Brayden May selects our best team from the first week of the A-League finals.
Jamie Young – Goalkeeper – Brisbane Roar
Despite conceding a goal, Young showed exactly why he is preferred to Michael Theo at this stage of the season. The 30-year-old made a number of key saves to keep the Victory out as the visitors dominated for much of the game, in particular the first half. The former Reading goalkeeper showed great confidence throughout the match to command his area.
Josh Risdon – Right-back – Perth Glory
After arguably the best season of his career, Risdon closed out the season with yet another strong performance. The Socceroo supported his attackers well with numerous overlapping runs throughout the 90 minutes. Tasked with keeping Ben Garuccio quiet, the full-back stuck to his task well, keeping the winger quiet throughout the match.
Patrick Kisnorbo – Centre-back – Melbourne City
In what was arguably his best game this season, the City skipper stood up when it counted most for his side. Kisnorbo was dominant in both the air and on the ground, stopping everything that came his way throughout the match. His experience will be key as City look to reach their first ever grand final next week against Adelaide United.
Matthieu Delpierre – Centre-back – Melbourne Victory
Yet again, the veteran defender produced a good performance in a big game for his side, limiting the impact of dangerous striker Jamie Maclaren. In what was possibly his last A-League game in a Victory shirt, Delpierre ensured his A-League career finished the way it started with a dominant defensive performance.
Jack Clisby – Left-back – Melbourne City
Called into the side due to the absence of Ivan Franjic, the 24-year-old did not let his manager or team mates down with perhaps the best performance of his Melbourne City career. Clisby was dogged in defence with the Glory struggling to break him down on a number of occasions throughout the match.
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Matt McKay – Central-midfield – Brisbane Roar
Was energetic from the outset as he harassed Victory players in the middle of the park throughout the night. The veteran did what was needed of any skipper when his side went behind as he grabbed the equaliser immediately after Besart Berisha had opened the scoring for the 10-men Victory.
Dimitri Petratos – Central-midfield – Brisbane Roar
While he was quiet in the early stages of the match, Petratos grew more into the game as time went on. The former Sydney FC man had more of a say as his side gained more control of the game in the second half. Lacked the final pass at times which limited his impact on the game, unlike what we have seen from him in recent weeks.
Anthony Caceres – Central-midfield – Melbourne City
The former Central Coast Mariner showed exactly why he earnt a transfer to Melbourne City in January with a top class performance against the Glory. The midfielder was clean in possession throughout the match, helping to add another bit of class to an already classy Melbourne City side. The move really has paid dividends for the youngster.
Aaron Mooy – Central-midfield – Melbourne City
Mooy might not have been at his absolute best against the Glory but he did produce another solid performance for the home side on their way to a 2-0 win. The Socceroo passed the ball well throughout the match, controlling the tempo of the game. With continuous good form it is hard to see him playing his football in Melbourne next season, or indeed Australia.
Bruno Fornaroli – Striker – Melbourne City
The striker continues to amaze as he scored a double to lead Melbourne City into another A-League semi-final. The Uruguayan opened the scoring with a stunning bicycle kick, possibly one of the best ever goals scored in the league’s history. He has shown he can perform on the big stage and he could be the man to lead City to the title.
Besart Berisha – Striker – Melbourne Victory
Despite being on the wrong end of the scoreline, Berisha produced yet again on the big stage for the Victory. The marquee man scored a goal that did not seem likely after Jason Geria had been sent for an early shower only moments earlier. Got plenty of action from the crowd which the striker seemed to thrive on throughout the match.
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