Death, taxes and Dimitri Petratos scoring Hyundai A-League crackers.
There are few players blessed with the combination of power and precision the Newcastle Jets maestro has at his disposal.
And the 26-year-old added another tracer-bullet to a catalogue already brimming with brilliant long-range strikes on the weekend.
As Saturday evening’s thunderous match-sealer against Melbourne Victory highlighted, the Sydney-born playmaker is truly one of the Hyundai A-League’s most spectacular long-range shooters.
MERRICK: ‘We’re playing some really good football’
REPORT: Jets breathe life into Finals Series bid with Victory boilover
WATCH FOR FREE: How to watch the Hyundai A-League LIVE and FREE
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5568539709001
Shooting gallery: where does Petratos rank?
But he isn’t the only player to grace the competition to boast a strong claim for that title.
Melbourne Victory great Carlos Hernandez and Perth Glory star Nebojsa Marinkovic frequently showcased their ability to burst the net from range, while a threat from outside the box has also become a trademark for the likes of Roly Bonevacia and Luke Brattan.
Indeed, it is the Serbian maestro Marinkovic who has scored the most goals (12) from outside the box since Opta started collecting that stat at the start of the 2012/2013 Season, followed by Adam Taggart, Aaron Mooy and Bonevacia with nine.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5588594908001
Petratos may always secure a slot on the end of the season highlights reel, but he has sometimes landed disapproval for overusing the incredible weapon he has in his arsenal.
For instance, he’s unleashed 61 shots from outside the box this season with only Saturday’s stunner to show for it, which is more than double than Bonevacia, his nearest competitor, with 30.
Brattan on the other hand has fired off 25 shots from outside the area for a return of four goals.
However, what sets Petratos apart from his peers is the chances he creates for others in the final third – more than any other player this season.
He is a player with a born gift of engineering space for himself and others in the box, and there are fewer sights finer when the Caltex Socceroo executes these manoeuvres to perfection.
Perth edge one step closer
Tony Popovic may have been preparing a rare post-mortem to deliver to his Perth Glory players at the 80-minute mark of Sunday’s clash with Melbourne City.
That was until Diego Castro inspired the Hyundai A-League leaders to another memorable comeback.
WATCH: Castro rescues Perth with a stunning injury-time strike
A 2-2 draw means Perth have secured 22 points on the road this season, an incredible record for a club whose struggles on the road had become a perennial handicap.
Perth continuese to rise to any challenge which might scupper their challenge for the title.
Even despite two back-to-back draws, the manner of Perth’s comeback must surely mean Glory return to Western Australia in a triumphant mood.
REPORT: Fast-finishing Glory deny City late in four-goal draw
ANALYSIS: AAMI Park turnaround continues Glory’s incredible away day record
HEROIC MOMENTS: Magical Castro pushes Perth closer to Premiership
The team showed great character tonight. 2-0 down in stifling conditions to comeback and grab a draw. Amazing support by The Shed n @FansVag on their Tour of Duty. Thanks for coming over. Safe travels back. We now have a week off then away to @AdelaideUnited #OneGlory #MCYvPER pic.twitter.com/NmySEg347z
— Tony Pignata (@tpignata9) March 3, 2019
Sydney FC remain in the Premiership hunt
If Sydney are to step up their title assault as Steve Corica promises, the Premiership chase could well and truly on for the Sky Blues.
Corica’s side continue to grind out narrow victories, and as shown in Friday night’s 2-0 win over Adelaide United, there is life yet in the club’s Premiers Plate defence.
The reigning Premiers have scored just four goals in their last five matches, but with Reza Ghoochannejhad off the mark and the Sky Blues battling with intent, you’d be a brave man to dismiss an entertaining run home.
Especially if the spectre of Graham Arnold still looms large around the Harbour City.
According to Corica’s estimations, the Sky Blues are only playing at 43% of their potential.
Funnily enough, Arnold referenced the same figure in November 2017. Sydney would go on to win clinch their second consecutive Premiership.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6008817938001