Hyundai A-League Team of the Week: Round 17

Which players performed better than the rest in the Hyundai A-League over an incredible weekend of action in Round 17?

We've assessed the contenders and opted for a 3-4-3 formation in this week's edition of the Team of the Week.

WATCH FOR FREE: How to watch the Hyundai A-League LIVE and FREE

REPORT: Clinical Jets soar over woeful Wanderers in the ANZ Stadium wet

REPORT: Victory produce stunning comeback to sink the Mariners

REPORT: Adelaide beat Brisbane in a 4-3 thriller

REPORT: Slick Glory outclass Wellington

REPORT: Stylish Sydney FC prove too good for City



Did we get our starting XI right for Round 17?

Goalkeeper

Andrew Redmayne (Sydney FC)

Yet again this season, the experienced gloveman came up big to help Sydney FC to their 2-0 win over Melbourne City on Sunday.

With his side holding a slender 1-0 lead, Redmayne saved Riley McGree’s penalty to keep the Sky Blues in front, before Adam Le Fondre made the result safe soon after.

Redmayne also denied McGree and Dario Vidosic earlier on to cap a fine display.

Defenders

Shane Lowry (Perth Glory)

Lowry has been a central figure in Glory’s wonderful season so far and put in another masterful display in the victory over Wellington Phoenix.

He managed to keep Phoenix’s dynamic attack quiet all night at HBF Park as Glory recorded a club-record fourth consecutive clean sheet.

Lowry also kick-started Glory’s fantastic performance with the opening goal in the 3-0 victory.

Rhyan Grant (Sydney FC)

It was a timely return for the Sky Blues right-back who obviously came back from his exploits with the Caltex Socceroos at the AFC Asian Cup with plenty of confidence.

Grant was everywhere against City, getting forward at every opportunity down the right wing, while also making some vital interventions at the other end to stop City attacks.

It capped a special day for Grant who was presented with a watch for his 10 years of service to the Sky Blues before the match.



Nikolai Topor-Stanley (Newcastle Jets)

It was his side’s rejuvenated attack which got most of the plaudits but Topor-Stanley helped provide the base for the Jets 5-1 drubbing of the Wanderers on Friday night.

Against his former club, Topor-Stanley ensured Wanderers striker Oriol Riera didn’t get a sniff at goal.

He finished with a pass accuracy of 80%, won all five of his one-on-one duels, made eight clearances, three interceptions and also won 100% of his tackles.

Midfielders

Andrew Hoole (Central Coast Mariners)

The Mariners might have been on the end of a 3-2 defeat but Hoole did all he could to inspire his side to an upset over Victory.

Hoole was the star in a dominant first half for the Mariners, scoring not one but two incredible free-kicks.

He was the home side’s most threatening player on an afternoon that should have delivered a lot more for the Gosford club.



Milos Ninkovic (Sydney FC)

In a match that needed bits of magic to create a goal, Ninkovic delivered.

The Silky Serbian star played the final pass for both of Sydney FC’s goals in the clinical 2-0 win over City.

Along with Redmayne, Ninkovic was the reason why the Sky Blues made it five straight wins at Jubilee Stadium.



Isaias (Adelaide United)

The recently-naturalised Aussie midfielder showcased his class once more, pivotal to Adelaide United's historic 4-3 win over Brisbane Roar.

Isaias grabbed Adelaide's opening goal with a sumptuous free-kick, before controlling the tempo of the second half and seeing his side overturn the deficit.

A true captain's knock from the midfield maestro.



Dimitri Petratos (Newcastle Jets)

The classy attacker has been the Jets’ most creative force this season and he finally got some end-product to his endeavour in the Jets’ drubbing of the Wanderers.

Petratos got the rout started at ANZ Stadium, curling in a fantastic goal with his weaker left-foot.

He also had a hand in two of the Jets other four goals as the Hunter club breathed new life into their top six hopes.

Forwards

Elvis Kamsoba (Melbourne Victory)

The livewire winger was the catalyst for Victory’s stunning second-half fightback in Gosford.

Introduced at the break with his side trailing 2-0, Kamsoba set-up a goal for James Troisi within five minutes, while he was also heavily involved in their equaliser.

Tormented the Mariners’ right-sided defence with his speed and direct running.



Jason Hoffman (Newcastle Jets)

He may not attract the same headlines as some of his teammates but there’s arguably no better club man than ‘The Hoff’.

And restored to the starting side against the Wanderers - in an advanced role by coach Ernie Merrick - Hoffman rewarded his coach's faith with a super display.

Hoffman tormented the Wanderers defence with his energy and runs in behind, scoring one goal, setting up another for Dimitri Petratos and also winning a penalty.



Chris Ikonomidis (Perth Glory)

What a superb return to Hyundai A-League action for Glory’s Caltex Socceroos winger.

Ikonomidis resumed where he left off after AFC Asian Cup duty, scoring a goal and producing a brilliant all-round display in the 3-0 win over the Phoenix.

The 23-year-old now has seven goals from just 10 appearances this season.

Coach of the Round

Marco Kurz (Adelaide United)

Brisbane Roar were minutes away from perhaps letting interim boss Darren Davies win this accolade.

The visitors had raced to a 3-0 lead at Coopers Stadium and had a numerical advantage before Kurz and his men produced one of the greatest comebacks in Hyundai A-League history.

Whatever the German said to his troops at half-time had the desired effect, with his attacking changes - including the introduction of Mirko Boland at the interval - played a massive role in the incredible turnaround.

You just have to love his passion. Take a bow Marco and the Reds!