A-League Team of the Week: The Mariners Have Discovered a Gem!

The 29-year-old goalkeeper made a mark during the international window with the Socceroos, emerging as a potential surprise candidate for a World Cup selection after yet another inclusion in the Team of the Week. He successfully dealt with all four attempts on goal in Sydney’s goalless draw against Brisbane.

Talbot continues to shine in this feature, establishing himself as the most dependable yet undervalued left-back in the league.

His impressive rating of 8.7 stemmed from a game-high tally of 84 touches, three successful crosses, and an unblemished record in three tackle attempts, alongside five key passes and his fifth assist of the season.

Ferreyra has shown inconsistency lately but managed a rating of 7.5, earning him the second central defensive spot. He maintained a pass accuracy of 96% and recorded a game-high nine clearances, ensuring a clean sheet for City.

The seasoned 34-year-old Dutchman closely trailed Auckland’s James Hilton in the Player of the Match stakes, finishing with a solid rating of 7.6.

A number of right-backs gave strong performances this week, including Matt Sheridan (7.4), Nathaniel Atkinson (7.5), and Callan Elliot (7.5). However, Sydney FC’s veteran emerged victorious, primarily due to his discipline on the field.

Grant dominated his duels, winning eight out of ten, drawing four fouls, and completing 43 accurate passes throughout a demanding match.

This week’s left midfield position saw numerous strong contenders from the forward ranks, including Elbasan Rashani (9.0) and traditional midfielders such as Xavier Bertoncello (7.9) and Rafael Duran (7.7). It took a particularly standout performance to claim the LM slot.

Enter 20-year-old Bailey Brandtman, who consistently makes a significant impact when called upon.

In his last eight appearances, five featured contributions of either a goal or an assist, aligning with Warren Moon’s desire for a more daring and accountable Mariners.

Grozos made his first 90-minute appearance since returning from a lengthy injury stint, recording his second assist of the season in his 15th outing, though the team itself faced a setback.

With an exceptional pass accuracy of 91%, he also triumphed in 75% of his ground duels (six out of eight), while contributing three clearances and three interceptions.

22-year-old Donnell, a product of the Perth Glory Academy, earned his first Team of the Week nod donning Mariners colours after his tenth appearance, registering his inaugural A-League assist during the weekend’s match against his former club.

Kucharski impressed with an assist off the bench before the international break and solidified his place as a starting midfielder, this time setting up Despotovski’s opening goal in Gosford.

His efforts included three shots, 14 accurate passes, and two successful dribbles, earning him a commendable rating of 7.5.

Duke may not have made the desired impact since transferring to Macarthur in January, but he truly shone this past weekend, netting two goals and providing an assist to become the Player of the Round.

With 11 touches in the opposition box, Duke took five shots on goal, playing a pivotal role in the Bulls’ essential victory over league leaders Newcastle.

This weekend’s final third featured several star performances, with Taggart following up his record-breaking goal before the international break with another strike, contributing to a 2-2 draw against the Mariners.

Taggart garnered a strong player rating, trailing only Brandtman, with six shots and ten touches in the opposition box.