After Paul Izzo conceded an early penalty for a late tumble into Stefan Mauk, McCormack stroked one home to give City the lead, then converted a stunning free kick – Del Piero style – to cement City’s advantage.

Adelaide busted a gut trying to salvage something, but George Blackwood looked out of his depth against a ferocious Bart Schenkeveld, as did everyone else on the park.

So now that we’ve given you the spoilers, here’s how the rest rated:

ADELAIDE UNITED

Paul Izzo – 6

A little big shaky and deserved to concede the penalty. It wasn’t the sort of performance that leaves Adelaide fans rueing Galekovic’s loss, but it was close.

Michael Marrone - 7.5

Whoever's teaching Adelaide’s fullbacks to cross deserves a spot in the Socceroos set up. Either that or give Marrone some one-on-one time with Leckie. Both he and Garrucio faded when they ran out legs, but overall they were superb.

Ben Warland – 6.5

He and Elsey are attacking assets when they’re in the groove, slotting purposeful passes and stringing counters. Defensively, they’re not title contenders.

Jordan Elsey – 6

He looked shell-shocked for the opening fifteen minutes but settled quickly, and like his partner at centreback, orchestrated decisively from the back.

Ben Garuccio - 7.5

Fantastic crosses early and showed dynamism down the left side but he got caught late trying to repeatedly cross from the byline, repeatedly finding Galekovic’s gloves when his team desperately needed better.

Isaías - 7         

Same old calming influence, he retains possession beautifully but suits a deeper role when his team aren’t chasing a game. He was also slightly loose from set pieces.