While Wellington had dominant periods throughout the contest, Victory seemed to weather the storm mostly comfortably. Milligan’s requirement at centre-back meant Victory lost some attacking spark in midfield, but it also guaranteed a shored-up defence, with the team’s first clean sheet in living memory. As a result, they escaped with a 2-0 win at AAMI Park, and this is how each of the players fared.
Match Report > Victory go top with convincing home win
***
GK: Nathan Coe – 6.5
Stood tall when called upon, which wasn’t often. His biggest moment came just before half-time when he denied Nathan Burns in a one-on-one. Looked a bit more confident in the air than in his last two matches
LB: Dylan Murnane – 8
A mammoth effort by the youngster was made all the more commendable given his 120-minute shift against Perth. Was rarely beaten on his wing by the likes of Nathan Burns and looked comfortable with the ball.
★ CB: Mark Milligan – 9 ★
A standout on the night, leading his team by example. Did it all in a captain’s knock. Organised a makeshift defence – Wellington were called offside seven sides – read and broke up play with accurate tackles, and also distributed expertly, with a number of long passes starting promising passages of play.
CB: Leigh Broxham – 7
Milligan’s deputy in midfield last season also performed nobly next to his captain at centre-half. Flew under the radar, but did had all the attributes expected of a stopper: tackling, awareness and strength.
RB: Scott Galloway – 7
Like his fellow full-back, Galloway also put in a sound defensive performance, refusing to be intimidated by Michael McGlinchey. While he didn’t add much going forward, he performed his primary defensive duties with minimal fuss.
DM: Carl Valeri – 7
There were periods where – with him and Mahazi being a very defensive midfield pair – the side lacked attacking penetration, and he did miss a gettable chance early. However, he put in another unassuming shift helping out the back four when necessary, especially the less experienced full-backs on both sides.
DM: Rashid Mahazi – 7.5
The back-up midfielder displayed just why Victory are lauded for their squad depth this season, putting in a top shift. Played the holding role with assurance, breaking up opposition play and playing neat passes, albeit not many piercing balls forward. The former Northcote man looked like he belonged, despite not being a first choice player.
RW: Kosta Barbarouses – 6.5
A hot and cold performance by the Kiwi. His twinkle toes often left Manny Muscat in a spin, but his final ball let him down on the night. He seemed unwilling to shoot on his left, missed shots on his right, and struggling in general with the final ball. Not as clinical as previous matches but still a worthy shift, and always made sure to track back when not in possession.
AM: Gui Finkler – 8.5 (1 goal)
Often a marked man these days as teams know his threat, the Brazilian still displayed silky smooth skills with the ball at his feet to find a pass in tight spaces and start one-twos. Let’s not forget his wicked set piece delivery.
LW: Fahid Ben Khalfallah – 7.5
A dynamic performance by the Tunisian, whose pacey runs, trickery and vision were always troubling. His high work-rate also won admirers. Earned the free-kick that lead to Finkler’s goal by showing up two defenders and drawing a foul.
ST: Archie Thompson – 7 (1 assist)
A tireless performance by the veteran who benefited from not playing in the FFA Cup midweek. Didn’t make a massive impact but did play Connor Pain through for his goal. Even when he isn’t having a massive impact, still often manages to contribute something positive to the contest.
Sub: Connor Pain – 6.5 (on 67′, 1 goal)
The super-sub with the perpetual confidence issues on the big stage would have been relieved to score an elusive A-league goal 55 seconds after coming on. Made Kevin Muscat look like a genius with the masterstroke substitution.
Sub: Jesse Makarounas – 5.5 (on 67′)
Came on at the same time as Pain, but his cameo seemed much shorter as the urgency died down after the second goal. Did look comfortabe in possession, passing neatly.
Sub: Jordan Brown – N/A (on 89′)
***
Votes
3. Mark Milligan – 9
2. Gui Finkler – 8.5
1. Dylan Murnane – 8
TCF Melbourne Medal Running Tally:
22.5 – Damien Duff (Melbourne City)
22.5 – Aaron Mooy (Melbourne City)
18 – Besart Berisha (Melbourne Victory)
15.5 – Daniel Georgievski (Melbourne Victory)
15 – David Villa (Melbourne City)
9 – Leigh Broxham (Melbourne Victory)
9 – Mark Milligan (Melbourne Victory)
8.5 – Kosta Barbarouses (Melbourne Victory)
8.5 – Gui Finkler (Melbourne Victory)
8.5 – Archie Thompson (Melbourne Victory)
8 – Matthieu Delpierre (Melbourne Victory)
8 – Dylan Murnane (Melbourne Victory)
7.5 – Nathan Coe (Melbourne Victory)
7.5 – Paddy Kisnorbo (Melbourne City)