A-League Team Of The Week: Round 12

Line-up: (4-4-2) Galekovic, Muscat, Durante, Colosimo, Kemp, Daniel, Brown, Hernandez, Dugandzic, Fowler, Ifill

GK - Eugene Galekovic (Adelaide United): Was a absolutely brilliant throughout the night, conceding three virtually unstoppable goals but making countless brilliant saves including a one on one with Archie Thompson, another one on one with Elasi and a fingertip save off a Hernandez free kick. Without him Adelaide would have lost by a huge margin.

RB – Manny Muscat (Wellington Phoenix): It was a stunning and fluid attacking display by the Phoenix that undid the Gold Coast on Sunday but it wouldn’t have been possible without the dirty work done by the likes of Muscat, who was typically tenacious in the tackle.

CB – Andrew Durante (Wellington Phoenix): If Muscat was tenacious and determined then Durante was the personification of cool and class at the heart of the Phoenix defence, leading by example with the captain’s armband. Has had an outstanding season and was an impassable figure against one of the league’s most potent attacks, not afraid to bring the ball out of the back – a key feature of his performance.

CB – Simon Colosimo (Sydney FC): Continues to do the simple things well as he cleans up at the back for Sydney in the absence of regular partner Stephan Keller. Again showed an impeccable reading of the game and timing of tackle that has seen him touted for a Socceroos call-up.

LB – Matthew Kemp (Melbourne Victory): An energetic performance saw him all over the park, making a number of crucial blocks and slide tackles.

LM – Daniel (Wellington Phoenix): Often he can disappoint but today he was a live wire. He scored two opportunist goals that are worth so much to a team (Tim Cahill has become famous for it). He also put in a long ball for Greenacre's goal. Great game from a confidence player. Scoring that early goal clearly set him up for a big day.

CM – Tim Brown (Wellington Phoenix): The heart of the Phoenix midfield but so often unrecognized, has become particularly adept at making late arrivals into the box. Also embraces the more physical aspects of the game, one of Wellington’s more complete players scored the crucial second goal that started the second-half rout.

CM – Carlos Hernandez (Melbourne Victory): Has a spot in this squad virtually reserved for him in Goal’s A-League TOTW, having established himself as Melbourne’s creative hub. Showed terrific awareness to set up Dugandzic for the second goal before curling in an inch-perfect corner for the decisive third, generally looked dangerous when in possession.

RM – Mate Dugandzic (Melbourne Victory): Showed a great deal of composure to bag a brace and is a promising young prospect. Essentially fired his side to victory, his first goal a wonderful finish from outside the box and the second a tap-in resulting from a willingness to get forward and support the attack.

ST – Paul Ifill (Wellington Phoenix): What more can be said of a striker who sets up most of his side’s six goals, scoring one himself? I suppose one could say that he carried out his work in every way possible, whether by virtue of vision, technique or strength. The complete performance from a player who is looking a real find for the Phoenix. Single-handedly tore the title contenders apart.

ST – Robbie Fowler (North Queensland Fury): Other than a scoring the type of goal not often seen in the A-League, was a threat throughout the match with lovely shots and good touches. Has taken it upon himself to be the Fury talisman and is carrying his club at times.

Goal.com Team

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