Outside90’s Brayden May picks out the best individual performances from the latest round of A-League action for our Team of the Week.
Danny Vukovic – Goalkeeper – Melbourne Victory
Whilst his side cruised to a 3-0 win Victory’s goalkeeper stood tall on numerous occasions to keep out the visitors as they went in search of goals to work their way back into the game. The former Perth Glory man made a number of exceptional saves to keep the Phoenix at bay. The result sees Vukovic collect his second clean sheet of the season from the opening four matches.
Jason Hoffman – Right Back – Newcastle Jets
The right back did not make the best start to the game but grew stronger as the match went on. Hoffman gained three votes in the Outside90 player of year competition following yet another strong performance for the Jets. Hoffman’s overlapping runs down the right were key to his attacking performance as his side launched their come back from three goals down to win 3-2 against Melbourne City.
Daniel Bowles – Centre Back – Brisbane Roar
Bowles played an integral part in the heart of defence alongside Jade North as his side recorded a 3-0 win over Adelaide United at Suncorp Stadium. The 24-year-old displayed great concentration throughout the match demonstrated by his reactions deep in defence. Two highlights from a man who has come through the Brisbane Roar youth ranks was when he denied Marcelo Carrusca and stopped a charging Tarek Elrich in his tracks.
Jake McGing – Centre Back – Central Coast Mariners
The youngster who only made his debut back in round one against Perth produced his best performance in his short career in the 3-1 loss to Sydney FC on Saturday afternoon. At the weekend the former Western Sydney man was in the right place at the right time to clear a number of crosses and intercept a number of key passes with the Sydney front three looking to get in behind the defence.
Daniel Georgievski – Left Back – Melbourne Victory
Moved back to his preferred position on the left side of defence, the versatile defender produced a solid performance which is sure to put coach Kevin Muscat in a position where he sticks with the Macedonian in this position. Post-match Muscat said the combination of Fahid Ben Khalfallah and Georgievski down the left has always worked well. The Macedonian kept Roy Krishna at bay for most of the night.
Brandon Borello – Right Wing – Brisbane Roar
Having burst onto the scene in the second half of last season, the 20-year-old produced yet another majestic performance as a part of the Roar’s front three. Borello’s combination with striker Jamie Maclaren looks as if the pair have been playing together for a number of years. The youngster scored a double as his side cruised their way to a 3-0 win against Adelaide United. His speed and precise technique were highlights throughout the day.
Dario Vidosic – Central Midfield – Western Sydney Wanderers
Produced his best game yet since his return to the A-League with new club the Wanderers. Vidosic had a man of the match performance. The midfielder put the talent that earnt him a move from Adelaide United to Swiss side FC Sion in 2013 on display against Perth Glory. Vidosic was instrumental in the first half as he opened the scoring after earlier seeing his wonderful strike well saved by former Wanderer Ante Covic.
Matt Mckay – Central Midfield – Brisbane Roar
The Roar skipper produced a typical Matt Mckay performance, providing energy and closing down opponents throughout the entire match. The Socceroo had a direct involvement in two of his side’s goals as they once again put their title credentials on show with a dominant performance at home. A looping pass to Thomas Broich was key in the Roar’s first goal. His passing managed to pick out his strikers on numerous occasions throughout the night.
Enver Alivodic – Left Wing – Newcastle Jets
Playing on the left side of midfield, the Jets winger produced a masterful display putting the right side of City’s defence to the sword. The Serbian was one of the driving forces behind the Jets comeback at AMMI Park on Friday night as they defeated one of the predicted title contenders. The 30-year-old produced a number of mazy runs as he proved to be a handful for the City defence throughout the entire night in particular during the second half.
Matt Simon – Striker – Sydney FC
Simon came back to haunt his former club with a double off the bench as his side claimed a 3-1 win over the Mariners. The new Sydney FC man is the leading scorer for the Mariners across the first ten years of the A-League, and having not been offered a new contract by his former employers his brace was made that little bit sweeter. The 29-year-old work tirelessly throughout the second half with his efforts paying off in goals.
Besart Berisha – Striker – Melbourne Victory
The Albanian really loves the big stage at Etihad Stadium as he scored another double to lead the champions to a 3-0 victory against the Wellington Phoenix on their traditional Melbourne Cup eve fixture. The Victory’s marquee man showed great close dribbling for his first goal as he finished into the bottom corner before finishing his second goal with composure after losing his footing as he rounded Phoenix keeper Glen Moss.
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Honourable Mentions
Thomas Broich – Brisbane Roar: His passing ability was on full display as he picked out Borello for the opener whilst making numerous chances throughout the game.
Milos Trifunovic – Newcastle Jets: Scored a double in his side’s comeback win, producing great runs and positioning to score the goals.
Kosta Barbarouses – Melbourne Victory: Produced another dazzling performance down the right side of the Victory’s attacking quartet, unlucky to have his deflected effort go down as an Andrew Durante own goal.
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