Here’s what we learned from the weekend’s action…

1. Massimo’s Hungry
Massimo Murdocca might be missing his M&M sidekick Matt McKay but he's proved he can kick-on as a solo act. The pocket dynamo made an immediate impact in his cameo appearance against Gold Coast United and could be a potential reliever in midfield for Thomas Broich. The 30-year-old, who was even spotted marking lively debutant Maceo Rigters in central defence at one point (Total football? Not quite…), was more stereotypically efficient German than new-age creative German in Friday’s derby.

2. Football: Not So Cruel After All
Until the 60th minute of Sydney’s 2-1 away win over Adelaide, this lesson was all set to be yet another reminder of the cruelty of football. But then, via the now clearly underestimated technical ability of Jamie Coyne, some semblance of just reward was achieved. Amazingly, the result became even fairer when Nick Carle doubled the dose!  Sydney’s revival should in no small part be attributed to Terry Antonis who, despite being denied time after time by Eugene Galekovic and the goalframe, showed great resilience in dominating the midfield from start to finish. Eventually, every outcome was completely justified – bar Ivan Necevski who deserved a clean sheet.

3. Matt Foschini’s Passion Knows No Bounds
Kudos, Matt Foschini, for understanding the plight of the neutral. Mindful of what was an uneventful Melbourne derby for all but the most ardent of partisan supporters, Victory fullback Foschini fulfilled the commendable role of entertainer. After receiving a yellow card for what appeared to be a very fine challenge on Alex Terra, the youngster let rip at referee Strebre Delovski with a spray of proportions normally reserved for legendary Scottish coaches. Lasting a healthy 10-15 seconds, the tirade must have at some point touched on his utter dissatisfaction with the popularity of questionable mohawk haircuts (see: teammate Leigh Broxham).

4. It’s Amini or Bust
Three matches, five strikers and no goals; that’s the harsh reality for Graham Arnold. The Mariners are in dire need of a spark in the front third and Arnold will be hoping his prayers will be answered with the imminent return of Mustafa Amini, who completed an hour of youth team football on the weekend. Central Coast’s failings in finding an effective front combination in the early stages of the season means the number 10 role has become vital to laying on clear goalscoring opportunities, and Adriano Pellegrino is not the man for the job. Amini will have to be.

5. You’ll Never Stop Smeltz
“He was the difference,” said Ian Ferguson of Shane Smeltz after Perth’s 1-0 edging of Wellington. Correct, Ian. And he so often is, too. In pure goalscoring terms, there is no-one superior in the league. Expect the saying “Shane on the spot” to soon replace the incumbent ‘Johnny’, who has been non-existent for as long as we can remember. Now, what’s that? Wasted a second chance in the 70th minute? Blasted into the crowd, you say? Nope, don’t recall that one...