Welcome to Made With Mitre Moments, where aleagues.com.au presents all the key discussion points from each round of the 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League season.
Continue reading for a roundup of the most significant highlights from Round 25, brought to you by Mitre.
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Perth Glory’s Main Challenge This Season: ‘That’s Not Norms’
As David Zdrilic notes, Perth Glory’s 2024-25 season has deviated from the expected norm.
In fact, it has been “not normal” at all.
Under the guidance of Zdrilic and with new ownership, Perth has been in a state of transition, yet their journey has been far from smooth. Following a 3-1 loss to Western United, a team currently thriving, Glory finds themselves languishing at the bottom of the league.
MATCH REPORT: Western United Sustains Premiership Ambitions with Record-Extending Performance
Perth has faced a challenging campaign, marred by a significant turnover of players and injury woes. The mid-season transfer window saw additional changes with the exit of Jacob Muir, Luis Canga, Cristian Caicedo, Mustafa Amini, Luke Bodnar, Jarrod Carluccio, and Abdelelah Faisal.
They brought in players like Tomislav Mrcela, Lachlan Wales, Yuto Misao, Takuya Okamoto, Patrick Wood, Tass Mourdoukoutas, and Luke Amos during this period, but consistency in line-ups has been elusive.
So far, the Glory has utilised a league-high 35 players this season.
| Team | Players Used |
| Perth Glory | 35 |
| Brisbane Roar | 31 |
| Western Sydney Wanderers | 28 |
| Macarthur FC | 28 |
| Adelaide United | 27 |
| Central Coast Mariners | 27 |
| Sydney FC | 27 |
| Wellington Phoenix | 26 |
| Melbourne City | 26 |
| Newcastle Jets | 24 |
| Western United | 23 |
| Auckland FC | 23 |
| Melbourne Victory | 22 |
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“We kicked off the season missing a large portion of the team due to injuries, which was far from ideal,” Zdrilic conveyed to the media.
“The squad wasn’t fully prepared at the season’s start, creating a significant hurdle for us. Consequently, we had to rely heavily on young players, who have certainly grown and improved as a result.”
“Our preseason preparations were lacking. The present team is vastly different from the one that started the campaign. This is unprecedented. We intended to build while being higher up the table.”
“However, having to change 10-12 players throughout the season is uncommon. This is a major overhaul but we’re doing it in real time. Seven new players came in January alone. The lack of cohesion is evident.”
“Look at Western United – they keep a consistent lineup week in, week out, with maybe just one or two changes at max. We, on the other hand, have rarely fielded the same team.”
“This isn’t how we wanted things to unfold this season. We hoped the upheaval wouldn’t adversely affect us, but such is life.”
“Next season will be significantly different. We won’t be in a rebuilding phase but rather will have a solid squad ready from the start and complete pre-season together. No more piecemeal arrivals, each with varying fitness levels. This also applies to those who joined in January – they didn’t experience a proper pre-season and had to catch up mid-season.”
“This is not standard practice, but there’s been a considerable amount of change.”
“Regrettably, the outcomes speak for themselves, yet the behind-the-scenes changes often go unnoticed.”
“It’s a continuous cycle; we prepare for the next challenge, but the effects of those changes will begin to show in a year or two.”
Macarthur’s Hat-Trick Star: ‘He Is Unstoppable and Unplayable’
Could Marin Jakolis be the surprise contender in the Golden Boot race? With his first Isuzu UTE A-League hat-trick, he’s certainly putting himself in contention.
Jakolis netted a stunning hat-trick, guiding Macarthur Bulls to a 5-1 victory against Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.
MATCH REPORT: Dark Horse Emerges in Golden Boot Race as Hat-Trick Leads Macarthur to Dominant Win
With aspirations for the finals, the Bulls rallied from a goal down to keep their top-six hopes alive, with Jakolis’ standout performance complemented by goals from Jake Hollman and Harrison Sawyer.
Jakolis now boasts nine goals and nine assists this season – just three behind Golden Boot leader Archie Goodwin.
Only three players have recorded double figures for both goals and assists in a single Isuzu UTE A-League season: Craig Goodwin (15 goals, 10 assists in 2022-23), Marco Rojas (12 goals, 11 assists in 2016-17), and Aaron Mooy (11 goals, 20 assists in 2015-16).
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“He doesn’t usually score, so a hat-trick is impressive for him,” beamed Macarthur teammate Luke Brattan during his interview with Paramount+.
“But he was exceptional tonight. When he’s in form, he’s simply unstoppable and unplayable.”
“I’m thrilled for him to achieve this hat-trick,” acclaimed Bulls’ head coach Mile Sterjovski.
Stat That Showcases Melbourne City’s Academy Success
To comprehend the influence of Melbourne City’s academy, just take a look at their Isuzu UTE A-League squad.
The last 13 goals scored by City have come from players aged 23 and under, highlighted by Medin Memeti’s recent goal that secured a 1-0 victory against Central Coast Mariners on Saturday.
Memeti capped a brilliant set-piece with a fourth goal this season, all in his debut campaign.
Academy graduates Max Caputo, Harry Politidis, and Ben Mazzeo have also contributed during this streak, alongside U23 talents Marco Tilio, Kai Trewin, and Alessandro Lopane.
“Brilliant. This is fantastic,” Vidmar declared after City moved into third place in the standings, just one point adrift of Western United.
“This highlights that every player under the age of 23 has made significant contributions this season.”
“Reflecting on it – we defeated Brisbane with a header from Ben Mazzeo, last week it was Memeti, Max (Caputo), and Ale (Lopane), and Memeti clinched it again tonight.”
“This instils a great deal of confidence in them, proving they can compete at this level. It gives hope to younger kids watching, seeing these players debut at 17, 18, 19; it uplifts them significantly.”
“This is superb for our youngsters and the club’s future.”
Are Auckland Stumbling Towards the Finish Line?
When Steve Corica was inquired if Auckland FC had lost their “edge” of late, his response was clear.
“Not at all,” Corica stated to the press.
MATCH REPORT: League Leaders Held as Wanderers Ace Maintains Golden Boot Charge
Corica made these remarks after the top-placed team was held to a 1-1 draw by an in-form Western Sydney Wanderers, currently sitting fourth.
Despite being five points clear in their pursuit of the Premiership, Auckland have gone 11 matches without a loss, though they’ve won just once in their last five outings, with draws against Adelaide United (4-4), Newcastle Jets (1-1), and Central Coast Mariners (2-2).
Corica commented: “11 games unbeaten – that’s impressive.”
“For our first season in the competition, going that long without a defeat is very special. Many clubs would gladly accept that.”
“We have recorded a few draws recently, but secured a win last week against Brisbane.”
“We anticipated challenges. The Wanderers are a formidable side, having scored in every game this season, except the one at their venue where we claimed victory.”
Corica added, “We perhaps haven’t been at our best in the last few encounters with the ball.”
“I believe we are improving as time goes on. The team is dedicated, demonstrating a strong desire to continue battling.”
For the Wanderers, they are enjoying the momentum of an eight-match unbeaten streak, their best run since a 10-match stretch without a defeat back in 2015.
Highlighting their form is Golden Boot contender Nicolas Milanovic, who has netted 11 times this season.
‘He Sees Things That Others Might Miss in the A-League’
Praise for Sydney FC’s Brazilian sensation came pouring in following the Sky Blues’ leap into the top six over the weekend.
Sydney climbed the ladder courtesy of a dramatic 3-2 triumph against a faltering Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium, where Adrian Segecic scored the winner in the 94th minute.
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Former Juventus, Bayern Munich, and Brazil star Douglas Costa showcased another stellar performance, with three goals and four assists to date in his first season in Australia.
“Douglas has played where he has due to his exceptional abilities and the impact he delivers,” stated Sydney head coach Ufuk Talay in a press conference.
“He perceives aspects that other players might overlook within the A-League.”
“It’s a privilege to manage a talent like him, who plays for Sydney FC and competes in our league.”
When asked about Costa’s influence off the pitch, particularly as the Sky Blues prepare for the AFC Champions League Two semi-finals, Talay replied, “He’s been wonderful.”
“He’s contributing positively to the locker room and training space. He’s also fantastic for the club off the pitch.”
“He’s never declined any promotional activities or events we ask him to participate in. He’s a tremendous asset for us as a club and for the A-League as a whole.”
Meanwhile, Adelaide’s rising star Archie Goodwin took the lead in the Golden Boot race after netting twice for the Reds.
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Goodwin’s two goals brought his season total to 12, placing him atop the scoring charts.
Coaches React to Controversial Moments
Wellington Phoenix ended their 77-day quest for a win on Sunday, albeit amid controversy.
Having not celebrated a victory since January 20, they finally secured a long-awaited win against Newcastle, courtesy of goals from Kosta Barbarouses and Kazuki Nagasawa.
MATCH REPORT: Wellington Phoenix Ends 77-Day Win Drought in Thrilling and Contentious Encounter Against Newcastle
The Phoenix displayed dominance with a two-goal lead, only for Newcastle to set up an exhilarating finish with a late and controversial goal.
Wellington goalkeeper Josh Oluwayemi, who made a remarkable 97th-minute save to deny a potentially equalising goal, felt he was fouled when credited with an own goal in the 65th minute, believing he was impeded by Thomas Aquilina, though the goal was allowed.
“I want to review the footage. Clearly, their goal shifted the momentum,” remarked Phoenix head coach Giancarlo ‘Chiefy’ Italiano.
“I want to establish if Josh was indeed fouled. I believe that incident firmly swayed the momentum in favour of the Jets.”
He added, “Given the circumstances, it’s easy to second-guess.”
That was not the only point of contention.
Kota Mizunuma and the Jets claimed a penalty as time ran down, but the Japanese star ended up with a yellow card for simulation.
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Following a VAR review, where Newcastle appealed for a penalty, Mizunuma was deemed offside in the lead-up to the play; however, the yellow card was sustained. Referees received no leeway to overturn the booking, as noted by Paramount+ co-commentator Andy Harper in discussions with Football Australia’s Head of Referees Jon Moss.
“I was taken aback by the card – I honestly believe it should have been rescinded due to clear contact,” remarked Jets head coach Rob Stanton.
“I don’t understand that decision. The implications could be dire if he receives another yellow for something trivial, leading to a red.”
“For me, I’m disappointed that the yellow card wasn’t lifted. Is it a penalty? It appears to be, but then one must assess whether he was offside, and they concluded him to be offside.”
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