GK – Eugene Galekovic

Following Dean Bouzanis’ exit to Dutch side PEC Zwolle, it seemed as if Mark Birighitti was signed as a replacement for Melbourne City. However, Warren Joyce opted for his more experienced glovesman in Eugene Galekovic on Saturday night and boy did it pay dividends. The former Adelaide United man pulled off a couple of fine saves in the Melbourne Derby, particularly off of efforts from Terry Antonis and late on from Keisuke Honda. The 37-year-old was arguably man of the match and is easily deserving of a place in this week’s team.

RB – Ritchie De Laet

Another stellar Melbourne City derby performance and this time it is new recruit Ritchie De Laet at right-back. The Belgian was outstanding at Marvel Stadium, constantly getting up and down the right side with his excellent engine. Of course his most important contribution came by netting the equaliser, following up with the rebound from Florin Berenguer’s missed penalty. Special mention has to go to Central Coast Mariners rightback Kye Rowles who just missed out.

RCB – Steven Taylor

Mark Rudan’s Wellington got their new campaign off to a flyer by upsetting the Jets at home, with new signing Steven Taylor using all his experience at centre-back in the win. The 32-year-old marshalled the back four well alongside Andrew Durante very well, as well as causing the opening own goal from Daniel Georgievski with his initial header from the set-piece.

LCB – Anthony Golec

The Mariners showed a new defensive steel that we haven’t seen in a while in their draw with Brisbane Roar, and Golec was one of the main reasons for that. Although Adam Taggart could’ve had a handful at Suncorp, Golec showed fantastic agility to cover his fullbacks as well as being in the right place to clear several crosses. It was Golec’s tackle on Taggart that sprung the counter-attack for Connor Pain’s opener too.

LB – Scott Galloway

Following Ben Garuccio’s off-season switch to Scottish side Hearts the Reds needed a replacement at left-back, and they have found one in Galloway. Galloway looked sharp in the FFA Cup but took his form under Marco Kurz to a new level on Friday night, opening the scoring with a wonderful long range finish over Andrew Redmayne as well as helping to keep the likes of Ninkovic, De Jong and Brosque quiet for most of the game. At the age of just 23, the Aussie is off to a great start in what could be a breakout year.