A-League grand final player ratings for Sydney FC and Perth Glory: Milos Ninkovic proves real standout
An intriguing A-League grand final that was settled by spot kicks had a number of star players. But the stand-out performer helped ensure Sydney FC would emerge as champions.
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An intriguing A-League grand final that was settled by spot kicks had a number of star players. But the stand-out performer helped ensure Sydney FC would emerge as champions.
Sydney FC
Andrew Redmayne 8
Pulled off a couple of brilliant saves and composed throughout
Rhyan Grant 7.5
A marauding mullet immersed in a fascinating battle with Jason Davidson
Michael Zullo 7
Unlucky to be incorrectly ruled offside for a would-be Sydney opener
Alex Wilkinson 7
Made some crucial clearances including chasing down a poor Siem de Jong backpass
Aaron Calver 6.5
Lobbed a long ball for Adam Le Fondre and stayed sturdy at the back
Josh Brillante 6
Spent a good chunk tracking Chris Ikononimidis with varying degrees of success
Siem de Jong 5
Somewhat idle and a little lost in potentially his final match on loan for the club
Brandon O’Neill 7
Menacing in the middle and mostly delivered on set pieces
Milos Ninkovic 9
A picture of grace and poise and the main funnel for Sydney’s attacks
Adam Le Fondre 6.5
Finished the disallowed opening goal well and made customarily threatening runs
Alex Brosque 7
Fired-up and hassled relentlessly in likely the skipper’s final outing before retirement
Subs:
Anthony Caceres 6
Enjoyed one moment of superb skill on the touchline
Reza Ghoochannejhad 5
Decent but didn’t stand out.
PERTH
Liam Reddy 7
Almost embarrassed early on but looked solid enough.
Shane Lowry 7
Won just about every physical battle against Sydney’s attack.
Dino Djulbic 7
Belied his age to build a solid barrier in front of Reddy.
Matthew Spiranovic 8
Remains the most unflappable defender in the A-League.
Ivan Franjic 6
Decent incursions in the first half but replaced at halftime.
Jason Davidson 8
Excellent performance going forward, with a series of fine crosses.
Neil Kilkenny 7
Hive of industry in the centre of the park.
Juande 8
Simple but effective at the base of Glory’s midfield.
Diego Castro 8
Not quite able to dictate the game but his class is evident.
Chris Ikonomidis 7
Terrific first half but influence faded a little after that.
Joel Chianese 6
Had a golden chance in the fifth minute that he put wide.
Scott Neville 6
Missed a decent chance soon after coming on.
Jake Brimmer 6
Struggled to make any impact.
Andy Keogh 6
Good in the air but his movement isn’t as great as Chianese.
Brendon Santalab 5
Suffered the heartbreak of missing a penalty with his last kick in professional football.
Originally published as A-League grand final player ratings for Sydney FC and Perth Glory: Milos Ninkovic proves real standout
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