Finally, the A-League is back. Starting with the grand final rematch, which ended up being a scoreless draw, as well as the introduction of the new A-League club Auckland FC, there was the marquee derby between Douglas Costa and Juan Mata.
Fifteen goals were scored in six games, with seven coming in the final game of Round 1 in a one-sided affair between Macarthur FC and Perth Glory.
Adelaide United started the season with a bye. Let’s take a look at who made the difference for the other 12 teams who were in action.
How many leagues can make you feel like this? A-Leagues 2024/25 Season kicks off 18 October.
Central Coast Mariners
Dylan Peraic-Cullen was thrown in the deep end for his first game at A-League level, but didn’t miss a beat; the 18-year-old shot stopper used his big frame to put off Bruno Fornaroli, which may have contributed to Victory striker hitting the post from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time.
In the 70th minute the youngster launched a ball down field that could’ve led to a goal from Alou Kuol if not for the intervention of Victory midfielder Jordi Valadon.
The Mariners goalkeeper showed his appreciation for having former Socceroo goalkeeper Danny Vukovic who is now his goalkeeping coach: “He’s one of the best mentors you could hope for,” Peraic-Cullen said.
Melbourne Victory
Jordi Valadon was immense when it mattered for Melbourne Victory; the 21-year-old had a shot in the 28th minute, which was saved by Peraic-Cullen, leading to a corner. Along with that, Valadon won the ball back from Alfie McCalmont in first-half stoppage time, which led to a penalty being awarded to Fornaroli.
The Victory midfielder also prevented a possible goal for Kuol in the 70th minute with a timely intervention, that saw the Victory concede a corner.
Auckland FC
Hiroki Sakai proved that he’s going to be a handful for left backs, as the Auckland FC captain made many a marauding run down their right-hand side. The Japanese import provided the cross that led to the own goal from Harry van der Saag of the Roar in the eighth minute, which was the first goal scored in the history of the new club.
Hiroki Sakai celebrates with teammates (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)
Brisbane Roar
Neicer Acosta proved that he could be a handy acquisition. The Ecuadorian displayed why the Roar recruited him, in glimpses as he looked the most likely to get past Auckland goalkeeper Alex Paulsen. The 21-year-old had a couple of shots on target and could hold his head up high, given it was a tough day for the Roar.
Newcastle Jets
Daniel Wilmering was threatening from set-pieces providing great delivery; in the 30th minute Wilmering set up a chance for Aleksandar Susnjar from a free kick, which was saved by Jets goalkeeper Ryan Scott. The 24-year-old made ten passes into the final third, setting up chances, but to no avail, because there was no one to finish off his good work and was relatively solid defensively having won seven out of nine duels.
Melbourne City
Patrick Beach was given the nod in goal by Aurelio Vidmar, over the 39-year-old Jamie Young, which was a big call, that paid off; the 21-year-old had a massive impact in his first A-League game.
The City goalkeeper made four saves, which included an outstanding stop from a Kosta Grozos free kick in the 38th minute. To go with that he has a good head on his shoulders: “Proud of the boys. Jamie has helped me grow so much as a person and a player,” he said.
Western Sydney Wanderers
Brandon Borrello led from the front and did everything in his power so that the Wanderers didn’t leave the game empty-handed, but to no avail.
Western Sydney Wanderers’ Brandon Borrello. (Photo by Texi Smith)
Despite that, the captain showed great intent; the 29-year-old put the ball on a plate for Aydan Hammond who shot over the bar in first-half stoppage time. To go with that, the Wanderers attacker provided the assist for the only goal of the game scored by his team through Hammond in the 56th minute, but unfortunately his side left the game with no points.
Sydney FC
Patryk Klimala proved that Sydney FC made the correct decision in recruiting him; the striker provided an assist for the goal that broke the deadlock in the 17th minute with a header, which Joe Lolley put into the back of the net. The Pole scored the second goal for the Sky Blues, which gave them a 2-1 lead in the 63rd minute, thanks to a great cross from Douglas Costa, with centre-back Hayden Matthews providing the assist with an astute header.
Wellington Phoenix
Kosta Barbarouses was the main attacking outlet with the Phoenix relying heavily on him to do the work in the final third. The Kiwi international scored their only goal of the game in first-half stoppage time thanks to an intelligent header from Isaac Hughes, which broke the deadlock. The 34-year-old was a constant threat and worked hard throughout the game.
Western United
Angus Thurgate stepped up in the absence of club captain Ben Garuccio, as he helped keep his team in the game. The midfielder played a key role in Western United claiming a point, scoring the equaliser in the 76th minute.
Macarthur FC
Jake Hollman did a good job in staking his claim for being included in a Socceroos squad with national team coach Tony Popovic watching on. The 23-year-old caused plenty of chaos for the Glory defence, which led to a simple goal scored by Jed 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: “Very good way to start the season. Every day at training we are working very hard on our combinations.”
Perth Glory
Adam Bugarija scored a consolation goal for the Glory in the 73rd minute; the 19-year-old substitute made an impact by chipping the ball over Filip Kurto.