It was blistering heat on the west coast yet wintry rain on the east coast but there was still no shortage of star performances this weekend - here's Griffin McMaster pick of the bunch.
Goalkeeper
Danny Vukovic – Perth Glory
Made a number of important stops in the clash against Adelaide on a very hot afternoon at nib Stadium. He's having a very consistent start to the season and if he continues his good run of form he could even be a chance to make the Socceroos squad for the World Cup with the international retirement of Mark Schwarzer.
Defender Left
Ali Abbas – Sydney FC
Got votes in his match against Melbourne Heart on Friday night at AAMI Park. Tracked back well and committed some good runs forward and supported well with debutant Chris Naumoff.
Defender Centre
Nikola Petkovic – Sydney FC
An imposing tall strong centre back and marshalled the troops very well. Is a no-nonsense player and I’m sure Frank Farina is taking a liking to his performances. Helped his side in a big way to get a clean sheet.
Defender Centre
Nikolai Topor-Stanley – Western Sydney Wanderers
Tall centre back who again performs very soundly, week in, week out. Saturday night was no different again, winning plenty of headers and intercepting balls.
Defender Right
Tarek Elrich – Adelaide United
Was in the thick of the action in a 1-1 draw against Perth Glory. Involved in 44 passes at 84% accuracy. Work rate was high and defended well. Sound performance, his second half was very strong.
Midefielder Left
Chris Naumoff – Sydney FC
Good debut from the youngster who got forward and got some dangerous balls into the box. Linked well with Ali Abbas and the forward combination of Alessandro Del Piero, Joel Chianese and Richard Garica. More starts will follow for the up and coming player as the season progresses, I’m sure.
Midfielder Centre
Alessandro Del Piero – Sydney FC
Another master performance from the Italian. Scored again, under pressure however always responds. Plays a roaming role in midfield but is always in the right place at the right time. Looked like he was in cruise control. Such a great player to watch.
Midfielder Centre
Luke Brattan – Brisbane Roar
Been consistent in his performances so far this season. 79 passes at 78% shows he was ever present. His work rate is high and enjoying playing amongst Matt McKay in midfield.
Midfield Right
Joel Chianese – Sydney FC
Played fairly pushed up as a winger to help Richard Garcia up front. Made good runs down the right and got a number of balls into the area. Got on the end of a good cross to score at the far post. His best performance of the season in a Sydney FC shirt.
Striker
Adam Taggart – Newcastle Jets
The two goal hero - what else can you say? Been scoring and setting up goals for fun. Definitely the most improved player in the A-League and is a major reason why Newcastle are sitting in third spot on the table.
Striker
Mark Bridge
The only other striker to score on the weekend. Bobbed up and tapped in at the far post for the winning goal against a determined Melbourne Victory. Another player who has made the most of his move to the Wanderers.
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