In a game that tends to provide more talking points than most, rivals Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC played out a 2-2 draw on Australia Day. Isaka Cernak and a Fabio-enforced own goal from Liam Reddy had Melbourne 2-0 up just before the break. Goals from Bruno Cazarine and Seb Ryall late would see Sydney steal a point.

Melbourne Victory

1.Magilton not afraid to make changes
Three changes were made to the side that was comprehensively beaten by Perth 4-1. Vargas, Kemp and Broxham were all omitted from the squad as Hernandez, Brebner and Fabio returned. Jim Magilton named a 4-4-2, Covic kept with Foschini, Leijer, Milligan and Fabio in front of him. Brebner and Ferreira held in midfield, as Kewell and Cernak lined up on left and right. Carlos Hernandez began just behind Archie Thompson. I agreed with the changes and thought they needed to happen. I agreed with one move in particular...

2. Harry back on the left
I wrote last week that Kewell played his best football for Victory on the left and was returned there for the Australia Day clash. Harry shrugged off a knock to his shoulder early on to look like Victory's biggest threat on the counter. He continues to get better with each passing game, all that is missing is the goals.

3. Not enough pressure
Too many times, Sydney were allowed too much time on the ball as Victory barely put any pressure on. This came from sitting too deep and not pressing Sydney. Also, Sydney players were given too much space as Victory didn't mark the Sky Blue shirts effectively. The players didn’t take the initiative after the break to finish Sydney off and paid the price for it in the end.

4. Rare mistakes from Ante Covic
Usually Victory most consistent performer this season, Covic didn’t have the best of days against the Sky Blues. His fumble of the ball in the box at the start of the second half led to Bruno Cazarine’s goal that put Sydney back in the game. I also thought he was indecisive when the ball came in the six-yard box, often caught out of position. A rare off game for Covic and my criticism here may be harsh, unfortunately it is noticeable because of the result and his important position in goal.

5. Welcome Mark Milligan
The Socceroo defender signed for the club earlier in the week, coming home after a stint at Japanese club JEF United. He came into the side immediately, partnering Adrian Leijer in the centre of defence. I found it hard to read much into his game, but I feel he will be crucial for the side, helping organize a soft Victory defence.

Sydney FC

1. Good result, but still issues
Sydney FC did what they have done in several games this season and came back to get something out of the game. I think they still have issues based on the season and this performance, which stem from slow starts, player selections and midfield. They have potential to challenge and be a top side, but they are struggling through a range of issues.

2. Early injury setback
Marquee man Brett Emerton started out on the left of a midfield diamond made up of McFlynn, Kisel, Emerton and Carle. Emerton limped off on the half-hour mark with a hamstring problem. Hiro Moriyasu replaced him, putting Sydney down a sub early. I don’t think we’ve seen the best of ‘Emmo’ yet and I hope he doesn’t miss much football in the coming rounds.

3. Curbed Archie Thompson’s influence
Pascal Bosschaart and Mike Beauchamp started as the centre-back pairing and did the job on Archie Thompson, who struggled to get in to the game. Having said that, I do think he was lacking support up the front. Carlos Hernandez started behind him as the playmaker and didn’t have the best of games either. Put that in with a solid performance at the back of ‘Boss’ and Beauchamp, there goes a chunk of the Victory attack.

4. Cazarine the main threat
The tall Brazilian looked the man most likely to score for Sydney FC, providing the big target in the area with Mark Bridge partnering him. Victory had looked suspect against tall, athletic strikers this season (i.e van Dijk) and it looked that way again with Cazarine. He wasn’t helped by the service at times in the first half, but took an opportunity to get his team back into it early in the second half.

5. A few selections…
Like I wrote before, one issue I feel at Sydney is player selection. Karol Kisel is one I feel shouldn’t be a first team selection, I’d rather be seeing Rhyan Grant (who is a great tryer at full-back), Mitchell Mallia and Dimi Petratos in the side ahead of him. Another might be Terry McFlynn, who hasn’t had the greatest season, but I’d keep him around, mainly because he is skipper and to help Steve Corica and Nick Carle mentor Terry Antonis and co. There are a few combinations and youngsters Lavicka has at his disposal. For their supporters' sake, I hope they find the right one soon.