Melbourne Victory fielded a new central-defensive pairing including Dino Djulbic, while the return of Terry Antonis saw him start on the bench.

For the Mariners, losing Danny De Silva to national team duties meant Andrew Hoole’s creativity would need to be on point, especially given they hadn’t scored a goal in four games.

1-1 was the final score, but who was cool as a cucumber in the Geelong summer sun?

MELBOURNE VICTORY

Lawrence Thomas – 7.5 - Had two important saves to make late in the first-half to keep the scores level, and made them exceptionally well.

Jason Geria – 8 - Moved centrally in attack and linked with the front three on many occasions. Seemed to spend more time in the attacking half!

Dino Djulbic – 6 - Bit of route-one defending on his return to the A-League, but his lack of pace was found out when the Central Coast made their substitutions.

Mark Milligan – 7.5 - Strong in defence and seemed right at home despite not lining up there for awhile. Always in the right place at the right time.

Stefan Nigro – 6.5 - Had a battle on his hands with Jake McGing and spent most of his night blunting the Mariners right side.

Carl Valeri – 7 - Without Milligan alongside him, Valeri was the aggressor in the centre of the park and performed well in the face of Wout Brama and Tom Hiariej.

He’ll need to lift his game with Terry Antonis breathing down his neck for a starting berth.