MELBOURNE VICTORY

Lawrence Thomas (GK) – 6

Didn’t have much to do in the first half even despite the goal. Took aerial balls well and plays high off his line to anticipate early balls, but his distribution was off and found Adelaide players too often.

Jason Geria – 6

The right-back got forward, got high, made his crosses and looked good on attack. His form defensively varied from play-to-play in what was a hard shift marking Absalonsen.

Rhys Williams – 7.5

Supremely comfortable in defence and his experience as a midfielder showed. Williams was confident on the ball, played good passes and was more than happy to step out with smart runs to begin attacks from the back. Finally, a Delpierre replacement for Kevin Muscat.

Thomas Deng – 6.5

Did the simple things well and that’s all he had to do. Generally he timed his challenges well and won the ball in defence more often than not. He’s slotted back into the Victory side nicely.

Leigh Broxham – 5

Was worked over by Marrone down his side of the field but wasn’t comprehensively beaten. Broxham held up his end of the bargain defensively and kept Marrone and Mileusnic honest when they penetrated the final third, but didn’t offer much the other way.

Carl Valeri (c) – 5

Turned over a short pass and gave away a free kick in a dangerous spot early in the first half, his job was mainly defensive, trying to hold back waves of Adelaide attacks in the second half.

Mark Milligan – 5

The Socceroo had little impact on the match. Victory’s midfield was shut down by the pressure Adelaide were applying and didn’t make too many eye-catching passes in attack.