It was another epic weekend of action in Round 18 of the Hyundai A-League.
Upsets, drought-breaking wins and a decisive top-of-the-table clash headlined a round that had a bit of everything.
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But which players stole the show? Thanks to Opta data, here’s every club’s best performer from the weekend.
Adelaide United – Craig Goodwin
Another week, another appearance from the classy Reds attacker.
Goodwin only managed one shot against Melbourne City but it was his side’s only goal in the 1-1 draw at AAMI Park.
He also made three crosses, which was the most of any Adelaide player.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6000264752001
Brisbane Roar – Dylan Wenzel-Halls
What a game for the Roar rookie!
On a night the speedy striker won’t forget in a hurry, Wenzel-Halls scored a late winner as Brisbane upset Sydney FC 2-1.
It was part of a team-high five touches in the opposition box, while his four shots were the most of any Roar player.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5999925896001
Central Coast Mariners – Aiden O’Neill
It might have been another frustrating 90 minutes for the Mariners but O’Neill can certainly hold his head up high.
The midfielder – on loan from Premier League side Burnley – made the most passes for his side with 55, completing at a superb 81%.
O’Neill’s 16 ball recoveries were also the third most of any player in Round 18.
Melbourne City – Bart Schenkeveld
The burly Dutchman has been City’s most consistent player this season and was at it again on Saturday night against Adelaide.
No player had a greater passing accuracy – for a minimum of 20 passes – than Schenkeveld who had a stunning 93%.
Schenkeveld also finished the game with 13 ball recoveries.
Melbourne Victory – Leigh Broxham
Victory’s ‘Mr Fix-it’ was at his typically understated – but brilliant – best in the 2-1 loss to Perth Glory.
Not only did Broxham, playing at centre-back, set-up Victory’s goal but he also made a joint round-high nine clearances.
Broxham also made a team-high 97 touches for the match.
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Newcastle Jets – Ronny Vargas
Vargas’ supreme talent is well-known in the Hyundai A-League and we saw a prime example of that with his classy individual goal in the 1-1 draw against Wellington.
As well as his moment of magic, Vargas also created an equal team-high three scoring chances and went close to getting a second goal with a header in the second half.
Not one to shirk his defensive work either, the Venezuelan also had a joint round-high four interceptions.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5999502565001
Perth Glory – Diego Castro
The silky Spaniard did it all in Glory’s massive 2-1 win over Melbourne Victory.
Even at 36 years of age, Castro showed he’s still extremely agile with his acrobatic finish for Glory’s match-sealing goal.
The Glory skipper also made two clearances for the match and had the third highest passing accuracy of the weekend with 89%.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6000449197001
Sydney FC – Daniel De Silva
Getting a rare start for Steve Corica’s side, De Silva made the most of the opportunity.
De Silva scored the Sky Blues’ opening goal in the 2-1 defeat against Brisbane Roar with a composed finish at the far post.
His passing accuracy of 84% was also the second-highest of any goal-scorer this round.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5999912031001
Wellington Phoenix – David Williams
Williams continued his rich vein of form under Mark Rudan with an eye-catching performance to salvage a draw against the Jets.
With his side trailing 1-0, Williams came up with the crucial equaliser with an assured finish from Louis Fenton’s pass.
No player had more shots on target than Williams’ two for the round, while he also created two scoring chances.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5999517179001
Western Sydney Wanderers – Jaushua Sotirio
The often-maligned winger answered some of his critics in the Wanderers’ drought-breaking 2-0 win over the Mariners.
Not only did Sotirio score the Wanderers’ second goal of the game but he also created two other chances for teammates.
And he capped an excellent display with a team-high seven touches in the opposition box.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6000254671001
