There were some big results and eye-catching performances in Round 18 of the Hyundai A-League, but who did enough to make our team of the week?
KEEPER
Paul Izzo (Reds)
Adam Parkhouse will still be wondering how Izzo kept out his first half curler. That outstanding save set the tone for a fine performance from the Reds gloveman as he confidently commanded his area during Adelaide’s win away to Wellington.
DEFENCE
Scott Neville (Glory)
Looks to have cemented Perth’s right-back position and played with confidence in the win over Western Sydney, getting forward to good effect.
Jordan Elsey (Reds)
Wore the armband for Adelaide in Wellington and clearly relished the responsibility as he led a young side to an impressive clean sheet.
Luke Wilkshire (Sydney FC)
Handled his defensive duties well in the Big Blue, while his cross for Bobo’s all-important equaliser was high class. Continues to prove a shrewd signing.
MIDFIELD
Luke Brattan (City)
Warren Joyce wants Brattan to be more positive on the ball and the City boss can hardly argue with his playmaker’s recent form. Provided a superb cross for Dario Vidosic’s equaliser against the Jets on Friday night and was the dominant man in midfield.
Adrian Mierzejewski (Sydney FC)
Simply superb on the big stage. Had a hand in all three goals for the Sky Blues as Victory struggled to cope with his movement and eye for a pass.
Jordan O’Doherty (Reds)
A top all-round performance from the youngster as he created more chances, won more duels and passed at a better rate than any of his team-mates. Played a key part in the match winner for good measure.
Matt McKay (Roar)
Brisbane needed their leaders to stand up against Central Coast and McKay did just that. Harried an error out of Jacob Melling for the opener and grabbed a rare goal for himself in the second half with a smart read of Ben Kennedy’s loose pass.
ATTACK
Patricio Rodriguez (Jets)
Full of purposeful and flair, Rodriguez created more chances than any other Newcastle player in their entertaining draw with City. Deserved a goal for that breathtaking dribble in the first half.
Bobo (Sydney FC)
Nine rounds to go and he’s already Sydney’s highest ever scorer in a single season. Incredible. The Brazilian always pulls his weight, nodding the equaliser against Victory before winning and converting his own penalty for the lead.
Diego Castro (Glory)
Even with 11 men Western Sydney would have found it tough to contain Glory’s two-goal hero. A joy to watch in full flight.
