Heroic Moments: Mileusnic enters Hyundai A-League folklore after unforgettable piece of theatre
It could well have been one of the Hyundai A-League's greatest half time speeches, but Nikola Mileusnic didn't hear a word.
The Adelaide winger wasn't present for coach Marco Kurz's half time rally in Saturday night's clash with Brisbane Roar.
Instead, with his side trailing 3-1 at the interval, Mileusnic was preparing to come on and rescue Adelaide from what looked like the most damaging half of football the Reds will play all season.
Little did the 25-year-old know that he would soon produce a moment that will be etched into Hyundai A-League folklore, as he buried a fantastic late header to complete a remarkable turnaround.
The diminutive 1.8 metre attacker's effort is the fourth-latest winning goal in Australian national league history.
It is a piece of theatre that will be forever stitched into the competition's records, as the Reds became the first Hyundai A-League team to win a game in normal time after being three goals down.
“It was very special for me. I will remember it for the rest of my life,” he said.
“To be 3-0 down and just come back, I’m so proud of the boys.
“It was an amazing feeling. We’ll cherish that memory and look back at it when we get older.”
INCREDIBLE TURNAROUND: Adelaide make history to beat Brisbane in a 4-3 thriller
KURZ: 'The team is fantastic, the character is fantastic'
Brisbane forwards a faint positive
Lost amid the rubble of Brisbane's three goal capitulation, Dylan Wenzel-Halls' maiden Hyundai A-League strike offers a glimmer of respite for the lowly Roar.
The NPL Queensland goal machine – who famously scored seven goals in one match for Western Pride last year – hit Roar’s second, a reactive striker’s finish which showed the poise that could see him thrive in the competition.
It clearly meant a lot to the 21-year-old forward. And if there's a striker he can shadow to further improve his Hyundai A-League record, there's arguably few better mentors than Adam Taggart.
Taggart hit his 11th goal of the season against Adelaide, some feat for a struggling Roar side, and registered his 50th Hyundai A-League goal.
Shane wins brotherly affair in Perth
A brotherly rivalry meant there was even more on the line for Shane and Ryan Lowry when Perth Glory hosted Wellington Phoenix on Saturday night.
And it was older brother Shane who emerged in a resounding victor in Glory's 3-0 win.
Lowry opened the scoring with an emphatic thumping header before playing his part in a fourth consecutive club record shutout for the Western Australians.
Glory had conceded 50 goals in 27 matches last season, and the impact of Lowry, a colossal influence in a formidable back three for Tony Popovic, has been one of the key drivers in their renaissance.
50 not out for Keogh
Another club record fell for Glory on Saturday evening as Andy Keogh became the first Perth player to reach the 50-goal landmark in the Hyundai A-League.
The Irishman brought that up with a precise strike, sweeping home Glory’s third goal from long range, underlining the opportunism that has made him one of the competition's strongest marksmen.
Duke shows worth in 21 seconds
Mitch Duke arrived in Western Sydney with the promise of goals, but few would've anticipated a return this quickly.
It took just 21 seconds for the former Central Coast Mariner to make a goal scoring impact for the Wanderers as he came off the bench to head in a late consolation in the team's 5-1 loss to Newcastle Jets.
Duke’s effort restored a slither of pride for Markus Babbel's side, and his attitude and desire should set an example for the Red and Black as they attempt to break their 2019 curse.
