Ben Kantarovski – 7.5

The holding midfielder was very diligent in getting back to screen his defence and fulfils these duties well. He thrives in the standing tackle, battling one-on-one for the ball.

Steven Ugarkovic – 7

A busy bee in midfield, he was vital in moving the ball up the field and into the open space a ten-man Melbourne were leaving. Ugarkovic is an impressively positive player.

Dimitri Petratos – 9

Set up two goals and almost scored from a scorching long-ranged effort which cannoned onto the crossbar. Unrelenting in his string-pulling from behind the striker and relished penetrating the Victory’s open corrido. Every little pass he played could’ve had a meaningful shot on the end of it and every shot he took of his own could’ve scored.

Jason Hoffman – 7

Initially looked a little lost on the right wing, making third-man runs into strange areas, but grew quickly as Newcastle rapidly took hold of the match. His runs improved and set up the Jet’s second goal with a pin-point cross into a tight space.

Joey Champness – 8

His game was rewarded with a goal at the end, courtesy of quick thinking from the ballboy. A lively player and uses his pace and striding gait to cause havoc out wide and isn’t afraid to take a few chances or create for teammates. Moves all about the final third and, at just 20-years-old, is learning quickly how to beat players in a contest.

Andrew Nabbout – 8

Filled in for Roy O’Donovan as Newcastle’s striker and played creatively by dropping in and using his fleet-footedness to create an extra link and be an extra passing option. Scored two goals from tap-ins.

SUBS

Mario Shabow – 6

Replaced an injured Hoffman after the 62nd minute and was given significant minutes for a developing player.

Nick Cowburn – 5

Another forced change for the Jets when Georgievski was taken off in the 65th minute.

Kosta Petratos – N/A

Came on for the final six minutes.