UNLIKE his predecessor Pim Verbeek, Socceroos boss Holger Osieck showed the A-League some love this week, labelling the competition as entertaining.
And while all divisions around the globe have their boring fixtures, it's undisputed that Australia's top flight has hit somewhat of a purple patch as far as quality goals are concerned of late.
Indeed, would it be going too far to say the very best goals from the A-League over the past seven days are up there rivalling the finest hits from the champos mid-week?
I haven't lost my marbles - there were some genuinely brilliant efforts this round. Check it out...
Goal of the Round
Despite not quite falling in game week 11 - this split round caper gives me headaches! - Brisbane Roar's dynamic Deutsch import Thomas Broich earned a nom this week for his cross-cum-GOAL!
The signing of the former Bundesliga attacker has proven to be a masterstroke from the Roar franchise, and while he may not have meant every millimetre of the goal against the Mariners, few could argue the player didn't deserve a slice of luck to fall his way following a number of consummate performances.
Of course, if Broich deserved recognition, his teammate Ivan Franjic certainly does too. There's only one word for Franjic's 25-yard strike - BOMB!
It's testament to the way the two sides are going about their business this season that the other two nominations for this rounds award comes from players turning out for fellow frontrunners Adelaide United.
I love a good cross and header combo and Sergio van Dijk features again thanks to his finish from Lucas Pantelis's accurate ball into the box.
As does awards regular Marcos Flores, who simply doesn't know how to play without panache. Flores's touch with the outside of his right boot and subsequent chip over Mark Paston summed up all that's amazing about the eloquent Argentine.
My winner? With some consideration, I've opted for Roar right-back Franjic. His lethal shot would still be travelling if the well strung net hadn't slowed its considerable momentum.
Save of the Round
So plenty of quality from the outfield players this week, but with the A-League home to many a fine custodian, those with a penchant for fine saves certainly weren't left wanting.
Rolling through these at a rate of knots, the weekend saw Mark Paston acrobatically deny Paul Reid, while Michael Petkovic rebuked Reinaldo's crisp connection.
Aleks Vrteski got down low to his left to palm a Mark Bridge effort to safety, while although it registered as a goal kick, Glen Moss did in fact deny Eli Babalj with a wonderful intervention (if a tree falls in the woods).
But the undisputed winner this round goes to Brisbane's Michael Theoklitos. Against his former club, in injury time, to keep his team a goal to the good, 'Theo' continued to enhance his reputation with a reflex save fit for any highlight reel.
The nightmare from Norwich ought not to haunt this stunning shot stopper anymore.
Mark Bosnich Challenge - Best Goal Celebration
You know the story. If an A-League team performs a better goal celebration than that of Icelandic club Stjarnan, good old Bozza will shave his locks.
Brisbane Roar went mightily close to making Bozza part with his strands with their Oarsome Foursome effort, with Massimo Murdocca on the paddle.
While not earning a shave from the former Socceroo keeper, it was by far the best goal celebration this season. Well in, lads.
NB: Post your ideas about what your club could do below. As a Jets fan, I'm thinking a tribute to new owner Nathan Tinkler could be in order. He owns a horse racing empire, so get your thinking caps on boys!
Top Tweets
Keeping the most vital cog in Australian football (the fans) involved, I'll finish with some of the top tweets sent to the #aleague hash-tag over the past round.
First to emmerina, who didn't appreciate Travis Dodd's Labinot Haliti inspired goal celebration. "These days Dodd is very low on my list of footballers I want to see without a shirt. Lose the paunch, Dodd!"
Austom valued the referees post game pep up - "Love how the match officials get pumped with the backslapping and vigorous handshakes before the game".
While fellow FourFourTwo contributor and Melbourne Heart fan DejanKalanic has warmed to Aziz Behich. "CONFESSION: I thought Aziz Behich would never make it. He has."
Till next week, enjoy the wonderful world of football...
Follow me on Twitter @BennyONeill
