Crucial results were dotted throughout Round 25 of the Hyundai A-League season, but which players did enough to earn a spot in the Team of the Week?
Here’s our XI in a 3-4-3 formation.
KEEPER
Lawrence Thomas (Melbourne Victory)
Victory were outplayed for parts of their win over Wanderers on Saturday night and needed Thomas to be at his best. The goalkeeper obliged, denying Chris Ikonomidis when scores were level to go with a couple of key late saves.
DEFENCE
Ivan Franjic (Brisbane Roar)
Adapting well on the left of Roar’s defence as evidenced by his impressive numbers in the narrow win over Central Coast Mariners. Franjic topped his team’s tally for touches, tackles, possession gained and percentage of duels won, while helping keep a clean sheet in the process.
James Donachie (Melbourne Victory)
Made than doubled the number of clearances made by any other player at AAMI Park amid a fine job on Oriol Riera. Donachie was also the man fouled by Michael Thwaite in the decisive moment of the match.
Ben Garuccio (Adelaide United)
Adelaide’s flying left-back was rampant against Wellington Phoenix on Friday night, lashing in a superb solo goal and providing the cross that led to the Reds’ final goal.
What ? A ? Hit ?
If the net wasn't there it'd still be rising!
?: @FOXFOOTBALL #ADLvWEL #ALeague pic.twitter.com/PACCsLW4Nn
— Hyundai A-League (@ALeague) March 30, 2018
MIDFIELD
Adrian Mierzejewski (Sydney FC)
Another eye-catching display from the classy Pole. Not only did he score the Sky Blues’ opener at nib Stadium but he also set-up Bobo’s second with an incredible long ball from inside his own half.
Luke Brattan (Melbourne City)
Had the midfield under complete control at McDonald Jones Stadium and notched a pair of assists for City’s opening two goals, along with a game-high five key passes.
Nathan Konstandopoulos (Adelaide United)
Remained calm to net a richly deserved goal at Coopers Stadium and worked his socks off for 79 minutes. Could he keep Vince Lia out of Adelaide’s midfield?
Dario Vidosic (Melbourne City)
Daniel Arzani got City moving in the first half of their win over the Jets before Vidosic stole the spotlight in the second half, with the second of his brace a particular highlight.
Dario at the double! ⚽⚽
?: @FOXFOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/LcECv6Z9BQ
— Hyundai A-League (@ALeague) April 1, 2018
FORWARDS
Bobo (Sydney FC)
A record-breaking night for the Brazilian in the win over Perth. Scored a brace to take his 2017/18 tally to 24, the most goals ever scored in a regular season in Hyundai A-League history.
Eric Bautheac (Brisbane Roar)
Henrique scored Brisbane’s winner but it was Bautheac who put it on a plate for the Brazilian. The classy French winger was one of few sparks for the hosts in a largely subdued performance.
Adam Taggart (Perth Glory)
Introduced at the break by coach Kenny Lowe, Taggart almost single-handedly sparked an unlikely fightback with two classy finishes in the 3-2 loss to the Sky Blues.
A BRILLIANT strike from Adam Taggart to keep Perth Glory in tonight’s game! ???
? @FOXFOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/ULmUDeatRj
— Hyundai A-League (@ALeague) March 29, 2018
MANAGER OF THE ROUND
Warren Joyce (Melbourne City)
Few teams have outplayed Newcastle Jets this season, let alone on their own patch. Joyce’s men did just that as they dominated from start to finish against the competition’s second-placed side.
