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.

Matias Sanchez – 7 - In the wars in the first half, but along with Valeri controlled the middle and ensured his side stayed forward for most of the game.

Kosta Barbarouses – 7.5 - Great shot after being released by James Troisi which smacked the cross bar. He almost set up the chance to win the game, but for a Jai Ingham howler.

James Troisi – 7 - Had his magic boots on tonight as he rolled defenders and released teammates. Blazed one just over the bar in the shadows of halftime and had another golden chance in the second, but Ben Kennedy was equal to it.

Leroy George – 8 - Put the moves on was given the freedom to float around where needed. Subbed off after a strong showing in the heat for Jai Ingham.

Besart Berisha – 7 - Thought he had scored from two feet out, but the reactions of Antony Golec were exceptional. But it didn’t take him long to score his eighth goal in seven games against the Mariners.

Jai Ingham –5.5 - Subbed on in the 74th minute for Leroy George and could have stolen all three points but for a terrible side footed shot.

Terry Antonis – 6.5 - Subbed on in the 80th minute for Carl Valeri and his exceptional short passing game was on show. Kept the Mariners hemmed in, but couldn’t create a killer chance.

Leigh Broxham – 6 - Subbed on in the 80th minute for Dino Djulbic to refresh the Victory defence. Didn’t have much to do as the last 10 minutes were spent in the attacking half.

CENTRAL COAST MARINERS

Ben Kennedy – 7.5 - Had a bit of work to do and kept Melbourne Victory’s star studded forward line honest with some strong saves.

Strom Roux – 6.5 - Really bombed forward in the first half and linked with Connor Pain and Andrew Hoole. Struggled later, and was eventually subbed off for an early shower.

Alan Baro – 5.5 - Chopped his former teammate to earn a yellow, but Berisha had his revenge when he simply waltzed past him to put Victory ahead.

Antony Golec – 7.5 - Wonderful reactions to deny an opening goal to Besart Berisha, and later cleared again in front of the star striker.

Jake McGing – 7 - One of the most improved in the A-League this season but was guilty of giving the competition’s all-time leading goal scorer way too much time and space for Berisha’s goal. 

Andrew Hoole – 6 - Given creative responsibility in the absence of Danny De Silva, but his last pass was lacking. His corner delivery was fairly poor too, and he hardly saw the ball in the second half.

Tom Hiariej – 6 - Floated plenty of balls over Melbourne Victory defenders, including one to Asdrubal that nearly resulted in the Mariners having a half-time lead.

Wout Brama – 7 - Strong play from the Dutchman saw him put several opposition players on the turf early on. His physicality has been welcomed, but it was his delightful long ball to pick out Lachlan Wales that was the highlight.

Kwabena Appiah – 5 - Didn’t have the timing, which the heat contributed to. Despite that, he used his pace to his advantage, but the Victory defence was up to it and he was taken off after 70 minutes.

Connor Pain – 5.5 – Was given plenty of ball by the likes of Roux and Hoole, but he failed to make an impact.

Asdrubal – 6 - Limited chances but almost sprung a surprise lead for his side as he hit a driving shot low and to the left.

Blake Powell – 7 - Subbed on for Asdrubal in the 70th minute…. in the 71st he tapped into an open net on the back of a fantastic assist from fellow sub Wales.

Lachlan Wales – 8 - Subbed on for Kwabena Appiah in the 70th minute and his first contribution was a 40 metre run into open space, before laying off for Blake Powell to equalize for his side. Take a bow young man.

Josh Rose – N/A - Subbed on for Storm Roux in the 86th minute to help deal with the fatigue.