Macarthur FC started the season on a high after defeating NPL club Sydney United in the Australian Cup final the week before the season kicked off. The Bulls suffered somewhat of a Cup hangover, but they failed to find the net in a dour 0-0 draw away to Brisbane to kick off their campaign.
Last year's fallen finalists got a modicum of revenge as they won the rematch of the 21/22 Grand Final against local rivals Western United. A Leo Lacroix own goal gave City the lead before goal machine Jamie Maclaren did his World Cup chances no harm by doubling their lead on the hour mark. Nicolas Milanovic got a consolation goal for United as the match ended 2-1.
The match of the round was undoubtedly the Big Blue between traditional rivals Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory. Victory got the three points with the odd goal in five with Chris Ikonomidis and former Manchester United star Nani instrumental.
Adelaide United crossed the Tasman to face Wellington Phoenix. The Phoenix went a man down just 25 minutes into the contest, but Adelaide could not find a cutting edge in front of the goal. Wellington took the lead in the 75th minute that looked to give them an unlikely win, but it wasn’t to be. Ben Halloran was the saviour for Adelaide United as he scored deep into injury time to give Carl Vearts side a deserved point.
Western Sydney had to rely on Serbian import Sulejman Krpic to beat a determined Liam Reddy between the Perth Glory goals to give them the win. Reddy was impervious, and almost the player of the week. Even after he was beaten by Krpic, he still managed to save a penalty in the dying stages. But as good as Reddy was for his team, they still suffered defeat. It does not augur well for a Perth side that was so poor last season.
We were robbed of an F3 derby, as Newcastle and Central Coast had their opening round fixture postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at the Central Coast Stadium.
Now you are up to date with what happened on the pitch, let’s take a look at who made Edge of the Crowd’s A League Men's Team of the Week...
Round One A-League Men's Team of the Week
GK - LIAM REDDY - PERTH GLORY
Liam Reddy was tremendous in goals for Perth Glory in their 1-0 defeat to Western Syndey Wanderers. The 41-year-old fan favourite made an incredible five saves to keep his side in the game. He even managed a penalty save right at the death to prevent Sulejman Krpic from securing a debut brace.
DEF- GABRIEL CLEUR - WANDERERS
Off-season signing Gabriel Cleur had a terrific debut for Western Sydney Wanderers. Not only was he part of a defence that kept a clean sheet, but he also set up the only goal of the game.
DEF- MARCELO - WANDERERS
Brazilian import Marcelo is another Wanderers defender who was integral in Western Sydney keeping a clean sheet. Early signs suggest Wanderers boss Mark Rudan seems to have built an impressive defence in the off-season.
DEF - SCOTT NEVILLE - BRISBANE ROAR
Veteran defender Scott Neville was imperious at the back for Brisbane Roar. Macarthur wasn't exactly a constant threat, but the veterans' leadership ensured that even when they tried, it was to no avail
DEF- IVAN VUJICA - MACARTHUR FC
Ivan Vujica was an otherwise bright spark in what was a bore draw between Brisbane Roar and Australian Cup champions Macarthur FC. The 25-year-old's marauding runs from left back were about the only thing that was watchable in this fixture.
RW- NANI - MELBOURNE VICTORY
One of the biggest marquee signings in A-League history, Nani didn't disappoint on his full debut for the Victory. He was a menace on the wing and even helped himself to an assist. We know he played on the left wing, but we had to shoehorn him into the team somewhere.
CM- JOSH BRILLANTE - MELBOURNE VICTORY
Victory captain Josh Brillante was, dare we say it, brilliant for the Victory in the midfield. He was sensational in the double pivot alongside Rai Marchán and scored the winner in the Big Blue. A great weekend.
LW- MATT LECKIE - MELBOURNE CITY
Matt Leckie wreaked havoc from the left for Melbourne City as they completed their revenge mission against Western United. He may not have gotten on the scoresheet, or provided an assist - but this was vintage Leckie.
CAM- CHRIS IKONOMIDIS - MELBOURNE VICTORY
Chris Ikonomidis was a game-changer for Victory on Saturday night against Sydney FC. He came off the bench to not only score a goal but set up the winner for his captain Josh Brilliante.
ST- SULEJMAN KRPIC - WANDERERS
Another astute purchase by Western Sydney Wanderers manager Mark Rudan. The Serbian already started paying pack some of his transfer fee with the winner in the Wanderers' 1-0 victory and could have had more if he didn't come up against Liam Reddy in such incredible form.
ST- JAMIE MACLAREN - MELBOURNE CITY
The obligatory strike from the best Australian striker currently playing on our shores. Jamie Maclaren is a goal machine and we feel it could be a while before he is usurped from our team of the week.