The Roar's A-League Men tips and predictions: Round 26 - the jostle for finals positions is on in earnest
Here is the way the Roar expert panel sees all the action unfolding across the final weekend of play prior to the semi-finals.
Dylan Wenzel-Halls made his debut for the Roar last Saturday in Brisbane’s 2-0 win against Melbourne City.
Coming on as a stoppage-time substitute for Matt Mackay, the brief playing period marks a huge achievement and a dream come true for the young striker.
Playing NPL QLD football earlier this year for Western Pride, the 20-year old (who turns 21 in December) notched up a record 24 goals in just 14 games.
Understandably, the Roar snapped him up, signing him to a one-year contract in May. This meant he was not able to finish his NPL season off, although he impressively still managed to win the golden boot, leading many to wonder how big his haul could’ve been had he played the season out.
Named on the teamsheet for the Round 4, 2-2 draw against Western Sydney, he was an unused substitute, but didn’t have to wait much longer to get his first professional run and he hope he doesn’t have to wait too much longer for some more minutes.
As for his three minutes of playing time against City, he displayed intensity, was confident and purposeful, with a couple of direct and probing runs with the ball.
Having had a few words with him, he appears to be a patient, grounded person with great work ethic and tenacity.
If he shows a willingness to learn and improve, he has the chance to learn from some of the league’s best, which makes it hard not to see him play a bigger role very, very soon.
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Here is the way the Roar expert panel sees all the action unfolding across the final weekend of play prior to the semi-finals.
Even though St.Pauli ultimately lost a high-scoring affair, Jackson Irvine was a standout, as well as scoring a late goal.
Mathew Leckie played a pivotal part in Melbourne City claiming an 8-nil win; playing a role in several of his team's goals.
The loser of the Sydney Derby will be under immense pressure entering the final three matches of the season.
Anthony Caceres is a player with immense talent and has a fantastic work rate, broke the deadlock against the Mariners in the 74th minute.
Round 19 was an interesting weekend of football with no draws, 19 goals in six matches, two five-goal games on Sunday and for the…