An avalanche of goals but still some clean sheets to end the season: The A-League players who were the difference in Round 26
Joe Lolley was outstanding for the Sky Blues, scoring a brace as Sydney FC equaled their biggest ever victory.
Perth Glory coach Kenny Lowe has added another star player to his roster after luring fringe Socceroo Mitch Nichols for the upcoming A-League season.
Nichols has been loaned to Glory on a one-year deal by Japanese club Cerezo Osaka.
Under the arrangement, Perth have the option to sign Nichols once the loan deal expires.
Nichols scored 26 goals over 137 A-League appearances with Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory.
The 25-year-old has made 10 appearances for Cerezo Osaka since joining the J-League outfit in January, but felt his future would be best served by returning Down Under.
Queensland-born Nichols represented Australia at under-20 and under-23 levels, before making his Socceroos debut against Kuwait in an AFC Asian Cup qualifying game in 2009.
He has made four international appearances for the national team.
Nichols joins Republic of Ireland international Andy Keogh, former Jets skipper Ruben Zadkovich, Diogo Ferreira, Dino Djulbic and Youssouf Hersi as new signings at the Glory.
“I had options to stay in Japan and even go to Europe on loan,” Nichols said.
“However, I wanted to come back to the A-League. I’m excited at what is happening at Perth Glory both on and off the field and at what I think we can, as a team, achieve this season.
“The players that Kenny has attracted to the club during the off-season really shows intent and demonstrates the ambitions that the club has.”
Nichols, who won an A-League title with Brisbane in 2012, flew out of Japan last Thursday and will join up with his Glory teammates for pre-season training next week.
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