Another cracking round of Hyundai A-League action as the Summer Football Festival continued in Round 15.
Here are our writers’ best XI and manager of the round from the five matches this week.
KEEPER
Glen Moss (Jets)
Pulled off a couple of vital saves to keep his side in the match, including one remarkable reflex stop to deny Blake Powell in the second half. The All-White’s best match in Jets colours.
DEFENCE
Raul Llorente (Wanderers)
The Spaniard was excellent for the hosts in their 1-1 draw with Adelaide. He made a couple of crucial interventions to deny certain Adelaide goals.
Alex Wilkinson (Sydney FC)
Showed he’s still up there with the very best by blanketing another in-form veteran in Massimo Maccarone at Suncorp in Sydney’s 3-0 win.
Nathaniel Atkinson (City)
Continues to look comfortable in the Hyundai A-League. Was strong in both attack and defence at right-back, keeping Glory maestro Diego Castro quiet for much of the night.
MIDFIELD
Steven Ugarkovic (Jets)
Controlled the middle of the park for the Jets, getting through a mountain of work in the win over the Mariners. Showed his ability going forward with his assist setting up the crucial opening goal for Petratos.
Josh Brillante (Sydney FC)
Where does he find the energy each week? Tracks back, charges forward and did it all with his usual precision on Monday night as the Sky Blues cruised past Roar.
Isaias (Reds)
The Reds skipper completed 90% of his passes in a super performance. And it was his inswinging corner that led to the equaliser in the 1-1 result against Wanderers.
ATTACK
Daniel Arzani (City)
How good is this kid? Confident, skilful and aggressive in his willingness to make things happen. Set-up both City goals in a dominant 60 minutes before he was substituted in the West.
Ross McCormack (City)
Was the difference between the two sides in the West. Two goals, including a peach of a free-kick, in City’s methodical 2-0 win over Glory.
Adrian Mierzejewski (Sydney FC)
Continues to get better and better. Made it seven goals in eight games with his classy strike against Brisbane Roar, to go with a smart pass in the lead-up to the Sky Blues’ opener.
Nathan Burns (Phoenix)
Came on as an early substitute and changed the complexion of the game, setting up both of Wellington’s goals in a come-from-behind win over Victory.
Manager of the round
Darije Kalezic (Phoenix)
It hasn’t been the easiest of campaigns but Phoenix showed some good signs – albeit against a 10-man Victory – to register a second win of the season under Kalezic.
