Coach of the year Graham Arnold has encouraged an alteration to the A-League finals format to give the top-two finishers a second chance.

Two days after runaway premiers Sydney FC suffered a painful home semi-final loss to Melbourne Victory, Arnold suggested it might be time to give the best teams "another bite at the cherry" in the post-season.

Graham Arnold has suggested a finals format change for the A-League. Credit:AAP

As it stands, the top two earn a weekend off along with hosting rights in the second week of finals, but will still be knocked out if they lose.

To date, no side lower than second has won the championship, implying the system does reward the right teams.