Round 3 was another challenging one to select the team of the week from. Nevertheless, there were some great games, with players who made their mark.
The A-League team of the week for Round 3 was full of quality players throughout the pitch.
Formation 4-4-2
Goalkeeper: Michael Weier (Newcastle Jets)- Michael Weier made some quality saves and his distribution was once again flawless. Despite the Wellington Phoenix having eight shots on target, compared to the Newcastle Jets four, the Jets won the game by two goals partly due to him making seven saves.
Right Back: Josh Risdon (Western United)- Josh Risdon provided an assist for the equaliser scored by Lachlan Wales, which meant that Western United claimed their first point of the season. He made many marauding runs forward and touched the ball 90 times.
He showed that he is a potential Socceroo starting right back, as defensively he negated the influence of Daniel Arzani, who played left midfield for Macarthur FC.
Centre Back: Mark Natta (Newcastle Jets)- Mark Natta had a good game in the centre of defence. He defended well and passed the ball accurately when in possession. It was difficult to find a flaw in his game. Hopefully, his performance was not an aberration and is a sign of things to come.
Centre Back: Curtis Good (Melbourne City)- Curtis Good was composed when on the ball and played a key role in the centre of defence, as he played a part in curtailing the influence of the Melbourne Victory attacking players. He put in a display which means he should be an option to start for the Socceroos in the World Cup, if selected.
Left Back: James McGarry (Newcastle Jets)- James McGarry opened the scoring in the fourth minute of the game with a stunning strike. The goal appeared to give the Newcastle Jets impetus to go on with it and they did as they scored three goals for the game, all of which came in the first half. Defensively, McGarry was solid and he was good on the ball.
Centre Midfield: Matthew Leckie (Melbourne City)- Matthew Leckie put in a great shift in a position that is foreign to him. He moved the ball around seamlessly. It was a great display and there is no doubt that based on his current form he should be in the starting line-up for the Socceroos in the upcoming World Cup.
Attacking Midfield: Lachlan Wales (Western United)- Lachlan Wales worked hard throughout the game, as he had 24 passes in the final third. He was rewarded; scoring the equaliser against Macarthur FC in the 69th minute. His combination play was impressive.
Attacking Midfield: Craig Noone (Macarthur FC)- Craig Noone captained the team in the absence of Ulises Dávila through injury. He provided the assist for the opening goal of the game scored by Matthew Millar in the 24th minute. It was reward for effort for Noone as he toiled hard and was the main outlet for the forays for Macarthur FC.
Attacking Midfield: Reno Piscopo (Newcastle Jets)- Reno Piscopo had 34 passes in the 76 minutes that he was involved in the game. He provided the assist for the second goal of the game, that was scored by Beka Dartsmelia with some good combination play. When he was interviewed at half time, he felt like there was work to be done despite the Jets leading 3-1; “Keep scoring goals. We got a little bit too comfortable and relaxed.”
Forward: Beka Dartsmelia (Newcastle Jets)- Beka Dartsmelia finished the game with one goal and one assist. He played a part in both of the first two goals of the game, as he provided the assist for James McGarry who broke the deadlock and Dartsmelia scored the second goal with an outstanding strike.
Forward: Joe Lolley (Sydney FC)- Joe Lolley provided a lot of good crosses and put in a good shift. He scored an equaliser in the 48th minute against Adelaide United. Despite, Adelaide United playing with ten men for more than half the game, but the game ended in a draw; post-match he said he felt; “just frustration,” which shows that he is a competitor
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