With everything to play for at a rain-soaked Polytec Stadium, a bare bones Mariners line-up failed to find the net against a Sky Blues side desperate to avoid a last-placed finish.
Last year's champions could not settle for anything less than a win on Saturday afternoon, after Melbourne Victory defeated Perth Glory to rise into the top six on Friday.
Brisbane's 2-1 defeat of third-placed Canberra United was the final nail in Central Coast's coffin, with the Roar finishing fourth.
A draw was enough to lift Sydney to 11th, ahead of Western Sydney on goal difference, meaning the former competition heavyweights at least avoid their first wooden spoon.
The Mariners had plenty of chances go begging in the opening half, unable to find the opener from 10 shots.
Central Coast coach Kory Babington was without proven goalscorer Isabel Gomez (suspension), with Avaani Prakash, Tiana Fuller and Peta Trimis on international duty with the Young Matildas in Thailand.
Eliza Familton missed a golden opportunity to break the deadlock in the 17th minute after a brilliant long ball from goalkeeper Annalee Grove.
Familton outpaced Sydney defenders Willa Pearson and Tori Tumeth, beat the outstretched hand of Sydney shotstopper Heather Hinz, but her shot hit the left post.
The visitors were similarly wasteful, with nobody able to salvage the crumbs of Kirsty Fenton's header in the 88th minute.
At McKellar Park, Roar goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln saved Emma Hawkins' penalty kick in the dying minutes to deny Canberra an equaliser after United defender Ruby Cuthbert brought down Hawkins three minutes into added time.
Aimee Medwin drew first blood for the away side in the 21st minute thanks to a superb long ball from Kijah Stephenson.
Canberra hit back through a headed goal from captain Michelle Heyman in the 62nd, but Alicia Woods' corner kick went straight in six minutes later to restore Brisbane's lead.
Finishing third behind premiers Melbourne City and runners-up Wellington, Canberra will host sixth-placed Melbourne Victory in an elimination final.
The Roar will face fifth-placed Adelaide United in the other knockout match.
The losers will see their seasons come to an end while the victors will progress and take on City and the Phoenix.
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