Ben Kantarovski – 6

Did well enough to anchor the centre of the field as Perth opted to go wide. He scored his first goal in nearly two years when he was given a gift to bundle in from the teeth of goal.

Steven Ugarkovic – 5

Struggled to hit his passes at times and most of his job was done by Vargas when the Venezuelan dropped in. He gave possession away occasionally but had his best moments right before the break and in the middle of the second half with some handy passes.

Dimi Petratos – 7.5

The winger was deprived of the ball in wide areas in the first half and drifted inside to get involved, but took the reins after half time when Vargas tired and was taken off. He looked to link and be creative, was good on the set pieces – he set up the Kantarovski goal – and made Liam Reddy work with some ferocious shots.

Ronny Vargas – 8

Newcastle’s most impactful player going forward, he set the tone with a snap-shot early in the game. The playmaker created a lot centrally, covering plenty of ground to pass and move and set up those ahead of him. He was the architect for the Jets’ opener, spreading the play to level the match. Came off in the 72nd minute.

Andrew Nabbout – 7

Nabbout took some time to get into a groove. The winger sent in a trademark cross for O’Donovan’s goal which gave him the confidence to find space in his wide runs thereafter. He gave Walker a handful to deal with in the second half in one of the game’s most intriguing battles. Still needs to work on power and his right foot.

Roy O’Donovan – 7

O’Donovan certainly won the battle of the Irish strikers. He was active in the final third, making creative runs into space and working the makeshift Perth defence over. Caught offside a few times but scored his fourth goal for the season.

SUBS

Wayne Brown – 5

Replaced Vargas in the second half but didn’t have too much of in impact in the half hour he played. He only had nine touches.

Joey Champness – 6

Introduced in the 76th minute and got himself involved; the young forward is a very positive player. He was given a yellow card.

Lachlan Jackson – 5

Came on the 82nd minute and didn’t see too much of it, bar for one or two clearances. Got in the way of a Boogaard header which could’ve set up a late winner.