Hyundai A-League Team of the Week: Round 27

Round 27 in the Hyundai A-League lived up to expectations with no shortage of drama and goals.

In a 4-3-3 formation, here are the players that caught our eye.

KEEPER

Dean Bouzanis (Melbourne City)

If it wasn't for the in-form custodian, City's defeat could have been a lot heavier against Phoenix. Bouzanis pulled off at least four excellent reflex saves in an assured 90-minute display. He'll hope to continue that form heading into the Finals Series.

Dean Bouzanis
Bouzanis was not to blame for City's loss to Wellington.

DEFENCE

Jack Hingert (Brisbane Roar)

Put in an excellent display at right-back, keeping the shackles on Perth Glory's main man Diego Castro. Also used his great engines and pace to get forward a host of times as well.

Alex Wilkinson (Sydney FC)

Quite simply the difference between Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory on Friday night. Wilkinson's masterful reading of the game was evident with both his early block from Besart Berisha at point-blank range, and the miraculous goal-line clearance that kept three points intact late on.

Liberato Cacace (Wellington Phoenix)

Another youngster to shine for Wellington, putting in a fantastic overall display at left-back. Not only did Cacace provide a real threat going forward, he also kept City star Daniel Arzani out of the contest for much of the night at QBE Stadium.

Michael Zullo (Sydney FC)

The key cog in the Sydney FC machine? The marauding left-back - who was notably absent from last month's back-to-back losses - made his case with a brilliant assist in the Big Blue, his ninth of the season.

Michael Zullo
Recent injuries have curtailed none of Zullo's form.

MIDFIELD

Riley McGree (Newcastle Jets)

Three goals, one assist and a classy overall display in the middle of the pitch from the 19-year-old. In this type of form, McGree looms as a Finals Series x-factor for the Jets.

Daniel Adlung (Adelaide United)

The German said after the win in Western Sydney that Adelaide were not prepared to roll over and his earlier actions certainly matched those words. Adlung's super first-half goal was the cherry on a performance that saw him complete an impressive 89.1 per cent of his passes.

Sarpreet Singh (Wellington Phoenix)

Remember the name because this teenager is destined for big things. Despite making just his sixth start in the Hyundai A-League, Singh was the catalyst for Phoenix's stunning turnaround against City, scoring both goals in the 2-1 win in Auckland. Skill, composure and a goal-threat, Singh has it all.

Oliver Bozanic; Sarpreet Singh
The classy Singh was on song for Phoenix.

FORWARDS

Joey Champness (Newcastle Jets)

The young attacker (and rapper) started the derby demolition with a fantastic goal. The Mariners defence simply had no answer to his pace, powerful runs and movement off the ball.

Roy O'Donovan (Newcastle Jets)

The Irishman must wish he could play his former club every week. After scoring a hat-trick against the Mariners in Round 1, O'Donovan backed it up with a brace on a record-breaking night for the Jets in Gosford.

Henrique (Brisbane Roar)

The Brazilian has a habit of scoring important goals and he did just that in Roar's come-from-behind win over Glory on Saturday night. Coming off the bench, Henrique came up with two expert finishes as Roar kept their finals hopes alive in the west.

Henrique
Henrique is back and firing for Brisbane Roar.

MANAGER OF THE ROUND

Ernie Merrick (Newcastle Jets)

Newcastle needed a reason to feel good again ahead of the Finals Series and they found eight of them against the Mariners. It doesn't get much better for a coach in an F3 Derby, with Merrick and the Jets issuing a timely reminder of the extreme damage they can wreak upon opposition teams.

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This article was originally published on the Hyundai A-League website.
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