Captain Nigel Boogaard gave the side the lead after 30 minutes, a lead they extended through Riley McGree with 20 minutes to play.

Victory weren't without their chances with Besart Berisha and Kosta Barbarouses testing Jack Duncan, but the Newcastle keeper always seemed up to the task to keep just his second clean sheet of the campaign.

Newcastle Jets

Jack Duncan - 9

Made numerous saves throughout the match denying Barbarouses and Berisha to keep his first clean sheet since November.

Jason Hoffman - 7

Hoffman was forced back into a defensive role but superbly played in Nabbout in the lead up to the second goal.

Nigel Boogaard - 8

The captain netted his first goal since October 2016 (the club's 400th) with a header from a Petratos free-kick after half an hour. Was forced to head clear on a number of occasions.

Nikolai Topor-Stanley - 7

Making his 100th appearance for the club, Topor-Stanley made a handful of clearances to help his side to a clean sheet.

Lachlan Jackson - 6

Had an interesting runnibg battle with Barbarouses as he made his second start of the season. However the Kiwi's speed eventually got the better of him and he was subbed off just past the hour mark.

Ben Kantarovski - 7

Kantarovski showed why he was re-signed midweek winning 12 duels, and making three tackles.

Steven Ugarkovic - 7

It was another solid appearance from the defensive midfielder however he did seem to lose control of the midfield at the beginning of the second half.

Dimitri Petratos - 8

Missed last week's clash because of the birth of his child, returned this week to deliver the ball for Boogaard's goal. 

Andrew Nabbout - 8

Won four duels and three fouls in a strong first half showing. Booked for a challenge on Thomas. Created McGree's first goal in Newcastle colours.

Pato Rodriguez - 6

Had plenty of touches but it wasn't his best game since joining the club. Was replaced by Brown in the final stages.

Roy O'Donovan - 7

Returned from the groin injury suffered in early December missed a golden chance early in the first half. Was substituted by McGree after 64 minutes.

SUBS

Riley McGree - 7

Made his home debut replacing O'Donovan midway through the second and found himself on the scoresheet after 70 minutes.

Ivan Vujica - N/A

Replaced Jackson shortly after McGree was introduced.

Wayne Brown - N/A

Replaced Rodriguez in the 88th minute.

 

Melbourne Victory

Lawrence Thomas - 6

Was left stranded for Boogaard's goal, but was unfortuantely stretchered off early in the second after a head clash with Nabbout.

Leigh Broxham - 6

Rough night for the makeshift left back. He only won one of the several duels he attempted and his passing wasn't always accurate. However he was denied by the crossbar in stoppage time.

Rhys Williams - 6

Wasted a great chance to give his side the lead in the first half and lost Boogaard for the Jets goal. Would've liked a better performance with the new Socceroos boss in attendance.

James Donachie - 7

Only two players had more touches than Donachie. Won six duels and made five clearances.

Matias Sanchez - 5

Limped off with injury in the final quarter.

Carl Valeri - 5

The Victory captain didn't have much impact on the match

Terry Antonis - 7

Was Melbourne's best, doing the best to control the midfield

James Troisi - 6

Hit the post early on with what seemed like a cross. The Newcastle defence paid a lot of attention to him afterwards fouling the Socceroo three times

Christian Theoharous - 5

Didn't quite have the impact he would have wanted in his starting debut. Was replaced by George.

Kosta Barbarouses - 7

Was denied by Duncan more than once and his speed got the best of his marker.

Besart Berisha - 5

It was an off night for the A-League's highest scorer. Missed many chances to equalise. He hasn't scored at McDonald Jones Stadium since October 2014.

SUBS

Matt Acton - 6

Made a rare appearance off the bench after Thomas was forced off. Made a valiant effort but couldn't prevent McGree from scoring a second.

Leroy George - 6

Returned from injury replacing Theoharous. Came on gave his side the service they were lacking in the first half.

Jai Ingham - N/A

Replaced Sanchez with just over 10 minutes of regular time remaining.