Player Ratings: Brisbane Roar vs Perth Glory

Thursday night football returned to Suncorp Stadium, where Brisbane Roar picked up a much needed three points in a five-goal thriller.

It was changes galore heading into this one, with a number of players returning from injury. Brisbane were boosted with the return of two, yet were hit with a blow during the warm up, with Eric Bautheac feeling ill. The Glory on the other hand had two return from injury, but still missed the likes of Mitch Nichols and Andreu.

The uphill challenge rolled on for the Glory, unable to find any consistency with their play. Aloisi set his team up well, and got off to the best possible start after an Avraam Papadopoulos goal inside the opening five minutes.

BRISBANE ROAR

Jamie Young - 7

Did what he had to do yet managed to concede two goals, both of which were nearly unstoppable.

Jack Hingert - 7

Made some very positive runs down the flank to support the Roar attackers. Delivered some crosses which were equally as good

Luke Devere – 6.5

Showed some solid defensive play, but didn’t really catch the eye with anything.

Avraam Papadopoulos – 8

Scored the game’s opening goal and showed off all his experience and quality with some great awareness to put a stop to potential threats from the Glory.

Connor O’Toole - 6

Similar to Devere, the fullback had a defensive showing, but nothing in particular caught the eye.

Thomas Kristensen – 5.5

Played a good game, did what he needed to do in order to link up with the attackers and move the ball through the middle.

Massimo Maccarone – 7.5

Brilliant holdup play to provide the assist for Holman’s winning strike. Criticised for not dropping back and picking up a Glory player to defend, therefore leaving his midfield teammates exposed.

Matt McKay - 5

Solid game, but failed to create something with any spark and stayed quiet.

Ivan Franjic - 6

Bagged his second goal since his return to Brisbane with a bullet header. Showed some decent footwork from time to time, but lacked any real danger when heading toward goal.

Corey Gamiero - 4

Never managed to get into the game. Two chances presented themselves, but they were lashed at and missed.

Fahid Ben Khalfallah – 8

Awarded Man of the Match. Started and finished the game well and dazzled the Perth defence with some delightful footwork.

SUBSTITUTES

Shannon Brady – 5.5

Showed his desire and hunger with a few pacey runs down the line, but didn’t really have many opportunities to latch on to the ball.

Brett Holman – 6.5

Came on and grabbed the winner upon return from injury. What more could you ask for?

Mitch Oxborrow – N/A

Didn’t have enough time to warrant a rating.

PERTH GLORY

Liam Reddy - 6

Made some important saves, but couldn’t do much with a fairly disjointed defence unable to stop a fiery Brisbane attack.

Jeremy Walker – 5

Made some good and intelligent runs down the wing, but never managed to deliver a dangerous cross.

Scott Neville – 5

Failed to pick up Brisbane’s loose players from set pieces and looked quite lost in different moments.

Shane Lowry - 6

No nonsense defending as always from big Shane Lowry, but didn’t manage to stop three goals from going into his side’s net.

Joe Mills - 6

Showed his attacking smarts, whipping some dangerous balls across the face, which were begging to be attacked by a Glory attacker.

Chris Harold – 6.5

Bagged two goals and remained as an ever-present threat out wide. However, just like Walker, Harold found it hard to deliver and meaningful crosses.

Jake Brimmer – 3

Lost the ball in key moments and never really made an impact on the game.

Xavi Torres – 7

Couldn’t reach his best as he lacked options around him in crucial times.

Joel Chianese - 7

Showed his eagerness to make an impact with his first start of the season by making many positive runs in behind the Brisbane defensive line.

Andy Keogh - 5

Let his frustration out on his teammates. Never managed to gain a good chance on goal thanks to the lack of service. Smart assist for Harold’s second goal.