Brandon O’Neill – 6.5

Passed the ball with ease, very rarely looked backwards for an option and often hit his target, but was also seen turning around to chase Adelaide attacks when Sydney tired late in the game.

Joshua Brillante – 6.5

Did his better work getting back in defence. The midfield duo had their workload lightened by the return of Mierzejewski pulling the strings, allowing Brillante and O’Neill to work together getting back.

Adrian Mierzejewski – 8.5

The Mark Viduka medallist was exceptional and must be commended for playing a full match in his first game back from injury. Mierzejewski followed his whim into central areas to create the play with incisive passing and stretched with his movement and wide balls. Set up the winner.

Milos Ninkovic – 7

Put himself in Adelaide’s weak spot to bag the opener, exploiting the right side of defence and wrong-footing Michael Marrone to score. Battled a right calf complaint from the 39th minute onward and came off in the 62nd minute for David Carney.

Alex Brosque © – 6.5

Was in the mix on several build-up plays but was outshone by Adrian in the playmaking stakes. Didn’t get overly involved in general play and that was perhaps reflected in his substitution in the 71st minute.

Bobo – 7

Scored the winner; a beautiful header at the back post amongst the heavy traffic of a dangerous free-kick. Bobo set the tone for Sydney early on, showing energy to attack the final third.

SUBS

David Carney – 6

Spread Adelaide wide and added valuable run later in the game.

Matt Simon – 5

He was near the centre of the brawl ignited by Michael Marrone’s actions on the build-up and fulfilled the typical Matt Simon-role of adding an extra option at the top.

Sebastian Ryall – N/A

Subbed on in half-time of extra-time.