The decision by Football Federation Australia to revamp the Finals Series sees the body flex its muscles from a position of strength.

It is timely and necessary.

It also arrives off the back a thrilling season seven, which saw marked increases in crowds, TV audiences, memberships, and digital traffic.

The organisation is unlikely to appease all players, fans, and officials, and the revamp offers traditionalists the chance to tell visionaries that change is not good.

This blogger feels Football Federation Australia has to strike while the iron is hot, and the new initiative should mean more bums on seats. The anticipation is huge, and October cannot come quickly enough for fans up and down the country.

The stranglehold of Brisbane Roar and Central Coast Mariners on the domestic game's biggest prizes is likely to face its biggest test.

The facelift does away with the repetitive strain of teams potentially playing each other three times in a four-week window, and the introduction of two semi-final matches adds to the uncompromising knockout nature of the end-of-season series.

The organisation has also been cute in maximising immediate interest in season eight by throwing in a number of high-profile fixtures, including a Grand Final rematch, as well as Melbourne and Sydney derbies, in the early rounds.

Two New Year's Eve fixtures are added to the mix, and the chance to see New Year's Day football for the first time.

The A-League has to evolve to prove it is serious, and these small but important tweaks prove the body has listened to clubs, commercial partners, the media, and supporters.

Bet on Socceroos on the Bet365 website, for the best odds on international football, or check out the live in-play betting previews, and enjoy a head start on your A-League betting, this summer.