Welcome to Made With Mitre Moments, where aleagues.com.au brings you the most significant highlights from each round of the 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League season.
Stick around for the key moments from Round 17, proudly presented by Mitre.
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Roar’s strategy after ‘toothless’ performance: ‘That’s quite clear’
Who will fill the void left by Thomas Waddingham? This is the pressing concern for Ruben Zadkovich and Brisbane Roar following their 1-0 loss to Western Sydney Wanderers on Friday night.
Following Waddingham’s significant transfer to Portsmouth in the EFL Championship, the Roar struggled to find the net during their narrow home defeat against the Wanderers, who ended a nearly four-year winless spell against Brisbane.
MATCH REPORT: Wanderers break four-year streak as Western Sydney manager discusses transfer plans
Roar coach Zadkovich described his side’s attack as “toothless” post-game at Suncorp Stadium, where Scott Neville marked his 300th and final appearance in the A-Leagues before retirement. He also updated the media on the club’s strategic plans to address the squad’s weaknesses, with Brisbane currently sitting at the bottom of the table after suffering nine consecutive home losses.
FAREWELL: An affectionate interview with Scott Neville following his 300th and final Isuzu UTE A-League match
“There are definitely areas where we need to enhance and improve,” he stated to journalists.
“I think that’s quite evident. Losing Tommy to Portsmouth is fantastic for him and beneficial for our club’s finances, but we must find a suitable replacement and we’re actively searching for a suitable ‘number nine’ for our squad.
“Defensively, we have to consider strengthening that area too with Scott retiring and Lucas (Herrington) currently on international duty.
“There are a couple of additional areas that need addressing, but it’s a gradual process. It’s about making small adjustments in this transfer window since it’s challenging to secure the right players.”
Meanwhile, Wanderers coach Alen Stajcic, who lost star midfielder Juan Mata to a suspected hamstring injury in the first half, provided insight into Western Sydney’s ongoing search for new players. Read it here.
Macarthur coach responds to non-penalty decision: ‘What for?’
Macarthur Bulls left Go Media Stadium with nothing to show for their efforts, as their head coach expressed frustration over a controversial decision that went against his team on Saturday.
The Bulls suffered a 2-1 loss to league leaders Auckland FC, who claimed the top spot thanks to an 80th-minute goal from Neyder Moreno and Louis Verstraete.
MATCH REPORT: Auckland FC pulls ahead at the top after another late winner against the Bulls
Moreno opened the scoring in the ninth minute before Macarthur’s Jake Hollman levelled the match just ten minutes later. However, the Bulls had a penalty appeal turned down minutes prior as VAR adjudged nothing amiss despite Moreno seemingly tripping Chris Ikonomidis in the penalty area.
In his post-match comments, Macarthur manager Mile Sterjovski asked: “What do you think?”
He continued: “I firmly believe it should have been a penalty.
“We keep questioning VAR. We’ve invested a significant amount into it. What’s the point?
“If it’s not making the right calls, it becomes a waste of resources.”
‘WE’RE RUNNING OUT OF CENTRE-BACKS’: Coach addresses injury concerns, sets timeline for star’s return
‘Discussion’ needed for Adelaide after significant loss
Focus was the primary theme in Carl Veart’s post-match conference as he reviewed Adelaide United’s heavy 4-1 defeat against rivals Sydney FC.
The Reds had the opportunity to stay within striking distance of Auckland FC at the top of the league, with a game in hand, but instead, they were soundly beaten by the Sky Blues at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.
MATCH REPORT: New signing observes as brilliant Sydney FC thrashed Adelaide to halt winless run
This loss ended Adelaide’s four-match unbeaten run and marked only their second defeat of the season across 14 fixtures, while Sydney climbed to fifth place in the standings.
However, Veart raised concerns regarding the mentality of his team following the one-sided encounter away from home.
“I don’t think we were fully focused,” he commented to the media.
“We had several great opportunities to score, yet our execution in the final third let us down. We failed to capitalise on the chances we created.
“Our focus wasn’t there and our off-ball work rate fell below our usual standard this season.”
‘LIKE HE’S PLAYED 100 GAMES’: Young defender earns high praise after outstanding debut
Veart added further: “It’s always difficult to maintain composure when you’re at the top and being pursued while also trying to chase down opponents. We didn’t manage that today.
“Whether it’s the pressure of being at the summit, I can’t say for certain. It’s definitely a topic for us to discuss thoroughly.”
“We must improve, and I hope this is merely a small setback.”
Bench making the ‘difference’ for Newcastle
Newcastle Jets’ substitutes had a significant impact during Saturday night’s F3 Derby.
Players Lachie Rose and Kota Mizunuma played vital roles in the derby comeback, helping the 11th-placed Jets secure a 2-2 draw against two-time reigning champions Central Coast Mariners, who currently sit in ninth, four points outside the top six.
‘NEXT LEVEL’: Why Japanese sensation has Newcastle Jets ‘really, really excited’
Rose netted a goal in the second half, while Japanese star Mizunuma assisted the equaliser in the 87th minute in Gosford, where Charles M’Mombwa also left a positive impression off the bench.
“In the last two matches, I feel our bench players made all the difference,” remarked Jets head coach Rob Stanton. “We haven’t had that quality before.
“I believe these substitutes can soon be in starting roles. This flexibility allows us to rotate players while maintaining health across the squad. We still have (Aleksandar) Susnjar and (Dane) Ingham to come back – two experienced players we’ve missed and are eager to see return as soon as possible.
“The depth on the bench is looking promising, which is exciting from a fan’s perspective.”
How a Socceroo and J1 League icon inspires title contenders
Two matches, two victories, and two clean sheets. Such is Melbourne Victory’s record since Mitch Langerak took on the number one role after his return to AAMI Park.
The Socceroo and J1 League legend, renowned for his contributions to Nagoya Grampus, has returned to Victory and stepped into the starting role since Jack Duncan was moved to the bench a fortnight ago.
MATCH REPORT: Victory climbs from seventh to third as they dismantle Perth in five-minute onslaught
Since making his first start for Victory after 15 years, the 2023-24 Grand Finalists have enjoyed back-to-back wins, moving into third place thanks to Saturday’s 2-0 victory against Perth Glory.
This success followed his clean sheet in the Big Blue against rivals Sydney FC, and a standout moment in Round 17 showcased the 36-year-old’s quality.
Langerak was observed mentoring 20-year-old teammate Josh Rawlins during the second half.
Victory head coach Arthur Diles noted: “That’s part of his character, isn’t it?
“That’s what he brings to the team, and it’s crucial. Leaders, regardless of their position or age, must communicate and motivate the group.
“That’s incredibly important, and Mitch has that quality in abundance, along with several others.
“Even Rody (Roderick Miranda), during a stretch when we were under pressure, rallied the group together. That’s a true leader in my eyes.
“He called everyone in and effectively urged them to wake up and regain control of the match, and they did just that.”
Diles added: “Keeping clean sheets is pivotal, and that credit goes to the whole team, not just the goalkeeper.
“Mitch, when needed, performed exceptionally. The defenders in front of him did a superb job defending the area, and the recovery efforts from the rest of the squad to reclaim possession were commendable.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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