Brayden May selects our best team from the second week of the A-League finals.
Eugene Galekovic – Goalkeeper – Adelaide United
In a weekend where there were 14 goals conceded across both finals, Galekovic and his Adelaide teammates produced a resolute defensive performance to earn themselves a spot in the grand final. The skipper was in total control of the 18-yard box and dealt with anything that Melbourne City threw his way in the air.
Michael Marrone – Right-back – Adelaide United
Marrone had yet another solid effort at the back for the Reds as they progress through to their third ever grand final next weekend. The fullback looked assured whenever he had the ball at his feet as the home side controlled the game from the outset.
Dylan McGowan – Central-defence – Adelaide United
McGowan was tasked with handling Bruno Fornaroli and the Adelaide man did not let his side down, keeping the Uruguayan out of the game which went a long way to securing the right result. The 24-year-old continued his fine form this season and capped-off his performance with a volley to make it 3-1.
Iacopo La Rocca – Central-defence – Adelaide United
La Rocca joins his central partner in the team of the week following yet another strong outings for Adelaide in their semi-final against Melbourne City. The Italian, who is set to face up against his former side in the decider, was his usual presence in defence, imposing himself on the contest with a number of strong challenges.
Scott Jamieson – Left-back – Western Sydney Wanderers
Jamieson was strong in his defensive work for much of the night, although his positioning may be questioned for the Roar’s third goal of the contest. The 27-year-old was a constant threat as he pushed forward on numerous occasions throughout the night, making a number of dangerous passes and crosses into the box.
Bruce Kamau – Winger – Adelaide United
The youngster showed exactly why he was handed a starting berth with an excellent performance, running rings around Jack Clisby for much of the night. Kamau won a penalty for his side after a brilliant run with his tricky dribbling, causing trouble for the City back four throughout the contest.
Mitch Nichols – Central-midfield – Western Sydney Wanderers
Nichols drew plenty of criticism for the way he acted following his side’s 5-4 thrilling win against the Roar, which earned the Wanderers yet another shot at an A-League title. He managed to create opportunities for his side on a number of occasions, pulling the strings in the middle of the park.
Aaron Mooy – Central-midfield – Melbourne City
In what will probably go down as his last season for City, Mooy’s performance which will ensure he leaves his mark on the competition. The Socceroo worked hard at both ends of the pitch with his passing game on full display, as well as sniffing out a number of Adelaide attacks with some great tackles and interceptions.
Romeo Castelen – Winger – Western Sydney Wanderers
The only criticism of the Dutchmen is that he could have had more than the three goals he scored on Sunday afternoon. Brisbane Roar’s Corey Brown will be having nightmares about the winger for the next six months as he proved a constant menace for the fullback, who struggled to cope with the veteran’s strong dribbling ability.
Jamie Maclaren – Striker – Brisbane Roar
Despite finishing on the losing side of Sunday afternoon’s thriller the young striker can hold his head up high after he finished his individual season the way he started it, absolutely on fire. Maclaren recorded a brace, with the most critical goal being the one that sent the game into extra time. His harassed the defenders throughout the match as he has done all season.
Bruce Djite – Striker – Adelaide United
This man really can’t stop scoring right now, and he added to his collection in recent weeks with a brace against Melbourne City. Both of his goals were well taken, with one from range and a smartly taken penalty. Added an assist later in the game to cap off his performance on a stellar night for the Reds.
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
