The A-League players who were the difference for their teams in Round 1

By Doran Smith / Roar Guru

It’s great to have the A-League back. In Round 1 we saw some new signings, new coaches and players ready to make an impact in the new season. Check out my choice of player from each team who made a difference.

Adelaide United (3) v Central Coast Mariners (0)

Adelaide United

Zach Clough helped Adelaide United control the tempo of the game when the game was in the balance. Clough showed his experience as he was instrumental in the opening two goals; the first goal was due to an incisive pass from him to Hiroshi Ibusuki, who provided the assist for Ben Halloran. Adelaide United’s second was cooly put into the back of the net by Clough from the penalty spot. His post-match interview gave a good insight into the way he approached the game; “I played with freedom. In preseason I’ve been working hard.”

Zach Clough celebrates a goal. (Photo by Sarah Reed/Getty Images)

Central Coast Mariners

Danny Vukovic saved Central Coast Mariners from an annihilation, making some freakish saves. It was inspirational the way Vukovic kept the scoreboard respectable; he made ten saves, the majority of which were extremely difficult and there was nothing he could do about the three goals the Mariners conceded. Remarkably, eight of the ten saves Vukovic made came inside the box. He summed the match up well from their perspective; “Gave away too many chances. Back to the drawing board for us. I’m still gutted about conceding three.”

Macarthur FC (1) v Brisbane Roar (1)

Macarthur FC

Clayton Lewis began his stint at Macarthur FC with a solid display. He was the catalyst for his team taking the lead as he provided the assist for the goal scored by Raphael Borges Rodrigues. Lewis passed the ball around exquisitely and helped Macarthur FC stay in the game and claim a draw that was probably deserved.

Brisbane Roar

Jay O’Shea put in a great shift, which is what we’ve come to expect of him. He had a remarkable 111 touches of the ball and was rewarded when he scored the equaliser from a set piece in the 73rd minute from a free kick. Along with that, he created five chances and finished the game with 16 passes in the final third. It’s a pity there was no one from the Brisbane Roar who was clinical enough to finish, but wasn’t through lack of trying from O’Shea.

(Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)

Melbourne City (1) v Western United (2)

Melbourne City

Tolgay Arslan performed admirably for Melbourne City as he did everything in his power to get his team a result. He provided the equaliser with a sublime finish in the 62nd minute only two minutes after Lachlan Wales from Western United broke the deadlock in the 60th minute. Arslan was arguably the best player on the pitch, despite being on the wrong end of the result, because he created three chances and made eight passes into the final third and scored the best of the three goals in the game. He showed his class in the post-match interview; “Our goal is still the same, we want to win the league. Congratulations to Western. It’s a hard league, it’s tough. I believe we’re going to have a successful season.”

Western United

Thomas Heward-Belle was outstanding in his first game as goalkeeper for Western United. He made some pivotal saves; two of which came in the 50th minute, one of which was a spectacular save from Jamie Maclaren. He made six saves, three of them were diving saves and showed why Western United chose to recruit him to the club as their number one goalkeeper.

Sydney FC (0) v Melbourne Victory (2)

Sydney FC

Joe Lolley played a decent game as his endeavour never wavered; he did his utmost to find pockets of space in the middle of the park and tried his best to make an impact in the final third; Lolley finished the game with four shots. Although the end product wasn’t there, Lolley can hold his head up high as he nearly produced magical moments and showed fighting spirit.

Melbourne Victory

Zinedine Machach introduced himself to the A-League in the best way possible by scoring a freakish goal that proved to be the difference, giving Melbourne Victory a 2-nil lead in the 86th minute; he weaved his way past about five Sydney FC defenders and produced a clinical finish, which made the goal a world class one. In his post-match interview he was perceptive; “We are happy, because we have success to do. I am happy, because today I feel good. Melbourne Victory is a big club here.”

Nicolas Milanovic of the Wanderers battles for possession with Finn Surman of the Phoenix. (Photo by Mike Owen/Getty Images)

Western Sydney Wanderers (0) v Wellington Phoenix (0)

Western Sydney Wanderers

Nicolas Milanovic put in a good performance for the Western Sydney Wanderers; Milanovic was unlucky he was playing against a goalkeeper who was in top form in Alex Paulsen, as Paulsen denied Milanovic from breaking the deadlock in the sixth minute. The grit, determination, character and execution of his talent was there for all to see, as Milanovic worked tirelessly to score the elusive goal, but it wasn’t for lack of trying. His post-match interview was a great insight; “a bit more fire in the belly this season. We just need goals. If we get goals then we are going to be unstoppable.”

Wellington Phoenix

Alex Paulsen was the probably the most influential player on the pitch. It wasn’t just the four quality saves he made, it was the manner in which he commanded his area and his decision making. Paulsen was also good with the ball at his feet and showed that despite the Wellington Phoenix recruiting Jack Duncan, Paulsen should be the number one goalkeeper for the foreseeable future. In his post-match interview it displayed that he still has his feet on the ground; “the back four and up the top did a good job. This game today was a good test for us. I’m always nervous, I always feel nervous before a game.”

Perth Glory (2) v Newcastle Jets (2)

Perth Glory

Oliver Bozanic proved what a good leader he is and that he still has what it takes to play at the top level. He was like an on field coach and the conductor of an orchestra. He tracked back to claim possession of the ball at times and ventured further up the field when needed. Bozanic helped Perth Glory control the tempo of the game. He appeared calm and composed and to be settled in Perth; “it’s great to be here, really enjoying the start to my career in Perth. The club is on the up with the new ownership.”

Newcastle Jets

Kosta Grozos was the forefront of the Newcastle Jets leaving Perth with a point as he was responsible for both goals scored by the Jets, with both goals being equalisers. The first goal scored by Grozos was a cracking strike from outside the box, which went into the back of the net in the 14th minute. He also provided the assist for a goal scored in the 92nd minute by Apostolos Stamatelopoulos as Grozos cross was exquisite and got the finished product that it warranted, which ensured the Jets didn’t leave Perth empty handed. He summed his goal up well; “I hit it well and the ball went in.” Along with that he summed up what he wants out of the season; “get as many minutes as I can.”

The Crowd Says:

AUTHOR

2023-10-25T12:13:15+00:00

Doran Smith

Roar Guru


Thanks for sharing your opinion.

AUTHOR

2023-10-25T12:11:27+00:00

Doran Smith

Roar Guru


I gathered that.

AUTHOR

2023-10-25T12:08:55+00:00

Doran Smith

Roar Guru


That’s a worry for Sydney FC.

2023-10-25T11:05:19+00:00

Brainstrust

Roar Rookie


I wrote Clayton Zane when it should be Lewis.

2023-10-25T07:52:02+00:00

Waz

Roar Rookie


O’Shea is the easy pick, Freke made the difference - without him Roar lose that game comfortably

2023-10-25T00:11:03+00:00

Brainstrust

Roar Rookie


Adel vc CCM Vukovic how many great saves did he actually make, Ibusuki header from the corner was a good one, Gauci made as many good ones, and didnt let any goals in. The first and third goals while they were both well hit they were within reach of Vukovic. CCM Tulio, Torres and NIsbet were the best. Adel Clough was their second best, Irakunda was their best and his pass was the one that really setup the first goal. Maduna and Yull were also good. Roar MAC agree with Clayton Zane being the best, Borges would have been the next best scoring the goal and beating players if he didnt miss two others. Their main striker I didnt think got a chance , Drew did well on the other wing. Roar Oshea , Berengeur and Caletti were the best. Berengeur he lasted out the match better whereas against Sydney he was well out of it in the second half. Brownlie was promising as a sub. Roar should be a lot better without Gomulka. City Western United, Aslan was very good way above the rest , Howard Belle the great saves are offset by his butter fingers, Western United they all did sort of well hard to pick a single player maybe Penha and Wales because he scored the goal. Sydney Melbourne, Lolley your being generous he was up against Traore who suprised me how well he did , Sydney didnt have a good performer. Melbourne Macach is certainly a big attacking midfielder showed his strength with the foal.Macach certainly got involved defensively as well he did a lot of fouls and was lucky he didnt get a yellow for multiple fouls before his yellow card. Wanderers and Western United Milanovic his shot was good, but he failed big time not moving to the right position when Clisby headed it back across the goal. If the goal keeper is most influential then it doesn't say much about Wellington. Perth Newcastle the best player was Bennie, it was mistake even to take him off. Incredible work rate involved in both Perth goals. Grozos certainly hit the highlights reel with that goal , his passing was very good. Clayton Taylor was a threat with the ball.

2023-10-24T23:09:59+00:00

Brendan

Roar Pro


Oliver Bozanic has always been underrated too. I feel he gets along well with Staj, & he’ll thrive at Perth. Things were prickly at CCM & WSW, but it’s because he challenges the status quo.

2023-10-24T22:56:31+00:00

Brendan

Roar Pro


Joe Lolley is always a pleasure to watch. He’s needs better service though. You can tell he’s itching for a goal, but the poor guy is a one man army.

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