But who made it into our team of the week?

GK – Liam Reddy

Last week there was a standout goalkeeper in the form of Eugene Galekovic but this week, there was no one who really stood out in between the sticks. We’ve gone for Reddy as he once again came up big for Glory when they needed him. At 2-1 down against Victory, Reddy made fine stops against both Keisuke Honda and Kosta Barbarouses and despite Muscat’s men grabbing a late equaliser, the saves proved crucial when Chris Ikonomidis struck a late winner.

RB – Ivan Franjic

In Tony Popovic’s new system, it seems as if Perth’s wingbacks are going to have a fair bit of joy this season. Franjic was still adjusting against the Wanderers last week but against the champions, he was excellent, proving to be much more of a threat on the overlap as well as working tirelessly all night. His long switch to opposite wingback Jason Davidson helped create Joel Chianese’s opener too.

RCB – Jordan Elsey

Last season was a real breakout year for Elsey, who was by far the Reds best defender in Marco Kurz’s first year in charge. He looks set to pick up where he left off this time around, being as solid and reliable as ever against the Jets. It might have been much more difficult had Roy O’Donovan lined up for the away side, but take nothing away from Elsey who looks more ready by the week for a move to somewhere in Europe.

LCB – Shane Lowry

Another member of Perth’s defensive unit, with Lowry partnering Elsey this week. Lowry was terrific for Popovic’s side, coping with the threat of Kenny Athiu with relative ease, even winning several aerial duels despite being about ten centimetres shorter than the Victory striker. Things are a lot easier for the 29-year-old when both Tomislav Mrcela and Alex Grant are also putting in solid displays, so credit to them as well.

LB – Jason Davidson

Back-to-back team of the week appearances for Davidson, who is looking like an excellent acquisition for Glory. Much like Franjic, the 27-year-old was outstanding going forward with his cross proving pivotal for Perth’s opener at AAMI Park. If he keeps up this form, he could be fast-tracked into Graham Arnold’s squad for the Asian Cup, especially with Aziz Behich and Alex Gersbach not starting regularly overseas and Brad Smith currently injured.

RCM – Alex Lopez

One of a number of Spanish central midfielders currently operating in the league, Lopez is new and he looks like he is going to suit John Aloisi very well at Roar. Under Aloisi’s possession-based style, Lopez is able to show off his excellent range of passing as well as venture forward more with Thomas Kristensen sitting in front of the back four. Almost added to his very good display against Wellington with a late winner, going on a mazy run before being expertly denied by Filip Kurto.

LCM – Juande

Another one of those Spanish central midfielders, but don’t worry this is the last Perth player in the team. Juande didn’t look fully match fit against the Wanderers in round 1, but he was critical in carrying out Popa’s gameplan in Melbourne. The 32-year-old won key battles in the centre of the pitch with Victory’s Raul Baena all night, including one that led to Andy Keogh’s strike.

RM – Keisuke Honda

Along with Jason Davidson, Honda makes our team for the second straight week despite once again being on the losing side. The Japanese legend was at the centrepiece of his side’s second half comeback, laying on both goals for Terry Antonis and Storm Roux. He’s still being deployed out on the right in a wider role but it might be worth considering playing him as a central number 10, especially when Ola Toivonen returns from injury.

CAM – Milos Ninkovic

The Serbian was the player of the week after he put in a superb performance in the derby, once again punishing the Wanderers in a big game. In the first half he ran rings around both Rashid Mahazi and Keanu Baccus, becoming such a problem that at times both Mahazi and Baccus had to stick with him, freeing up space for others. Ninkovic added to his display with a beautifully weighted pass to set up Alex Brosque early in the second half.

LM – Craig Goodwin

After falling out of favour in Europe at Dutch club Sparta Rotterdam, Goodwin made the shrewd decision to return to where he became noticed in the first place. In the FFA Cup Goodwin has been superb, netting three times as Adelaide reached the final. He has carried that form into the start of the A-League season, setting up Scott Galloway last week before putting in another top performance against Newcastle on Friday, scoring a brilliant equaliser with a Tim Cahill-esque header which gave Glen Moss no chance.

ST – Alex Brosque

Wait a minute, where’s Le Fondre? Well we only can put one striker in the team this week and it had to be one of the Sydney FC pair, who were both sensational in the derby. We’ve gone for Brosque as it was his 200th appearance for the Sky Blues, and boy did he make it a memorable one. Due to his incredible work rate and how hard he works off the ball, you could mistake Brosque for a youngster with immense pace. He leaves it all out on the pitch every time he plays for Steve Corica’s side, deservingly treating himself to a goal on Saturday night to seal another derby win for last season’s Premiers.