What got fans talking from Hyundai A-League Round 8?
Mariners’ steely new defence
Thirty six games without a clean sheet hung over the Mariners. Now, finally, a game without conceding after Thursday’s eye-catching 2-0 win over Glory. The question is, with growing confidence across this side and added nous in central defence, how far can this Mariners side go this season? As they sit in sixth this week, do not rule them out of a finals appearance if they can keep things tight down back.
“Kiwi Messi” smartest re-signing?
They say you should never go back to a place where you succeeded. It won’t be the same, so the saying goes. It’s hard to believe Marco Rojas’s career drifted across Europe in the last few seasons. But this season he’s returned to Victory and immediately rediscovered the form that won him the Johnny Warren Medal. It’s a credit to the professionalism of the club and coaching set up that a talent such as his can be renewed so soon.
Melbourne shaping up for a classic Classico
City may’ve shaded Victory in the opening month of the season, but the Big V has rebounded very nicely. They now sit third behind City and with Rojas firing on all cylinders and James Troisi again showing his undoubted quality, they are looking like their old selves. And if Berisha starts scoring again, they’ll be flying. That Melbourne Derby on December 17 will be a doozy.
Carney’s tackle sparks debate from ex-A-League stars
David Carney’s professional foul on Reds player Nik Mileusnic raised pulses. With the Reds player away on transition, Carney went in with one foot raised and ended Mileusinic’s progress near the half-way line, prompting Fox Sports commentator Robbie Slater to label the challenge “anti-football”. However, former A-League players praised the street smarts of Carney and drew comparisons to a certain Fabio Grosso!
