Looking back at the best and worst of the A-League semi finals
PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEKEND – SYDNEY FC
They needed to make a strong statement heading into the grand final and Sydney did just that. Taking the lead just after 20 minutes, they never looked back and despite a controversial goal, they were by far the better team on the night.
Naming the same starting eleven they’ve used for much of the season, they had the benefit of a week off and looked refreshed. Perth tried to press early but Sydney’s defence held strong, keeping the Glory out.
Sydney FC dominated the outing and despite the controversy of the two goals, there is no doubt that they deserved the result.
Liam Reddy put in another great performance and made sure that the deficit was only at three by the end of the night. Perth continued to press at points during the game but they were always met with a strong Sydney FC defence.
Perth put just one shot on target all game, compared to Sydney’s eight. It was an emphatic display across the board for Sydney. Danny Vukovic didn’t need to make a save all game and that pretty much sums it up.
There may be some Perth Glory fans who felt hardly done by but any neutrals will look upon the game and see that despite the controversy, it was never Perth’s game to take.
This performance almost summed up Sydney’s season, showing how dominant they have been despite controversy and criticism.
An incredible performance and they will surely be the favourites heading into next week’s grand final.

PLAYER OF THE WEEKEND – JAMIE YOUNG
There were rumours swelling during the week that Jamie Young wouldn’t be able to make this weekend’s match but he proved the rumours wrong. Having received a whopping 26 stitches for a gouge caused by a rusty Thai goalpost, Young’s ability to start was heroic within itself.
Wearing heavy padding around his arm and a compression undershirt, Young took to the field and delivered big time.
A brave save in the 25th minute saw Young take a knee to the head but he again rallied despite receiving a concussion test and was instrumental after that.
A beautiful piece of skill by Marco Rojas just on the hour mark saw him one on one with Young but the keeper saved well, denying the Kiwi a winning goal. He made a decisive save a few minutes later to deny James Troisi but unfortunately conceded just a few minutes after.
A stunning Besart Berisha header was the only thing that could beat Young on the night, with the keeper helpless to save a magnificent goal.
He only made four saves on the night but his ability to rally for the game and make some excellent saves despite a knee to the head is nothing short of remarkable.
He won’t be playing next week but he’s certainly seen out his season in style.

GOAL OF THE WEEKEND – JOSHUA BRILLANTE
It would appear Joshua Brillante can only score stunners. With the only goal of the night not to be awarded by the Video Assistant Referee, Brillante certainly made an impact on the finals, scoring a beautiful goal that will be up there with the goals of the season (alongside his other goal this season).
With Sydney countering quickly, Brillante wasn’t in a strong attacking position, merely jogging up the field as Sydney broke. Milos Ninkovic took control of the ball just inside Perth’s half and finding Brillante to his right, offloaded the ball to the midfielder in plenty of space.
Brillante took one touch before releasing a beautiful shot, well outside the box, past the diving Liam Reddy who was helpless to save it. So perfect was the shot, it was still rising by the time it hit the netting, well past the reach of any goalkeeper in the world.
It was just his second goal this season but importantly, it was a crucial one for Sydney as they went on to score two more inside the first half, undoubtedly buoyed by the confidence from this goal.
An absolutely stunning strike and one that will be in any highlights package this season.

FLOP OF THE WEEKEND – BRISBANE ROAR
Despite the fact they only lost by one goal, Brisbane didn’t look like they were ever going to dominate the game. While only Luke DeVere and Jamie Young played during the week, Brisbane still weren’t at the top of their game.
Jamie Young had 26 stitches in his arm following a collision with a goalpost mid-week, Jack Hingert was playing with a face mask due to a fractured cheek and Matt McKay played for the first time in several weeks.
Melbourne Victory looked the better team throughout the game and at some points made Brisbane look uneasy. Jamie Young had an excellent game between the sticks for Brisbane and was at many points, their saviour.
Melbourne were unlucky not to have a penalty awarded early in the game after Luke DeVere fouled Besart Berisha inside the box but Berisha would have his revenge. The striker found the back of the net with 20 minutes to go and his goal ended up being the difference for the Victory.
Up the other end, Brisbane were lacking some finishing with just two shots on target all game. Jamie Maclaren offered relatively little up front, taking just one shot in his 90 minutes of action.
Brisbane didn’t offer a big challenge to Melbourne and save the excellent work of Young, may have gone down by a few more goals.
It wasn’t the worst performance of the season but unfortunately for Brisbane, it just wasn’t their night.
Related Articles

Socceroo-in-waiting seals Championship deal

Fringe Socceroo swerves A-League to remain in Europe after Fulham exit
