NEWCASTLE JETS

Jack Duncan - 6

Hesitant for City's opener, then suffered what appeared to be a torn quad on the 26th minute. 

Johnny Koutroumbis - 7

Phenomenal effort along the comeback trail to be playing in this game, and looked like he was brimming for the occassion. Few lapses defensively and struck a nosebleeder on the 45th for good measure. 

Daniel Georgievski - 7

His early delivery was substandard, but his passing was delightful when he pushed inside and he became increasingly involved - with mixed results - in the right-flank hotbed throughout the second period. 

Nigel Boogaard - 8.5

Enormous effort from captain corageous. Pushed forward to little avail but was concise defensively, led a shut-out defence that rarely looked troubled by anyone but Daniel Arzani. 

Nikolai Topor-Stanley - 8    

Typically aggressive, slightly inflexible for the first goal, but could realistically do little else about City's opener. 

Steven Ugarkovic - 6.5

He was battling for any meaningful control in midfield, but was generally outclassed in the first half and looked frustrated. Slowly worked his way into the match.

Riley McGree - 10

A rating that reflects the entire 90 minutes would just pale in comparison to McGree's equaliser. His scorpion kick is a candidate - maybe even a shoe in - for the greatest goal in A-League history.

A hat-trick against the Mariners spawned confidence in the youngster and he transitioned play effectively on the break, when he wasn't outnumbered by City's midfielders.       

Ronald Vargas - 6

He had to repay Merrick's faith and started calm in possession, drawing fouls, but slowly lost his head, became increasingly wasteful and could have drawn a red card in the 43rd minute. 

Roy O'Donovan - 7        

Despite his work ethic he suffered a very quiet opening half, but offered more penetration in the second as he began to get in behind. Towards the end his leadership became pivotal as the Jets retained possession.

Jason Hoffman - 8

Headed a guilt-edged chance over the bar on the eighth minute, but he's a workhorse and never stopped trying to redeem himself. Completed the Hunter fairytale by knocking in the winner from close range.         

Dimitri Petratos - 8

Energetic, purposeful and dangerous from set-pieces. Newcastle's only consistent attacking outlet in a slightly scuppered first half, and he remained largely influential. 

SUBS

Glen Moss - 6

The little he had to do, he did readily. A steady presence at the back.

Joey Champness - 7.5

Earned a 66th minute introduction on his birthday and played a huge role in the winner, teeing up Hoffman with precocious skill.

Nick Cowburn - N/A

MELBOURNE CITY

Dean Bouzanis - 5     

Missed multiple low-driving goalkicks in a shaky start and his delivery never recovered.

Nathaniel Atkinson - 8.5

Like the 19-year-old City star that overshadows him, 18-year-old Atkinson isn't short of confidence. He offered a measured display and was impressively safe in possession. 

Scott Jamieson - 7.5

Played a huge role in Vidosic's early dominance, playing the midfielder through intelligently. Had his work cut out for him defensively as the match wore on, but performed solidly.

Osama Malik - 8.5

No surprises here - overtly physical and very quick to intercept. Just another day in the life. 

Bart Schenkeveld - 8

Was pressed from the out by O'Donovan, but remained calm and was soon dictating City's possession from the half-way mark. 

Luke Brattan - 6.5

One of the finest midfielders in the league this season couldn't stamp his imprint on the match, ended up lucky to avoid worse off due to some awkward backtracking. 

Stefan Mauk - 6.5

Overzealous in his challenges, lucky to only be booked once in the first 45. 

Oliver Bozanic - 6.5 

Covered a huge amount of ground but, like Brattan, with relatively little impact. Struggled to combine with his midfield partner and lost control of the match in the second half. 

Dario Vidosic - 7

Started brightly, eager to push wide to deliver crosses and his dynamic runs resulted in City's opener. His influence diminished significantly as the match wore on and the Jets' defenders keyed onto him.

Daniel Arzani - 8

Everyone knows he's brilliant, yet he still wants to prove himself a little too much. He over complicated his driving runs and was occassionally slow to react. Still, he's a highlight package, and he arguably should have had a penalty.      

Bruno Fornaroli - 7

It might be generous to give him credit for City's first goal, but for the seventh straight match against the Jets, Fornaroli was in the right place at the right time. After that, he suffered from a lack of service.

SUBS

Marcin Budzinski - 6

A few stray passes when City needed more. Warren Joyce paid the price for inaction, as his late double-sub failed to make an impact on the match.

Nick Fitzgerald - N/A