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Articles by Doran Smith
A-League difference makers: Round 13 - Atkinson defends like a demon, Klein steps up for Roar and the Rufer's on fire
There were 16 goals in six games in Round 13, seven scored in the first half and nine in the second and only Wellington Phoenix kept a clean sheet. Five teams scored two goals. There were two games on Friday: Melbourne City v Auckland FC and Perth Glory v Brisbane. In both games the winning team conceded the first goal of the game and then scored the next two goals to secure a 2-1 comeback win. Get that fairytale lifetime-guarantee-on-all-repairs kind of care.
A-League difference makers: Round 12 - Rising stars emerge, Auckland stay on top and Glory put on masterclass
There were 14 goals in five games in Round 12, seven scored in the first half and seven in the second. All five teams that claimed three points kept a clean sheet. Five teams scored at least two goals. Fun facts: Newcastle Jets have now won their most consecutive away games ever, with four. They have won six games and lost six, which means they are the only team not to have had any draws this season. Melbourne City have not scored a goal in five games this season.
A-League difference makers: Round 11 - Wanderers can't shake draws, Bulls on the charge, Mariners revive season
There were 17 goals in six games in Round 11, with eight scored prior to the 23rd minute and nine after the 40th minute. Five out of 12 teams kept a clean sheet. Despite that, four teams scored at least three goals. Fun facts: Newcastle Jets are the first team in the A-League to have beaten Auckland FC twice this season. Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Reddit Email Share Western Sydney Wanderers have picked up one point if their last five games.
A-League difference makers: Round 10 - Mata in vintage form, sliver lining for struggling Wanderers, Reds rejoice
What an entertaining round of football; there were 24 goals in four games in Round 10, with 18 scored after the 41st minute. No team kept a clean sheet and six teams scored at least two goals. Fun facts: Newcastle Jets are the best attacking team in the competition so far this A-League season, with 20 goals and the worst defensive side, as they have conceded 22. Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Reddit Email Share Adelaide United haven’t drawn a game this season; they have had five wins and five losses.
A-League difference makers: Round 9 - Roar defence hard to break down, Wanderers' attack goes AWOL
There were 13 goals in Round 9, with three scored in the first half and ten in the second. Four out of 12 teams kept a clean sheet and there were no draws. In four of the six games where a team claimed three points, the winning side had less possession than their opponent. Fun facts: Brisbane Roar may have conceded two goals against the Bulls, but they still haven’t conceded a goal in Australia from open play this A-League season.
A-League difference makers: Round 8 - Young guns, lesser lights and reliable veterans step up in big moments
There were 11 goals in five games in Round 8, with four scored in the first half and seven in the second. Three out of ten teams kept a clean sheet. In three of the four games where a team claimed three points, the winning side had less possession than their opponent. Melbourne City and Macarthur FC will play on December 23rd, so this week only ten teams played. Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Reddit Email Share Let us take a look at who made a difference for the teams in action.
A-League difference makers Round 7: Roar sub's match-winning worldie, Glory's 'absolute mountain'
There were ten goals in Round 7, with five scored in the opening 30 minutes, one in the 55th minute and four after the 67th minute. Five out of 12 teams kept a clean sheet. In four of the five games where a team claimed three points, the winning side had less possession than their opponent. Fun facts: Auckland FC conceded their first goal of the season in the second half and were awarded a penalty for the first time in the A League.
A-League difference makers Round 6: Veteran keepers stand tall, 'hated' Wanderer proves derby difference
There were ten goals in six games, with four scored in the opening 14 minutes, and five out of 12 teams kept a clean sheet in Round 6. In all five games where a team claimed three points, the winning team had less possession than their opponent.
A-League difference makers Round 5: Good golly, Joe Lolley, White all right on the night
There were 19 goals in six games, with 12 scored in the first half, one draw and two out of 12 teams kept a clean sheet, in Round 5. In four of the five games where a team claimed three points, the winning team had less possession than their opponent. Let’s take a look at who made the difference for each team.
A-League difference makers in Round 4
1027 Reads There were 13 goals in six games, with eight scored in the second half, no draws and five out of 12 teams kept a clean sheet, in Round 4. In four of the six games where a team claimed three points, the winning team had less possession than their opponent. Let’s take a look at who made a difference for each team.
Melbourne City's 'amazing warrior', Redmayne turns back the clock: A-League difference makers Round 3
There were 14 goals in six games in Round 3 and three teams kept a clean sheet. In all three games where a team claimed three points, the winning team had less possession than their opponent. Following the opening three rounds of the competition, no team has won all three games and every team has claimed at least a point. Let’s take a look at who made a difference for each team.
A-League difference makers: Round 2 - Cracking goals, clean sheets and rising stars making their mark
There were no draws and some cracking goals in Round 2, with 22 in six games, despite three teams keeping a clean sheet. Alexander Badolato stole the show; the 20-year-old scored a hat-trick, with two spectacular goals from outside the box.
A-League players who were the difference in Round 1
The A-League is back and round 1 was highlighted by a cracking F3 Derby between the Mariners and the Jets, which produced five of the 15 goals scored in the round, in a game that went down to the wire. Let’s take a look at who made the difference for each team.
AFL crucial cogs, grand final: Which players need to stand up for your team?
There’s plenty at stake in the 2025 grand final, with the Lions hoping to go back-to-back and the Cats looking to claim the ultimate success. Geelong Oisin Mullin has been outstanding in the two finals games that the Cats have won; the 25-year-old got the better of Hugh McCluggage in the qualifying final and restricted Nick Watson to one goal in the preliminary final.
AFL crucial cogs, preliminary finals: Which players need to stand up for your team?
There are only four teams remaining, and still, no one can categorically say who is going to win the premiership. The two preliminary final games should be crackers, with the Cats taking on the Hawks and a rematch of the 2023 grand final, between the Pies and Lions.
AFL crucial cogs, semi finals: Which players need to stand up for your team?
It’s all systems go Io the semi finals with the Crows taking on the Hawks and the QClash, which should make for entertaining viewing. Adelaide Ben Keays had an uncharacteristically disappointing game in the Crows loss to the Magpies last Thursday night in the first week of finals. It may have been the domino effect of not having Izak Rankine and Josh Rachele available.
AFL crucial cogs, Round 24: Which players need to stand up for your team?
Round 24 is highlighted by a game that’s effectively an elimination final between the Western Bulldogs and the Dockers on Sunday afternoon. The other game that has major implications on the make up on the top eight is between the Lions and the Hawks on Sunday night. Essendon Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Reddit Email Share Mason Redman had 36 disposals and nine intercept possessions, which were both the most of any player on the field in the Bombers three-point loss to the Saints, in Round 23.
AFL crucial cogs, Round 23: Which players need to stand up for your team?
Round 23 is highlighted by a tantalising contest between the Dockers and the Lions, with a finals spot on the line on Friday night. The other game that’s interesting is the Crows against the Magpies, on Saturday night. Essendon Jade Gresham will play against his former team in the Saints. He was their leading goalkicker in season 2018, but has yet to recapture that form, partly due to injury.
AFL crucial cogs, Round 22: Which players need to stand up for your team?
Round 22 is highlighted by an intriguing game on Thursday night game, between the seventh placed Hawks and the second-placed Magpies. Hawthorn Jai Newcombe just signed a new six-year contract to remain at Hawthorn until the end of 2032. Newcombe has been disappointing in the last two games. Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Reddit Email Share The Hawks will need him to be at his best if they’re a chance of beating the Magpies.
AFL crucial cogs, Round 21: Which players need to stand up for your team?
Round 21 is highlighted by the Thursday night game between the Western Bulldogs and GWS and an intriguing contest between the Crows and the Hawks on Friday night. The Suns will be looking for revenge against the Tigers, who they lost to in Round 6, and the Magpies and Lions clash should be a cracker. Western Bulldogs Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Reddit Email Share Marcus Bontempelli is a superstar; there’s no other way of putting it.
AFL crucial cogs, Round 20: Which players need to stand up for your team?
Round 20 has four games between bitter rivals: the Battle of the Bridge, the QClash, the Western Derby and the Showdown. Hopefully, these games will be full of excitement and provide us with some intriguing contests. Hawthorn Jack Gunston gets better with age; the veteran has averaged the third most goals per game of any player in the competition, with 2.80. The 33-year-old has averaged the 11th most score involvements per game of any player in the competition, with 7.20.
AFL crucial cogs, Round 19: Which players need to stand up for your team?
Round 19 should be interesting; the Western Bulldogs face Brisbane at the Gabba on Friday night, which will be an intriguing contest. Other games to look forward to are Collingwood against Fremantle and the final match of the round between the Crows and the Suns. Essendon Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Reddit Email Share Elijah Tsatas has been forced to fight for his spot in the team, but should get more opportunities at AFL level due to injuries.
AFL crucial cogs, Round 18: Which players need to stand up for your team?
Round 18, incredibly, has eight of the top nine teams playing each other and could be one of the best rounds of the season. Here’s who needs to stand up your team to taste victory. Carlton Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Reddit Email Share Tom De Koning’s performances of late have been very disappointing for Carlton; the speculation of him going to St Kilda on a massive deal seems to have had an impact on his form and effort.
AFL crucial cogs, Round 17: Which players need to stand up for your team?
Round 17 has plenty of milestones: North Melbourne celebrate their 100th year anniversary on Thursday night against Western Bulldogs, while Tom Liberatore, a stalwart of the Dogs, plays his 250th game. Chris Scott will also coach his 350th game for the Cats against the Tigers on Saturday. Here’s who needs to stand up for your team to taste victory.
AFL crucial cogs, Round 16: Which players need to stand up for your team?
Round 16 is highlighted by a game that could be season defining between the 11th placed Sydney and the eighth placed Western Bulldogs, which is being played on Friday night. Another game that could be a cracking contest is the Hawks against the Kangaroos, with the narrative around the master Alastair Clarkson and the apprentice Sam Mitchell in the coaches’ box. There will only be 14 teams featuring in this round, as Brisbane, Essendon, Geelong and GWS have a bye.
AFL crucial cogs, Round 15: Which players need to stand up for your team?
Round 15 is highlighted by an intriguing game between the second placed Cats and the third placed Lions, which is being played on Friday night. There will only be 14 teams featuring in this round, as Adelaide, Hawthorn, Melbourne and West Coast have a bye. Here’s who needs to stand up for your team to taste victory.
AFL crucial cogs, Round 13: Which players need to stand up for your team?
Round 13 is highlighted by the King’s Birthday clash between Melbourne and Collingwood. There will only be 16 teams featuring in the round, as Fremantle and St Kilda have a bye. Here’s who needs to stand up for your team to taste victory. Western Bulldogs Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Reddit Email Share Matthew Kennedy has been a revelation for the Western Bulldogs so far this season.
AFL crucial cogs, Round 12: Which players need to stand up for your team?
There will only be 14 teams featuring in Round 12, as Carlton, North Melbourne, Port Adelaide and Western Bulldogs have a bye. Here’s who needs to stand up for your team to taste victory. Brisbane Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Reddit Email Share Lachie Neale proved that he’s still capable of having a big impact when the Lions defeated the Hawks quite comprehensively in Round 11; the two-time Brownlow Medallist had 32 disposals, five score involvements, five intercept possessions and five tackles.
AFL crucial cogs, Round 11; which players need to stand up for your team?
Round 11 will be the second week of Sir Doug Nicholls Round. One of the features of this Round will be Dreamtime at the ‘G on Friday night between Essendon and Richmond. Here’s who needs to stand up for your team to taste victory. Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Reddit Email Share Geelong Oliver Dempsey has revolutionised the role of a winger; the 22-year-old has kicked the second most goals for the Cats with 17 in ten games, the same as Patrick Dangerfield.
Big-hearted Taggart and tidy Tilio impress: A-League players who were the difference in Round 29
Round 29, the last one of the A-League regular season, produced 23 goals in six games, with at least two goals in each. Perth Glory were the only team to keep a clean sheet., while the last game of the round between Melbourne Victory and Newcastle Jets was the only draw. In four out of five matches where a team claimed three points, the winning team had less possession than their opponent. Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Reddit Email Share Let’s take a look at who made difference for each team.
AFL crucial cogs, Round 9: Which players need to stand up for your team?
Round 9 is headlined by the Showdown. Here’s who need to stand up for your team to taste victory. Fremantle Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Reddit Email Share Caleb Serong will be looking to prove his performance in Round 8 against the Saints was an aberration, as the midfielder finished the game with just 15 disposals. The only positive for the 24-year-old was that he had eight tackles. Serong has backed under-fire coach Justin Longmuir during the week, saying he has ‘got our full belief’.
AFL crucial cogs, Round 8: Which players need to stand up for your team?
Round 8 is headlined by the QClash, as well as the Sydney Derby. Hawthorn will celebrate 100 years in the VFL/AFL this Sunday in a Centenary Match against Richmond at the SCG. Here’s who needs to stand up for your team to taste victory. Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Reddit Email Share St Kilda Jack Steele needs to lead from the front and drive the standards after an embarrassing performance by his team against the Lions losing by a 45-point margin, which flattered them.
Shot-stoppers shine as fringe Socceroos demand more game time: A-League players who were the difference in Round 28
Round 28 produced just seven goals in six games, with three of the goals scored in the first game between Macarthur FC and Melbourne Victory. Six out of the 12 teams that featured kept a clean sheet. Central Coast Mariners were the team with a bye. Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Reddit Email Share Let’s take a look at who made the difference for each team.
AFL crucial cogs, Round 7: Which players need to stand up for your team?
It’s Round 7, and there are no unbeaten teams following the Tigers’ upset win over the Suns. The highlight of the round is Anzac Day, with two games, one between Collingwood and Essendon and the other between Fremantle and Adelaide. Here’s who needs to stand up for your team to taste victory.
Socceroos hopeful shines again: A-League players who were the difference in Round 27
Round 27 was an entertaining round of football that had 23 goals and at least four goals scored in four of the six games. Perth Glory were the team with a bye. Let’s take a look at who made the difference for each team. Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Reddit Email Share A new era of the UEFA Champions League is here, only on Stan Sport.
AFL crucial cogs, Round 6: Which players need to stand up for your team?
Round 6 starts off with a 2023 Grand Final rematch between Brisbane and Collingwood and ends with a clash between Geelong and Hawthorn. Here’s who needs to stand up for your team to taste victory. Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Reddit Email Share Eric Hipwood should take a ton of belief after kicking five goals in Gather Round against Western Bulldogs, even though he only had one disposal at half time.
Sky's the limit for Sydney's 'sledgehammer' as Mariners hit rock bottom: A-League players who were the difference in Round 26
Round 26 was a great round of football that had 27 goals and at least four goals in five of the six games. Macarthur FC were the team with a bye. Let’s take a look at who made a difference for each team. Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Reddit Email Share German Ferreyra put in a good shift; the Argentine import played a long ball to Marco Tilio, which led to Tilio scoring the equaliser, making the score 1-1. A new era of the UEFA Champions League is here, only on Stan Sport.
AFL crucial cogs, Round 5: Which players need to stand up for your team?
Round 5, known as Gather Round, will have some cracking games, starting with Adelaide up against Geelong and ending with a clash between Port Adelaide and Hawthorn, which will be a fiery rematch. Here’s who needs to stand up for your team to taste victory. Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Reddit Email Share Ben Keays is known for his work rate, versatility and ability to hit the scoreboard.
Sydney young gun making Socceroos case: A-League players who were the difference in Round 25
Round 25 was a round of football that had at least one goal in every game. There were 21 goals scored in six matches, with Melbourne City the only team to keep a clean sheet. Melbourne Victory were the team with a bye. Let’s take a look at who made a difference for each team. Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Reddit Email Share For the best time in sport and racing, TAB has the best app in sport and racing. Download the TAB app. TAB, We’re On. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit.
AFL crucial cogs, Round 4: Which players need to stand up for your team?
It’s Round 4 and there’s already plenty at stake for Carlton, Melbourne and West Coast who have yet to win a game. Essendon and Hawthorn have the bye this round. Here’s who needs to stand up for your team to taste victory. Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Reddit Email Share Collingwood Daniel McStay was voted into the Collingwood leadership group which shows how highly he is rated internally.
Bull blasts 'bittersweet' brace, Costa conjures up a corker: A-League players who were the difference in Round 24
Round 24 produced 29 goals, with every team scoring at least two goals, apart from Perth Glory and Brisbane Roar. Western United were the team with a bye. Let’s take a look at who made the difference for each team. Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Reddit Email Share Harrison Sawyer did what you want from every attacking substitute; the 28-year-old gave the Bulls a lifeline with a quality header, with a cross from fellow substitute Saif-Eddine Khaoui, which made it a one-goal deficit.
AFL crucial cogs, Round 3: Which players need to stand up for your team?
It’s Round 3 and there are five unbeaten teams, with Hawthorn and GWS facing off, who sit first and third on the ladder as it stands. Collingwood and Sydney have the bye this round. Here’s who needs to stand up for your team to taste victory. Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Reddit Email Share For the best time in sport and racing, TAB has the best app in sport and racing. Download the TAB app. TAB, We’re On. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit.
'Don't come home unless you score': A-League players who were the difference in Round 23
Round 23 produced the most goals in a round in the history of the A-League, with 33. The round started with an entertaining nine-goal thriller between Adelaide United and Macarthur FC. In four matches where a team claimed three points, the winning team had less possession than their opponent. Melbourne City were the team with a bye. Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Reddit Email Share Let’s take a look at who made the difference for each team.
The crucial cogs of AFL’s Round 1: Which players need to be the difference makers?
It’s going to be the first time in the history of the AFL where four teams have played prior to Round 1 and the other 14 had a bye. The reigning grand finalists will face off when Sydney takes on Brisbane. We’re taking a look at one player from each team who will need to make a difference in Round 1. Richmond Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Reddit Email Share Jayden Short will be a key player for Richmond without Daniel Rioli and Liam Baker.
Young guns fire, while Victory veteran shows his class: A-League players who were the difference in Round 22
Round 22 had 14 goals in five games, including five in the game between Western United and Wellington Phoenix. Perth Glory, Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers all had the bye. Let’s take a look at who made a difference for each team.
Goals galore as imports impress: A-League payers who were the difference in Round 21
Round 21 had plenty of goals, with 15 of the 22 coming in the second half, with a cracking game between Auckland FC and Adelaide United, which was an eight-goal thriller. Newcastle Jets were the team with the bye. A new era of the UEFA Champions League is here, only on Stan Sport. Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Reddit Email Share Let’s take a look at who made the difference for each team.
Teague makes Socceroos case: A-League players who were the difference in Round 20
Round 20 had at least three goals scored in five of the six games and one goalless draw between Perth Glory and Sydney FC, which was far from dull. There were two derbies, one between Auckland FC and Wellington Phoenix and the other between Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City, which showcased the attacking football in the A-League, with 11 goals in the two games. A new era of the UEFA Champions League is here, only on Stan Sport.
17-year-old's moment of magic: A-League players who were the difference in Round 19
Round 19 started with a game between Melbourne Victory and Wellington Phoenix, which marked Melbourne Victorys’ 20-year anniversary and ended with a cracking game between Western Sydney Wanderers and Macarthur FC in Josh Brillante’s 250th appearance. There were ten goals in five games with five scored in the first half and five in the second half. Brisbane Roar, Central Coast Mariners and Sydney FC were the three teams with the bye.
Costa shows class in cameo: A-League players who were the difference in Round 18
Round 18 was full of drama with 18 goals in six games. There were four score draws and two out of 12 teams that kept a clean sheet. The highlight was the Sydney Derby, which was a game that will go down as one of the best in the history of the A-League, with the Sky Blues scoring two late goals to snatch a draw. Auckland FC were the only team with the bye. Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Reddit Email Share Let’s take a look at who made a difference for each team.
Promising youngsters and wily veterans: A-League players who were the difference in Round 17
Round 17 was an entertaining weekend of football for the most part with 15 goals in five matches and only one draw. Scott Neville played his 300th and final A-League game. Jay O’Shea spoke about the impact the player and person that Neville has been: “He’s been a top servant.” Wellington Phoenix were the only team with the bye.
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