in 2014, the club spent $2 million outside the cap on two marquees.

Up to it: Alex Brosque says Sydney FC are ready to compete in two competitions. Credit:Getty Images That budget was reduced slightly this year and, despite being linked with Kevin Kuranyi this transfer window, a guest signing appears increasingly unlikely. Understandably, one reason is to do with finances. In the first year of Del Piero's tenure at Sydney FC, the club incurred losses of some $7.5 million. Sources suggest this year's forecasts are losses of just $1 million. While the total amount spent on marquees is $3.4 million less, it only plays a minor role in strengthening the club's financial position. The overriding factor is how the club astonishingly managed to triple its revenue in just four years. When Sydney FC's total costs were $13 million in 2012, their revenue sat at just $5.5 million.

They've continued to spend on the club, having increased that expenditure to $16 million and that is without paying for big-name players like Del Piero. The club harnessed the momentum of the Del Piero years and subsequently provided massive cash injections into all other areas of the club, whether it be marketing, coaching or community programs. Furthermore, the perception the club's "Bling" image is eroding due to costs being cut in their football department is said to be misleading. Fairfax Media understands Sydney FC have never spent more money on their technical and coaching department in the form of not only coaches but also technology, facilities and accommodation before home games. The environment in which players train and work is better than it has been at the club with resources diverted away from big signings and into the club's foundations.

This is in excess of the club providing funding for the full salary cap of $2.55 million and have allocated resources to fill all additional player payments such as loyalty, junior marquee and mature age rookies. The club still has approximately $250,000 left in the salary cap and in total reportedly spends less than four other clubs. However, they remain the biggest spenders on their two marquees. In the past five years, Sydney FC have never been in a better position on the table at this point in the season. The club is emerging as a title favourite. The Sky Blues have lost fewer games than any club, boast the meanest defence and are developing a strong team culture. The "Bling" image that got them into the gossip columns as early as 2005 may now be fading.