The Inner Sanctum's Round 24 A-League Men Team of the Week. (Photo: Melbourne Victory, Adelaide United, Central Coast Mariners)
The Inner Sanctum has put together a team of the week comprised of the best performing players that took part in Round 24 of the A-League Men season.
While Melbourne City and Sydney FC are still abroad playing their Asian Champions League fixtures, there were just five fixtures over the weekend. Though it was a round of quality over quantity, with game week 24 providing some great individual performances.
Following the latest set of fixtures, we’ve compiled the best XI from the stand-out performers, in The Inner Sanctum’s Team of the Week.
Goalkeepers and defenders
GK: Oli Sail (Wellington Phoenix)
A rock between the sticks for his side against the Wanderers, Sail played a big part in ensuring the Phoenix kept a clean sheet. Having conceded four goals last week, he would redeem himself, making several saves to ensure his side took all three points.
RB: Jason Geria (Melbourne Victory)
Geria had a sensational outing against Macarthur, with the defender dominant on the right-hand side of the ground. Causing headaches for the Bulls’ defence with his overlapping runs, he was also working hard defensively with no other player making more tackles.
CB: Scott Wootton (Wellington Phoenix)
Wootton put in an impressive display against Western Sydney, starting central of the back-three. He finished the game with two blocks, five clearances and five ball recoveries, with the Englishman playing one of his best games since joining the club.
CB: Roderick Miranda (Melbourne Victory)
Miranda put in his best performance of the season, finishing the game with four clearances and three recoveries. In addition to his defensive work, he got on the scoreboard for the second time this season, scoring a clever goal from a Jake Brimmer corner.
LB: Lucas Mauragis (Newcastle Jets)
In just the seventh senior appearance, Mauragis was one of the best performers for his side in the loss to Central Coast. His work rate was impressive, making ball six recoveries for the game, and would score his second career goal in the A-League Men’s competition.
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Midfielders
CM: Joshua Brillante (Melbourne Victory)
Brillante was a workhorse for the Victory in midfield against the Bulls’, with the club captain proving to be effective both offensively and defensively. In addition to scoring one of the scrappiest goals of the season, he finished the game with seven ball recoveries.
CM: Max Balard (Central Coast Mariners)
Balard played his best game of the season against rivals Newcastle. Though without a goal or assist to his name for his efforts, his work rate was undeniable, finishing the game with 11 ball recoveries.
CAM: Jake Brimmer (Melbourne Victory)
The best on ground against the Macarthur in the 4-1 drubbing, Brimmer was influential in attack. Setting up Miranda’s goal with a well taken corner, he also scored himself, converting from the penalty spot. Causing headaches for the Bulls defence throughout the night, it was a complete performance from Brimmer.
Forwards
RW: Bernardo Oliveira (Adelaide United)
18-year-old Bernardo Oliveira continues to develop, with the winger putting in an impressive display against the Perth Glory. Getting on the scoresheet with his second goal of the season, he was dangerous on the right flank with his attacking runs.
ST: Jason Cummings (Central Coast Mariners)
One of the in-form strikers of the competition, Cummings caused headaches for the Newcastle defenders, finishing the night with a brace, bringing his goal tally to nine goals from just 17 games. Scoring two goals inside five minutes, he’s proving to be dangerous fox in box type striker.
LW: Beni Nkololo (Central Coast Mariners)
Earning a place in our TOTW for the second straight week, Mariners winger Nkololo was stellar against the Jets. The Frenchman dazzled with his dribbling ability, and would also register his second assist of the season.
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