All manner of results contributed to a fascinating Round 23 in the Hyundai A-League as old heads and young talents alike stood tall.
Who did enough to make the Team of the Week?
Here’s our XI in a 4-3-3 formation.
KEEPER
Jack Duncan (Jets) – Though he wasn’t worked as often as he should have been by Wellington, Duncan narrowed the angled well on numerous occasions and produced a sharp save at the death to preserve all three points for Newcastle.
DEFENDERS
Bart Schenkeveld (City) – Used his speed and strength to quell much of Adelaide’s attacking threat on Friday night.
Jacob Pepper (Roar) – Few would have predicted the versatile Pepper as being key to the end of Sydney FC’s imposing home record, but he continues to prove a player suited to a backs-to-the-wall job. The goal was handy, too.
Rhys Williams (Victory) – No doubt disappointed to have coughed up two late goals, Williams was solid until then and provided a terrific raking pass for Christian Theoharous’ maiden Hyundai A-League goal.
Dylan Fox (Phoenix) – A mature performance in the heart of Phoenix’s makeshift defence that was almost rewarded with an equalising goal.
MIDFIELDERS
Thomas Kristensen (Roar) – Did everything required of a defensive midfielder to help steer Brisbane to three points, winning eight duels to go with an equal-high four interceptions.
Luke Brattan (City) – Always influential in possession, Brattan topped his team’s count in both tackles won and chances created to highlight a well-rounded performance at Coopers Stadium.
Matt McKay (Roar) – His opening goal at Allianz Stadium was as important to Roar’s belief as it was surprising. Led his troops well thereafter and won possession six times.
ATTACKERS
Leroy George (Victory) – A typically excellent performance from George, who rifled in a clinical opener on Sunday and notched an assist for the second.
Besart Berisha (Victory) – Announced he’s bang in form with a perfect a hat-trick in Melbourne Victory’s rout of Central Coast Mariners. Looms as a danger man over the remaining four rounds.
Johan Absalonsen (Adelaide) – Illustrated why Adelaide United took so much care with his rehabilitation by netting on his return to the starting XI and delivering seven crosses. He’ll only get better.
MANAGER OF THE ROUND
John Aloisi (Roar) – Brisbane set out to exploit what their coach identified as a Sydney FC weakness on set-pieces and they did it to perfection inside the opening 20 minutes. Aloisi will be remembered for breaking the aura around Allianz Stadium.
