The football on display would have been very familiar to the Barmy Army who had walked over to watch. Some of them might have even recognised the former Middlesbrough captain, Rhys Williams. Kevin Muscat will be hoping they don’t take any tales of the tall centre-half’s commanding performance home with them.

The question keeps being asked, are Victory back to their best? Or was tonight just a case of the Jets not quite having the firepower?

Melbourne Victory

Lawrence Thomas – 6

Nothing he could do better for Jason Hoffman’s goal and he didn’t have much else to do all game.

Jason Geria – 8

Could have, and probably should have, taken on the shot himself but his great run bore a great assist for Kosta Barbarouses to score. Ninja-ed in on Ivan Vujica brilliantly for the Victory penalty. Another commanding display from one of the best performing fullbacks in the league.

Stefan Nigro –  6

Defended with aplomb but his contribution to the build-up play in the first half could have been better. However, he did make some confident overlapping, third man runs.

Thomas Deng – 7

Working beside Williams must be teaching this youngster a lot. In this game he made a couple of forward runs, which we’re more accustomed to seeing from Williams. A good, solid performance from this youngster.

Rhys Williams –  9

His passing was sublime. His defending was sublime. If any of his former admirers from the UK are keeping tabs on him, he could be gone in January.