Georg Niedermeier - 7

The penalty was amateurish but it can’t completely take away from what was, until that point, a fantastic performance. He looked alert and his reactions were second to none and he offered a calm yet physical presence, as he has the vast majority of times he’s been fit this season.

Raúl Baena - 5

Swift pressing and distribution but generally ineffective, especially in his ability to retain the ball and move or even just tackle.

Keisuke Honda - 7

Some fantastic lofted balls but out of his element pressed against the flanks.

Terry Antonis - 6

Fairly uninvolved, given very little time in that packed midfield. He would have had to have been Diego Castro to create space in the centre of that park and while he certainly has excellent close control…he wasn’t.

Ola Toivonen - 6

Compulsory +1 for the goal aside, very quiet, almost looked off-put by Calver’s close attention and then, arguably, one of the finest centrebacks in A-league history (Alex Wilkinson) got the better of him in the second.

Kosta Barbarouses - 6

He pressed and worked diligently, saving as many Sydney clearances as he did create chances. But it wasn’t enough – Sydney were able to shut him out of the game.

Elvis Kamsoba - 6

He was given so much responsibility, often appearing Victory’s only attacking outlet. Obviously James Troisi’s injury hit Melbourne’s depth considerably, but even then it was a little ridiculous how much Victory seemed to rely on him. Crossing was good, not great.

SUBS

Kenny Athiu - 6

One strong header but very little ability to influence proceedings, seemed a cut below his opposing defenders.

Storm Roux - 6

Proved almost instantly why Muscat got his tactics wrong – no pace in the fullback positions created a total lack of ability to attack cohesively.

Carl Valeri - 5

Very sad end to a legend's career. He looked past it to be awfully frank.