A-League players who made the difference in Round 1: Impressive imports, debutants

Finally, the A-League is back. Starting with the Grand Final rematch, which ended in a scoreless draw, as well as the debut of new A-League club Auckland FC, there was the marquee derby between Douglas Costa and Juan Mata.

Fifteen goals were scored in six games in a one-sided contest between Macarthur FC and Perth Glory, seven of which came in the final game of Round 1.

Adelaide United started the season with a bye. Let’s take a look at who made the difference for the other 12 teams that were in action.

How many leagues can make you feel like that? The A-League 2024/25 season begins on October 18.

Central Coast Mariners

Dylan Perrack-Cullen was thrown in the deep end for his first game at A-League level, but did not miss a single chance; The 18-year-old shot stopper used his large frame to bring down Bruno Fornaroli, who might have contributed for the Victory striker to hit the post from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time.

In the 70th minute, the young player launched a ball down the field which could have led to a goal for Alou Kuol had it not been for the intervention of Victory midfielder Jordi Valadon.

The Mariners goalkeeper praised former Socceroo goalkeeper Danny Vukovic, who is now his goalkeeping coach: “He’s one of the best mentors you could hope for,” Perac-Cullen said.

melbourne victory

Jordi Valadon was great when it came to Melbourne Victory; The 21-year-old got a shot in the 28th minute which was saved by Peric-Cullen, giving away a corner. Additionally, Valladon won the ball back from Alfie McCalmont in first-half stoppage time, leading to Fornaroli being awarded a penalty.

The Victory midfielder also prevented a potential goal for Kuol in the 70th minute by making a timely intervention, giving Victory a corner.

auckland fc

Hiroki Sakai proved he would be a handful at left back, as the Auckland FC captain made several dangerous runs down his right flank. The Japanese importer provided the cross that led to Roar’s Harry van der Saag own goal in the eighth minute, the first goal scored in the new club’s history.

Hiroki Sakai celebrates with teammates (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

brisbane roar

Nicer Acosta proved he could be an easy acquisition. The Ecuadorian demonstrated why the Roar recruited him, in highlights as he was most likely to beat Auckland goalkeeper Alex Paulsen. The 21-year-old had a few shots on target and can hold his head high given it was a difficult day for the Roar.

newcastle jets

Daniel Wilmering was threatening from set-pieces providing superb delivery; In the 30th minute, Wilmering created a chance for Alexander Susnajar with a free kick, which was saved by Jets goalkeeper Ryan Scott. The 24-year-old made ten passes in the final third, creating chances, but to no avail, as there was no one to match his good work and a relatively strong defensive performance, winning seven out of nine duels.

melbourne city

Patrick Beech allowed Aurelio Vidmar to score on 39-year-old Jamie Young, a big decision that paid off; The 21-year-old made a massive impact in his first A-League game.

The City goalkeeper made four saves, including a superb stop of Costa Grozos’ free kick in the 38th minute. He’s got a good head on his shoulders to go with it: “Proud of the boys. Jamie has helped me grow as a person and player,” he said.

Western Sydney Wanderers

Brandon Borrello led from the front and did everything in his power to ensure Wanderers did not leave the game empty-handed, but to no avail.

Brandon Borrello of Western Sydney Wanderers. (Photo by Texi Smith)

Despite this, the captain showed great intent; The 29-year-old laid the ball on a plate for Aidan Hammond, who fired a shot over the bar in first-half stoppage time. Additionally, the Wanderers attacker provided the assist for his team’s only goal of the game through Hammond in the 56th minute, but unfortunately his team left the game without any points.

sydney fc

Patrick Klimala proved that Sydney FC made the right decision in recruiting him; The striker provided the assist for the goal that broke the deadlock with a header in the 17th minute, which Joe Lawley put into the back of the net. Pole scored the second goal for the Sky Blues, giving them a 2–1 lead in the 63rd minute thanks to a brilliant cross from Douglas Costa, with centre-back Hayden Matthews providing the assist with a superb header.

wellington phoenix

Costa Barbarossa was the main attacking outlet with Phoenix relying heavily on him to operate in the final third. The Kiwi international scored his only goal of the game in first-half stoppage time thanks to an intelligent header from Isaac Hughes that broke the deadlock. The 34-year-old remained a constant threat and worked hard throughout the game.

western united

Angus Thurgate stepped up in the absence of club captain Ben Gerushio, as he helped keep his team in the game. The midfielder played a key role in giving Western United a point by scoring the equalizing goal in the 76th minute.

Macarthur FC

Jake Holman did a good job of presenting his case to be included in the Socceroos squad in front of national team coach Tony Popovic. The 23-year-old caused a lot of chaos for the Glory defence, leading to an easy goal from Jade Drew in the seventh minute. The bright prospect finished with a goal and two assists, both scored by Marin Jakolis.

He made some insightful comments: “What a great way to start the season. Every day in training we are working very hard on our combinations.

Perth Glory

Adam Bugariza scored a consolation goal for Glory in the 73rd minute; The 19-year-old substitute made an impact by lofting the ball past Filipe Curto.