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

1. The Importance of Cassio
It’s strange to think a match which amounted to two shots on goal could have been salvaged by a left fullback, but such is the influence of Adelaide’s Cassio that you can expect it to have been the case. The Reds sorely missed the Brazilian’s drive and delivery in Friday night’s lacklustre draw at home to Newcastle and will continue to do so until his return, perhaps more than they originally thought. With Cameron Watson, a midfielder, out of position at right fullback and Iain Ramsey shouldering the work of two wingers, the indefinite absence of Cassio leaves Adelaide’s wide stocks worryingly thin. Universally applauded for their off-season recruitment, Rini Coolen and staff will likely need to find another gem should the 31-year-old’s layoff rule him out for the season. Perhaps Dario Vidosic’s renowned scouting abilities can be of service?

2. Irony: Not So Ironic
We, like most of you, were a little surprised when Gerard Parsons signalled a penalty in Central Coast’s favour with 10 minutes of their clash with Melbourne Heart remaining. Some will argue it was a split-second decision made to look simple with the benefit of the replay, but, really, you have to say Parsons shouldn’t have bungled the decision. After all, it was he who waved play-on in the fifth minute when Heart midfielder Wayne Srhoj crudely collected Rostyn Griffiths in the chops. Incidentally, the contentious penalty decision was awarded via a handball which looked suspiciously similar to the bicep area of the arm earlier used by Srhoj – oh the fantastic irony. Although, Srhoj did escape unpunished. And the Mariners’ opener was also fortunate on two accounts. But still … irony, right?

3. It’s Just That Easy
So, with a little help from Ange Postecoglou and Brisbane Roar, we have discovered the key to positive media coverage: breaking 74-year-old records! And it literally can happen overnight, too! The Courier Mail, Brisbane’s only daily newspaper, went from glorifying a seemingly innocuous Roar training bust-up – which had been met with collective disinterest on social media and FourFourTwo’s forums – in Saturday’s edition to a reception warmer than the post-game pyrotechnics in the space of 24 hours (or 90 minutes). No doubt former Arsenal maestro Robert Pires would have been highly intrigued by the initial promise of ‘EXCLUSIVE PICTURES’, but even he saw sense and was focused on praising Roar’s liquid football – the way it should be and they way it eventually was, too. Now, comrades, spread the word and we can finally conquer the fourth estate once and for all.

4. Paul Will Fill the Void
If there is one man to revive Wellington Phoenix’s top six aspirations it’s Paul Ifill, no question. The ‘Nix talisman was making just his first start since round two of this season on Sunday afternoon and didn’t miss a beat – in fact you could say he was probably a couple of steps ahead of the beat if such a metaphor didn’t carry negative connotations in the musical world. Within seven minutes of his full return from injury the Barbados international had cast aside Wellington’s recent scoring troubles, finishing Tony Lochhead’s direct pass with predictable aplomb. His enterprising return certainly rejuvenated his teammates as Tim Beckham’s 59th minute wonder strike spectacularly illustrated. While Ricki Herbert would undoubtedly prefer squad reinforcements, the new Phoenix owners could do worse than to invest in leading sports science advice for keeping Ifill fit.

5. STAY ON YOUR FEET! (Usually…)
Carlos Hernandez: playmaker, goalscorer, match-winner, shining athletic model. As Hernandez rose from the pack (you wanted to say it didn’t you Harps?) of statuesque Gold Coast defenders to nod home a thrilling winner for Melbourne Victory, it can only be hoped that some of those sharing a pitch with the Costa Rican took notice. As if Jonas Salley handing Victory their second penalty of the day wasn’t enough, 33-year-old twice capped Socceroo Roddy Vargas underlined, bolded and italicised the perils of launching one’s self with utter recklessness in needlessly getting himself red carded. It was the worst of a trio of bad footwork – Fabio’s humorous slip for Gold Coast’s equaliser being the third – which was eventually counteracted by Hernandez’s well-timed leap. Kids: always (usually…) stay on your feet.