Round 17 of the A-League had everything from the longest match in history between Macarthur FC and Newcastle Jets, to the first ever 4-all score line.
Eight of the 23 goals scored came in the only game played on Sunday between Adelaide United and Western Sydney Wanderers and despite the goal fest, two out of 12 teams managed to keep a clean sheet.
There were so many good players in Round 17 that it made for a fascinating exercise to decide who made the cut.
Formation 3-4-3
Goalkeeper: Cameron Cook (Perth Glory)
Cook did well to make three solid saves in the opening ten minutes of the game to give the rest of his team confidence. It set the tone for the Glory to get something out of the game, so much so, that they were 2-nil up against Central Coast Mariners in the 51st minute.
Centre-back: Scott Neville (Brisbane Roar)
Neville continues to rise to the occasion in the centre of defence and he and Tom Aldred have formed a fantastic partnership. It’s safe to say that the season would be well and truly over for the Brisbane Roar if not for his intervention and blocked shots.
Centre-back: Damien Da Silva (Melbourne Victory)
Da Silva broke the deadlock with the opening goal of the game in the 7th minute which followed a Jake Brimmer corner. He worked hard defensively and played a key role in his team claiming the three points.
(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Centre-back: Carl Jenkinson (Newcastle Jets)
Jenkinson was made one of the three co-captains at the Jets for a reason; he is calm and composed and leads by example. The delay in the game never seemed to phase him and he did a great job at the heart of defence.
Right-midfield: Salim Khelifi (Perth Glory)
Khelifi scored both goals for the Perth Glory, with the first a stunning free kick and the second a calmly taken penalty. Another polished display from one of the leagues best.
Centre-midfield: Jake Hollman (Macarthur FC)
Hollman worked tirelessly for Macarthur in the middle of the park. He won the ball back often and did everything in his power to earn a point. It wasn’t to be in the end, yet Hollman was one of the best throughout the contest.
Centre-midfield: Alex Rufer (Wellington Phoenix)
Rufer led from the front as he helped the Wellington Phoenix control the tempo of the game and the balance of play. There’s no doubt that he performed to his optimum level; finding pockets of space and working hard. His leadership in the 3-nil win over Western United was obvious.
Left-midfield: Bozhidar Kraev (Wellington Phoenix)
Kraev played extremely well for Wellington, provided an assist for the opening goal of the game and scored the second. He was probably the best player on the park; providing chances for Oskar Zawada, as the two worked in tandem.
Wellington Phoenix fans (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)
Forward: Brandon Borrello (Western Sydney Wanderers)
Borrello scored a goal in first half stoppage time and then profited from another outstanding finish when he made the score 2-all in the 50th minute. He proved what he is capable of and if he can replicate that form consistently, Borrello will definitely be in contention for a place in the national team.
Forward: Hiroshi Ibusuki (Adelaide United)
Ibusuki hadn’t scored since last year, but Craig Goodwin let him take the penalty that broke the drought. He scored the opening goal of the game in the 32nd minute from the penalty spot. He then made the score 3-all in the 67th minute, thanks to another pinpoint cross from Goodwin.
Forward: Mathew Leckie (Melbourne City)
Leckie produced the only two goals of the game that Melbourne City could muster. He played in an attacking role and profited from the freedom it gave him. Another brilliant display from one of Australia’s best footballers.
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