BILLED AS… The Grand Final re-match, minus Archie Thompson.

IN REALITY… Archie wasn’t the only key man missing. Both sides missed a number of stars due to international duty and Adelaide’s line-up was already vastly different to the one that made last year’s Grand Final anyway. Bruce Djite was missing for the Reds, while Leigh Broxham and Ljubo Milicevic were unavailable for Melbourne. The game suffered for it too. It was tough and tight, but there was no hint of last year’s ‘mongrel’ until Kevin Muscat and Ang Costanzo started stamping some authority.

THE GOOD… Fans got the chance to see new Victory striker Leandro Love for the first time. He didn’t have a massive impact but did show he’s got a few silky skills in his trick bag during his hour on the field.

THE BAD… It looked a bit tame when it happened but Michael Valkanis’ clash with Leandro Love has cost the big defender his season. Valkanis’ knee is shot after feeling it pop out mid-game. Ouch.

THE UGLY… The altercation between Grant Brebner and Ang Costanzo wasn’t the prettiest. Rivalry is great, but Costanzo’s plea for a penalty was a bit rich and sneaky.

THEY SAID WHAT… “Every game is tough. We have a big rivalry against Melbourne. Unfortunately we couldn't get a result, but it'll do.” A relieved Travis Dodd knew Adelaide was fortunate in sneaking the draw.

THE FALLOUT… Another game, another draw. With the Mariners maintaining their winning run with a victory over Queensland the night before, the draw does neither Adelaide nor Melbourne any good as they begin to lose touch with Lawrie McKinna’s side.

ADELAIDE: Robert Bajic (gk), Richie Alagich, Angelo Costanzo, Michael Valkanis (Cptn) (Diego 26’), Cassio (Isyan Erdogan 76’), Paul Agostino, Nathan Burns, Travis Dodd, Jonas Salley, Robert Cornthwaite, Jason Spagnuolo (Lucas Pantelis 69’)

BOOKINGS Jonas Salley 52’, Travis Dodd 78’’.

GOALSCORERS Travis Dodd 83’ pen

VICTORY: Michael Theoklitos (gk), Kevin Muscat (Cptn), Daniel Piorkowski, Matthew Kemp, Grant Brebner, Daniel Allsopp, Rodrigo Vargas, Adrian Caceres (Evan Berger 81’), Leandro Love (Daniel Vasilevski 59’), Carlos Hernandez, Sebastian Ryall

BOOKINGS Kevin Muscat 34’, Rodrigo Vargas 62’, Grant Brebner 74’

GOALSCORERS Rodrigo Vargas 80’

MATCHRATING: 3/5