RW – Christopher Ikonomidis

A-League fans are starting to understand why Ikonomidis was involved at Italian giants Lazio for so long now, with another two goals against the Mariners handing Perth a four point lead at the summit. Although both strikes were virtually tap-ins, it was the winger’s positioning and poacher’s instinct inside the box that really stood out. At the moment, Popovic may start to fear losing him to another European club soon.

ST – Adam Taggart

Leading the line and leading the best players for this week is Adam Taggart, whose brace against Melbourne City took his tally for the season up to five goals in as many games. The 25-year-old made a darting run to the near post to nod in his first, before showing quick feet in the box to rifle home a second into the far corner past a helpless Eugene Galekovic. With both Jamie Maclaren and Tomi Juric struggling for form at club level, is Taggart the answer to Australia’s issues up front?

LW – Dimitri Petratos

It felt like Dimi Petratos needed a big performance on Friday after not hitting the ground running so far in 2018/19, and he turned up just when Ernie Merrick needed his star man. After effectively creating the Jets’ opener with a stunning through ball which split the Wanderers’ defence, Petratos helped seal the points by showing composure to assist Ronald Vargas for the second following a quick counter-attack. They do say the best players still show up even on the worst pitches.