An uneven draw in Australian sport is not unique to football. Happens likewise in AFL and NRL. Codes that also have finals. Similar effectively to most American sports with East and West conferences.
Not saying it’s right but both these countries have highly competitive sports markets. Unlike say Europe where football is untouchable.
A focus on derbies, uneven draws, finals, unfriendly kick off times are as much a symptom of football having to fiercely compete for public attention and TV revenue as anything. Though a 11 team comp seems dumb, and hopefully when SW Sydney enters the A League goes back to an even draw.