Adelaide United were the big movers in Matchweek 16, benefiting from Macarthur FC and Melbourne City dropping points as the Reds moved to within one point of Central Coast Mariners at the top of the table.
The Reds beat Macarthur and drew to fellow Finals Series aspirants Western Sydney Wanderers to jump into second by the end of the Matchweek.
City drew 1-1 with Sydney FC and Macarthur added to their loss to the Reds by falling to a 2-1 defeat at home to Brisbane Roar, who ended their eight-game winless run with the shock result on the road.
Melbourne Victory beat Newcastle Jets on Saturday afternoon, and after Craig Deans’ side drew 1-1 with Perth Glory in their second game of Matchweek 16 Victory are now placed just one point behind the Novocastrians.
Read on to see who made our 4-3-3 formation in the Team of the Week for Matchweek 16 – presented by Bunnings Warehouse.
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Goalkeeper
Andrew Redmayne – Sydney FC
Jamie Maclaren’s 98th-minute penalty for Melbourne City denied Sydney FC goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne a clean sheet in a 1-1 draw between the two Premiership contenders in Matchweek 16.
Redmayne made six saves from his seven shots faced, including two key blocks to deny Maclaren a second-half equaliser before eventually succumbing to the City striker from the penalty spot.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6248186693001
Defenders
Ryan Strain – Adelaide United
Ryan Strain put in a pair of busy shifts in Matchweek 16, as the Reds took on Western Sydney Wanderers and Macarthur FC.
Strain took 89 touches, made 4 clearances, two intercepts and won five of nine duels in a 1-1 draw with the Wanderers before creating three chances, winning six of nine duels and clearing twice in his side’s 3-1 win over Macarthur FC.
Rostyn Griffiths – Melbourne City
Whether playing in the heart of defence or midfield, Rostyn Griffiths has continually impressed under Patrick Kisnorbo this season.
Griffiths played alongside Curtis Good in centre-back against Sydney FC in Matchweek 16. The 33-year-old made 11 clearances, two interceptions and won five of his six duels in the 1-1 draw, taking 106 touches and passing 85 times at 90.6% accuracy.
Dylan Ryan – Melbourne Victory
A maiden A-League goal capped off an enormous performance from Dylan Ryan in Melbourne Victory’s impressive 2-1 win over Newcastle Jets.
The central defender scored the equalising goal to drag Victory back into the contest before Lleyton Brooks scored the winner late in the second half. Ryan was immense in defence, winning all 11 of his duels, making 10 recoveries and clearing 10 times.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6248170805001
Macaulay Gillesphey
Playing on the left side of a back three, Macaulay Gillesphey was a prime contributor to Brisbane Roar’s tide-turning win over Macarthur in the first game of Matchweek 16.
Gillesphey was vital to his side’s defensive efforts, as the ever-dangerous Matt Derbyshire was kept off the scoresheet. The English defender made six interceptions and seven clearances to go with four of seven duels won throughout his side’s 2-1 win.
Midfielders
Juande – Adelaide United
After just four Adelaide United appearances, Juande looks right at home in the Reds engine room.
The former Perth Glory man featured twice for Carl Veart’s side in Matchweek 16, offering composure and defensive reinforcement to his new side. Against the Wanderers Juande played 53 passes at an accuracy of 92.5%, won six duels, made three clearances and three interceptions.
Against Macarthur he passed 61 times, increasing his accuracy to 95.1%. The 34-year-old won all four of his attempted tackles, seven of 11 duels and made three clearances.
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Luke Brattan – Sydney FC
Luke Brattan was a standout performer in Sydney FC’s 1-1 draw with Melbourne City. The midfielder played an impressive array of passes, showing the ability to consistently pick out his attacking teammates in dangerous positions.
Brattan played 10 crosses throughout the game, created a pair of chances and played 68 passes from 93 touches at 88.2% accuracy.
Jay O’Shea – Brisbane Roar
Brisbane Roar’s prime creator was at it again against the Bulls, setting Dylan Wenzel-Halls up to convert the opening goal of the game.
O’Shea took a team-high 97 touches throughout the game, created four chances including the assist, and played 75 passes at an accuracy of 86.7%.
Forwards
Ulises Dávila – Wellington Phoenix
A goal and assist in a Phoenix win – Ulises Dávila was at his brilliant best against Western United.
The Mexican was everywhere for Wellington in an entertaining 3-2 affair. Dávila’s first-half penalty brought his side back level at the break. The Phoenix then pulled ahead after Dávila’s shot on goal was helped into the back of the net by Jaushua Sotirio.
But after United equalised once more, Dávila sent Sam Sutton down the left flank to tee up Ben Waine for the winning goal, scored on the brink of full-time. It was a typically effective display by Wellngton’s star man in Wollongong.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6248332010001
Dylan Wenzel-Halls – Brisbane Roar
It was a return to form for Dylan Wenzel-Halls in Matchweek 16, after his early goal put the Roar on a path to a shock win over the Bulls.
Wenzel-Halls dropped to the bench for Brisbane’s first game of the Matchweek against Western Sydney, before Warren Moon reintroduced his young striker to his starting 11 to face Macarthur. The 23-year-old looked refreshed and hungry for goals, scoring the first and going close from a pair of chances which followed in the first half.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6247909917001
Craig Goodwin – Adelaide United
Craig Goodwin’s impact on Adelaide’s fortunes since his return to the club in February continues to grow as each game passes by.
Goodwin was vital to the Reds in Matchweek 16. The wide-man created four chances, played 13 crosses and took five shots against the Wanderers before starring in Adelaide’s home tie with the Bulls, scoring one, assisting another, crossing 15 times and creating five chances.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6248956608001
