Want to know what we thought of each player’s performance in the Grand Final and who our best and worst were? Then read on.
The Grand Final is done and dusted and no matter which way you slice it the history books will show Brisbane Roar won 2-1.
History also tends to remember the score, not how the result happened, but regardless here is how we rated the player performances from each team.
Brisbane Roar
Michael Theoklitos: The Roar keeper had little to do all night, except collect crosses, through-balls and free-kicks. The one time his line was threatened, a goal was scored. Rating 6
Matt Smith: The Roar captain was resolute throughout the match and did the job, albeit rather physically on Shane Smeltz. On reflection he may have been lucky to stay on the pitch with that raised elbow, but he made the most of it. Rating 7
Shane Stefanutto: Was solid at the back without ever really threatening too much, but at the end of the day he got the job done. Rating 6.5
Ivan Franjic: Jeckyll and Hyde performance from Franjic. He could have been a hero bar some superb goalkeeping from Danny Vukovic, but he was almost the villain, turning a Travis Dodd cross into his own net. Rating 5.5
Mohamed Adnan: Adnan has been struggling for form of late and he looked slow once again throughout this match. Headed well over the bar when he had an early chance. Rating 5
Erik Paartalu: Hero last year, villain this year. He struggled to get into the game and was dragged by Postecoglu early in the second half after his loose pass led to Perth-s goal. Rating 4
Mitch Nichols: The strong midfielder was a constant threat to Perth and his incisive runs towards the box made him look a likely goal-scorer and while he didn-t find the net he created chances for himself in a dangerous display. Rating 8
Thomas Broich: Up and down sort of game from the German star, but his magical moments were exciting to watch. He set up Besart Berisha for his first and produced one stinging shot at Danny Vukovic, his passing game was, as usual top notch, Rating 8.5
Massimo Murdocca: The veteran was taken off in a double change with Paartalu and though he moved forward well he struggled to make an impact on the game. Rating 6
Henrique: The diminutive Brazilian was marked out of the game and quite frankly outmuscled. It wasn-t to be his night and he really didn-t do much aside from one speculative shot which sailed over the bar. Rating 5
Besart Berisha: Well he does love a late show and once again he brought his bag of tricks out when it mattered most. Blew a good chance in the first half but showed his predatory instincts were intact with a strong headed goal and then had the nerve to calmly slot the controversial penalty he won. Did his job, Rating 8
Nick Fitzgerald: Came on as a substitute in the 65th minute and immediately signalled his intent, his dash and enthusiasm created opportunities. Rating 6.5
Luke Brattan: Came on with Fitzgerald and played solidly at the back, albeit with little to do as the Roar were on the attack. Rating 4
James Meyer: Came on for Henrique late and had little impact on the match, nice for him to get a taste in the Grand Final though. Rating 4
Perth Glory
Danny Vukovic: While Theoklitos had little to do, Vukovic was kept busy and he delivered on the big stage, He may have been sent the wrong way by Berisha-s penalty but otherwise he was strong and in command. Made fine saves to deny Thomas Broich and Ivan Franjic. Rating 8
Josh Risdon: The young left back did a super job on Johnny Warren Medallist Thomas Broich, cutting the chances Broich had in half. He was also a massive threat when running into attack and played a huge game. Rating 8.5
Bas van den Brink: Defended the box in his usual resolute manner but appeared to run out of legs towards the end in a solid performance. Rating 7
Steve Pantelidis: Unfortunately for Pantelidis he was marking Berisha when the striker scored Brisbane-s first goal and he has to be held accountable for the header. Like all the Glory defenders he was resolute, but that mistake was crucial. Rating 5
Dean Heffernan: Saw off Henrique, but his two yellow cards cannot be excused. The first, a push on Thomas Broich was silly and the second was out of desperation and tiredness. He sullied a good performance with those crucial cards and a player of his experience should know better. Rating 3
Jacob Burns: Perth-s skipper was heroic in a beaten side and deserved his Joe Marston Medal. He was everywhere in defence and attack, running his heart out. Not bad for someone who had a serious injury cloud coming into the finals series. It was a complete performance. Rating 9
Liam Miller: Miller did his part admirably, especially in the first stanza but trailed off a little bit in the second half. His performance was workmanlike but he failed to provide the necessary spark and whether it was or wasn’t a penalty he was the man who gave it away. Rating 6
Travis Dodd: It was an energetic performance from Dodd and he didn’t deserve a third dose of Grand Final heartbreak. He must be wondering what he has to do to win one, but he did provide the assist for Perth-s only goal. Good performance. Rating 7.5
Todd Howarth: Started the match in place of Andrezinho but didn-t have the speed or impact the Brazilian might have done. Rating 5.5
Billy Mehmet: Strong as an ox but it was his fancy footwork that led to the Glory-s only goal. His work ethic is often huge and he defended and attack with great vigour and class. Rating 8
Shane Smeltz: The All White battled on strongly despite having his face smashed by a stray Matt Smith elbow. Smeltz seemed irate initially but once he calmed down he turned in a pretty solid display for someone who likely had a thumping headache. Rating 7
Scott Neville: Only saw 15 minutes of action and didn-t do a whole lot. Rating 4
Steven McGarry: Came on for the last ten minutes as a substitute for Smeltz. Suffered an injury himself but was a threat on the ball. Rating 4
The views in this article ate those of the author and not of the FFA or A-League
