Round 17 was full of interesting contests and plenty of controversy.
The highlight of the weekend was a five-goal thriller between the Perth Glory and the Brisbane Roar. Despite four teams keeping a clean sheet, there were 14 goals scored in six matches and a scoreless draw in the Melbourne derby.
Incredibly, the five teams that claimed three points all had less possession than their opponent.
Let’s talk about football and take a look at who made a difference.
Thomas Heward-Belle had an incredible game.
The Western United shot-stopper made six saves and somehow stopped Jets attacker Trent Buhagiar from being on the scoresheet.
The 26-year-old showed why he is an inspiration, as he has been forced to bide his time as a backup goalkeeper until joining Western United this season.
After the game, his comments were interesting and showed his humility: “Just relieved. It was a massive effort. Risdon saved me big time. We just got to build on this win.”
Newcastle Jets coach Robbie Stanton was full of praise for Heward-Belle: “Tommy had a top game, their keeper.”
Trent Buhagiar did everything in his power to get a goal, but it wasn’t meant to be.
Robbie Stanton was spot on in his post-match press conference: “I think Trent made a lot of difference at times during the game, I feel for him, because I would’ve liked for him to get a reward, because you know he could’ve had a hat-trick tonight.”
Joe Lolley put in a decent shift for the Sky Blues; his endeavour never wavered, as he was in the thick of the action, with some good combination play.
The 31-year-old created three chances and won what proved to be a decisive penalty, which Fabio Gomes scored in the 84th minute, which gave Sydney FC what ended up being an unassailable two-goal lead.
Austin Ayoubi breathed life into a Reds team that was flat.
The 22-year-old was brought off the bench in the 78th minute and had an influence on the game. In what was an otherwise lifeless display from Adelaide United, Ayoubi gave them some hope.
The young prospect provided the assist for the only goal scored by his team in the 94th minute by Javi Lopez.
Curtis Good helped his team claim a point and keep a clean sheet.
The 30-year-old cleared a shot from Zinedine Machach off the line in the 29th minute. That was the difference between Melbourne City claiming a point or leaving empty-handed.
The Socceroo also provided an important headed clearance in the 70th minute and showed his worth to the City team when tested.
Paul Izzo performed well for Melbourne Victory.
The Victory goalkeeper made three saves, most notably in the first half stoppage time he saved a shot from Marco Tilio, with the ball hitting the bar and going out for a corner.
The 29-year-old made another pivotal save when he was one one-on-one with Terry Antonis in the 81st minute, which meant that Victory kept a clean sheet and claimed a point.
Adam Taggart was the player who stood up for the Glory and led from the front; he opened the scoring in the 24th minute and made the score 2-2 in the 73rd minute with a sublime finish, after 19-year-old substitute Joel Anasmo weaved his way through the Roar defence.
The Glory captain made some insightful comments post-match: “Everyone wants to win. You can see tonight there was a real buzz. I’ve got a lot of belief in this group.”
Nikola Mileusnic got the Roar back into the match in the 29th minute, as he made the score 1-1 and gave the Roar some momentum, as youngster Thomas Waddingham gave the Roar the lead seven minutes later.
Brian Kaltak proved why he is one of the best stories to originate from the A-League. He helped limit the impact of Brandon Borrello and Nicolas Milanovic; the Mariners goalkeeper Danny Vukovic only had one save to make, albeit a top-draw one.
The Vanuatu international showed he’s even a threat from set pieces as he headed a corner from Max Balard into the post in the 44th minute.
The 30-year-old was like a brick wall as he repelled attacks and showed that he has a high football intelligence.
Dylan Scicluna put in a good shift for the Wanderers. With injury comes opportunity and the youngster didn’t disappoint.
The 19-year-old was in the thick of the action and proved that he’s a good prospect for the future, should he be given the opportunity he deserves.
Bernardo Oliveira helped the Bulls get back into the game with a clinical finish in the 78th minute, which was set up due to great build-up play from Charles M’Mombwa.
The 19-year-old displayed maturity beyond his years in what ended up being his last involvement in the game and showed the Reds what they’re missing.
The young prospect was chuffed post-match: “Obviously happy to score my first, but obviously wanted the three points.”
Kosta Barbarouses scored a brace and led his side to a win that showed plenty of grit given they were without a number of first-choice players, which included the Phoenix captain Alex Rufer.
The experienced attacker broke the deadlock with a composed penalty in the 31st minute. His second goal showed just how tenacious he is as he found the back of the net even though he was lying on the turf.
His post-match comments were perceptive: “Gritty performance. The boys did a hell of a job. We’ve got a very young team as well.”
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
Well Buhagiar his best moment was the first header that was saved , the second header was unmarked point blank range and he could have placed anywhere, but hit it straight at Heward Belle. Apostolous hit two great headers the one Hewerd Bell finger tipped onto the cross bar, the other one he beat Hewerd Belle but Risdon made a great leaping header to intercept it. So Apostolous over Buhagiar for me.
Doran Smith
Roar Guru
Some insightful opinions, couldn't agree more about Barcellos diving and the tackle Farrell made was unacceptable. I'm interested in who you would've picked for the Jets.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
I dont know about Buhagiar, for my money he is in the perfect shooting position fairly central within the area and goal keeper has not closed him down, instead of shooting he takes another touch and its a bad touch and takes it wide and the angle is then poor , usually Buhagiar waits too long to shoot, waits till the keeper closes him down or if he is running wide till the angle is acute. Caceres was the best against Adelaide should have had three assists against Adelaide , but Gomes did the inexplicable twice, that crazy side volley when the ball was hit slow enough and dipping if he waited for it it would have been an easy volley, then not shooting when he rounded the keeper, maybe there were a defender or two blocking the goal mouth but so what the chance is not getting any better from that point. City I would go for Souprayen I thought his distribution was good, and it was funny how City were avoiding passing it to Jeggo. CCM you could argue Farrel won them the match by crippling the opposition, especially Antonson going off Borrello looked short of gallop. I suppose in judging that performance you could argue he would have got sent off by normal reffing though, so he would have probably lost them the match. Also the diver Barrichello as dives go that was top of the class, though again you could argue with a normal var it would have been overrulled.
jbinnie
Roar Rookie
Waz Henry Hore is the pick of the young players coming through at Roar .but over the last 2 games I have started to wonder if the kid knows what his job in this team formation, he plays in his only penalty box, he works hard in midfield, and yet still has to get up to help his "lone ranger" pal up front. What does he get for his effort?.Pulled off at the 60 minute mark. Not good. jb
Doran Smith
Roar Guru
I'm a big fan of Henry Hore, but I felt that the goal from Mileusnic got the Roar back into the game, which made the difference. It doesn't mean I think Mileusnic was the best player for the Roar.
Doran Smith
Roar Guru
Brattan is thriving under Talay. Based on Taggart's form he should definitely be in the Socceroos squad.
Doran Smith
Roar Guru
Chief is doing a good job with balancing youth and experience.
Waz
Roar Rookie
What does Henry Hore have to do to get a mention??
Grem
Roar Rookie
Bernardo is really looking good at Macarthur. He was brilliant against Saba in the Asian Cup game. Hopefully he is about to realise his potential. Lolley had a great game for Sydney, but I’m still seeing Brattan as their main player at the moment. He is doing a great job at 6. Do you think Taggart will be in the Socceroos squad?
NoMates
Roar Rookie
With one of the youngest squad in the league, it truly shows Nix academy is doing its job.