'Battle of the bad haircuts': how social media reacted to the Hyundai A-League 2019 Grand Final
An eye-catching duel between Rhyan Grant and Jason Davidson, tributes for retiring Hyundai A-League legend Alex Brosque and a new Grand Final attendance record.
There were plenty of talking points for fans across the nation to sink their teeth into over the course of Sunday's fiercely-fought Hyundai A-League 2019 Grand Final between Perth Glory and Sydney FC.
And here's how social media reacted.
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Experienced bunch
Perth Glory taskmaster Tony Popovic likes taking seasoned troops into battle. At 31.9 years old, the Glory side Popovic assembled in Sunday’s defeat to Sydney had the oldest average starting eleven in an Australian Grand Final, according to stats guru Andrew Howe.
Popovic’s Western Sydney Wanderers side, who were defeated by Adelaide United 3-1 in the 2015/16 Grand Final, are the second oldest.
A moment’s silence
There was a classy tribute held for some fallen heroes – including former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke – before the battle got underway.
Record shattered
The massive turnout of 56,371 fans at Optus Stadium for Sunday’s big dance was a record Grand Final attendance for the competition, eclipsing the previous tally of 55,436 set in Melbourne Victory's 6-0 win over Adelaide United in the 2007 Grand Final.
Grant wins battle of the bad haircuts
The clash between Perth’s bleached-blond Jason Davidson and Sydney’s mullet-wearing hero Rhyan Grant epitomised the intense nature of the Hyundai A-League 2019 Grand Final.
The two fullbacks were at each other's throats throughout the 120 minutes.
Tributes flood in for Sydney FC - and Brosque
Former Caltex Socceroo Craig Foster and ex-Hyundai A-League custodian Danny Vukovic were among those to pay respects to retiring Sydney FC legend Alex Brosque after the Grand Final.
Meanwhile, on-loan maestro Siem de Jong received a mention from parent club and Dutch champions Ajax, and FOX Sports pundit Bruce Djite issued his condolences to defeated Grand Finalists Perth Glory.
