Brisbane Roar returned to the top of the table on Saturday night, with star striker Jamie Maclaren claiming a hat-trick against reigning champions Melbourne Victory at Suncorp Stadium.
Here are the best performers from the match:
Jamie Maclaren (Brisbane Roar) – The Olyroos striker has emerged as one of the most potent strikers in the A-League, and he further enhanced his credentials for Socceroos selection with a swag of goals against a shambolic Victory defence. Opening the scoring in the 18th minute with a clinical finish, Maclaren waited just four minutes to lob a second over the head of a hapless Danny Vukovic. He completed his hat-trick in the 87th, scoring from a corner as confusion reigned in the box.
Dimitri Petratos (Brisbane Roar) – In good form of late, Petratos linked up superbly with his forwards throughout the night in one of his finest performances for the Roar yet. A pinpoint pass to Maclaren led to the striker’s second goal, chipped over a stunned Vukovic. The only blemish on the 23 year old’s game was a late yellow card for a shirt pull.
Jack Hingert (Brisbane Roar) – Hingert was barely sighted as Victory turned the screws in the early stages, but once Brisbane regained composure and took control of the match, he tormented Melbourne left back Scott Galloway. An early cross to Thomas Broich was kept out by Vukovic, and Hingert nearly had one of his own after swivelling and shooting just wide of the Victory keeper’s right post.
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