A deflection off John Koutroumbis from Kosta Barbarouses' initial shot opened the scoring for Victory, and despite claims for offside, the goal stood.

Lawrence Thomas had an exceptional game with a superhuman double save in the first-half and was ultimately impassable in a Man of the Match performance. 

Newcastle Jets 

Glen Moss (GK) - 6.5

Parried away a George effort. Made a few more good saves.

John Koutroumbis - 5.5

Unfortunate deflection into the back of the net.

Nigel Boogaard - 7

Better towards the end of the first-half, as there was terrible defending for the first goal. Made vital clearances in the second and recovered well.

Nikolai Topor-Stanley - 6

Great blocks and clearances to keep Victory at a one goal lead.

Daniel Georgievski - 4

Didn't have the best game.

Steven Ugarkovic - 5

Had a quiet game which could have had an impact on his side's performance.

Ronald Vargas - 7.5

Held the ball well on the wing and delivered crosses in. Tried an audacious bicycle-kick. Damgerous on the wing.

Riley McGree - 7

Held possession well in midfield and his passes were accurate. Great effort from just outside the area which was saved.

Jason Hoffman - 5.5

Missed from close range where a tap-in would have sufficed. Clearance to deny Berisha a goal.

Roy O'Donovan - 6

Used his body well to win a free-kick in a great position. Was denied by Thomas. Put his body on the line and caught an elbow to the face after a scramble in front of goal.

Was sent off for a kick to Thomas' face in a poor decision for the Irishman.

Dimitri Petratos - 7.5

Great awareness and pressure. Dazzled his way down the right flank in the first half.

SUBS

Joseph Champness - 6

Had a decent chance that flew over the bar.

Pato Rodriguez - 6.5

Skipped past defenders and put pressure on Victory.

 

Melbourne Victory

Lawrence Thomas (GK) - 10

Was in incredible form making championship-winning saves. Did not look like he was going to be beaten tonight. Ended up with some battle scars for what was a gladiator-like performance.

Leigh Broxham - 7

Nodded away Jets' aerial danger. Made several clearances.

James Donachie - 8

Header at the back post to fall to Barbarouses. Excellent first half and great second also. Was immense. 

Thomas Deng - 9

Mad several crucial blocks and won aerial battles for his side all first-half. Best for Victory at the back. 

Stefan Nigro - 6.5

Did well in the absence of Williams, but looked to struggle at times.

 

Carl Valeri - 6

Had a fairly quiet one but remained solid in midfield.

James Troisi - 6

An improved second also, with a few half-chances.

Terry Antonis - 6

Improved second-half with accurate passes up-field.

Kosta Barbarouses - 7

Nice shot from inside the area that deflected off Koutroumbis into goal. Great defensively also.

Besart Berisha - 6.5

Quiet first 45, but managed to pounce on a loose ball to square it for Barbarouses. 

Leroy George - 7.5

His free kick sparked the goal. Great communcation with Nigro to thwart Jets attack. Great decision-making. 

SUBS

Matias Sanchez - 6

Did well defensively as soon as he was subbed on.