Plenty of in-form talent up front, but who made the team of the week for Round 17?
KEEPER
Matt Acton (Victory)
A clean sheet for Victory reflects the quality of Acton’s performance. Deputising for the classy Lawrence Thomas, Acton pulled off a number of top-level saves against Wanderers, who had four shots on target in the 3-0 win for Victory. Acton, with a clean sheet, just edged the excellent Lewis Italiano for a spot in the TOTW.
DEFENCE
Andrew Durante (Phoenix)
Rock at the back. Against the club he won a Championship with, the Phoenix leader was immense in the shock win over the Jets.
Alan Baro (Mariners)
Bossed the backline, and even though he couldn’t keep Bobo scoreless, the Spaniard was at his very best in the 1-1 draw with Sydney FC.
Rhys Williams (Victory)
Says he’s not thinking about the Socceroos, but his form suggests he’d be close. Was at his best in the Wanderers clash on Friday night, as Victory kept a clean sheet in the win.
MIDFIELD
Tom Hiariej (CCM)
Absolutely bossed the Sydney FC midfield, keeping O’Neill and Brillante quiet while creating cleverly. The Dutchman was outstanding.
Marcelo Carrusca (Wanderers)
The only bright part of a dark night for Wanderers in the 3-0 home loss to Victory was the Argentine’s inventive display. Clearly relishing playing under Gombau, the former Red was in regal form (his balletic drag back and lay off was sublime). A “Cello” at full match fitness will be sweet music for red and black fans.
ATTACK
Kosta Barbarouses (Victory)
Two goals – including a thunderbolt to make it 3-0 – sealed a superb individual display by the pacy All-Whites winger. Barbarouses now with four goals in his last three appearances for Victory.
Daniel Arzani (City)
Takes players on and presses relentlessly. A star in the 5-0 win over the Reds. What a future he has and Warren Joyce will relish seeing Arzani supply Vidosic, Budzinski and McCormack in the second half of this season.
Chris Harold (Glory)
Snapped his long goal drought with a brace in the loss to Roar. Both were excellent, composed finishes, while his pace was a constant threat to Brisbane all night at Suncorp Stadium.
Roy Krishna (Phoenix)
Smashed a lovely goal and was at his pacy best in the eye-catching 3-2 win over the Jets. A constant outlet for the Kiwis.
Dario Vidosic (City)
Looked comfortable alongside Marcin Budzinski and sealed the points late with two goals in the 5-0 win – his first a goal of the season contender.
Manager of the Round
Darije Kalezic (Phoenix)
The revival continues and Kalezic has to take credit. Phoenix look organised and now with Burns and Ljujic they have a real edge up front.
