Joshua Brillante – 6.5

Uncharacteristically struggled to gain control alongside Brandon O’Neill in the first period and was sloppy in possession. Rectified both of these areas in the second half as well as nullifying the threat of Baumjohann.

Brandon O’Neill – 6.5

Put in a very similar display to partner in crime Brillante. Retained possession well for most of the game with short and sharp passing.

Siem de Jong – 7.5

Found himself quite isolated in wide areas for most of the first half. However, the Dutchman showed all of his class and experience to change the script in the second. A perfectly weighted pass set up Buhagiar before the new signing dispatched a mesmerising free-kick past a hapless Nizic.

Milos Ninkovic – 8

Did not do any damage in terms of scoring or assisting but watching him on the ball is treat for any A-League fan. So good at being able to ease the pressure off of his teammates with his work in tight spaces and knowledge of what’s around him.

Trent Buhagiar – 6.5

Took his goal very well in an accomplished fashion but besides that was quite peripheral for most of his 68 minutes. Still looks to be a young exciting prospect who needs time to adapt at his new club.

Adam Le Fondre – 6.5

Known notoriously as a poacher during his time in England and it is obvious that he prefers playing on the shoulder of the last defender. Unfortunately, Elrich was well aware of that and gave Le Fondre nothing all game, except for a penalty which was put away emphatically by the Englishman.

SUBS

Alex Brosque – 6

In typical Brosque fashion he was right in the thick of it after coming on, causing a dispute between the two sides late on. Don’t be surprised if we see him play as more of a super-sub this season.

Paulo Retre – N/A

Came on too late to get a rating.

Cameron Devlin – N/A

Came on too late to get a rating.