Juninho this week told the Brazilian press that Australian defenders are violent and think of tackling rather than the football.

But Alagich said those whose job it is to keep opposing attackers at bay are simply determined to give their all in pursuit of success.

Juninho suffered a shoulder injury earlier in the season following a challenge with Alagich’s defensive colleague Ange Costanzo, a knock he has yet to fully recover from.

He was also unhappy about his treatment during last weekend’s defeat by Melbourne Victory and made a vigorous protest to referee Mark Shield about the tackles flying in.

Alagich believes defenders in the A-League go out to give their best for their coach, their teammates and their supporters and that such determination and passion is an important part of the game.

He said: “I think Australian defenders are combative, always willing to stay in a contest and there is a determination never to give up, it’s a ‘never say die’ attitude out there.”

A glance at the current A-League statistics shows that Adelaide’s players can hold their hands up on the hard but fair front as not one of the club’s defenders currently has a slot in the league’s top 10 for fouls committed.

Juninho just creeps into the top 10 of most fouled players but it is fellow Brazilian Daniel who has had to pick himself up off the floor the most times this season, having been clattered 21 times in Wellington Phoenix colours.

In terms of collective guilt, Sydney FC and Adelaide United are no saints.

Branko Culina’s men lead the way for A-League fouls this year on 122 with Adelaide in second spot on 118.

On the plus side for Sydney, it is also top of the league for most effective tackles this year.

The cleanest side after the opening third of the season is Newcastle Jets, the only team yet to commit 100 fouls.