Melbourne City 2 - 0 Brisbane Roar
The 2017/18 A-League season kicked off on Friday night at AAMI Park, with Melbourne City coming away 2-0 victors over the Brisbane Roar. A double from Bruce Kamau was enough for the Melbourne side who look to improve on last season's fourth place finish. Six of City's new signings made their debuts, including star man Ross McCormack, who has joined from Aston Villa on-loan.
Despite missing three likely starters in Brett Holman, Thomas Kristensen and Corey Gamiero, the Roar just weren't good enough for the reigning FFA Cup champions, with their new look attack led by Italian veteran Massimo Maccarone. City had the majority of chances after Brisbane hit the post in the 19th minute, in what proved to be their best chance of the game.
Central Coast Mariners 1 - 5 Newcastle Jets
The new look Newcastle Jets were the surprise packets of the opening round of the season, with a 5-1 demolition of Central Coast in the first F3 derby of the year. Roy O'Donovan's return to Gosford was exactly what new Jets' boss Ernie Merrick would have hoped for, scoring a first half Hat-trick.
Dimi Petratos also claimed a goal on debut adding to the Mariners' misery in the 90th minute.
The Mariners opened the scoring in the fifth minute through new signing Asdrubal, but it was all Newcastle from there, in what could be the start to a very long season in Gosford. But it's all positive signs from the Jets, who look to improve on their lackluster season last year, finishing with only 13 points and 21 goals.
Melbourne Victory 0 - 1 Sydney FC
In what could have been one of the most disappointing Big Blue and Grand Final rematch of all time, Sydney FC came away 1-0 victors through an own goal from Victory defender Thomas Deng.
Despite getting the three points Sydney did not look convincing with Melbourne having majority of the attack after going down, but failed to hit the target from 12 shots on goal.
Polish international Adrian Mierzejewski made his debut for the Sky Blues along with Paulo Retre and the experienced Luke Wilkshire.
Sydney continued their dominance over Melbourne Victory who haven't beaten the reigning champions since Australia Day 2016.
However, the Victory will be buoyed by their competitiveness and the fact they had key outs with James Troisi and new signings Mark Milligan and Kosta Barbarouses all on international duty.
Wellington Phoenix 1 - 1 Adelaide United
After goals to both teams inside the first ten minutes saw both teams failing to add to the score-sheet despite having chances in front of goal.
The points were shared in a 1-1 draw at Westpac Stadium with Wellington new boy Dario Vidosic opening the scoring.
Adelaide also scored through a debutante, Danish winger with Johan Abasalonsen replying swiftly with a goal in the 10th minute.
Abasalonsen could have had a brace on debut but missed the 78th minute chance which would have given his side the three points. Young Wellington keeper Keegan Smith, who was suprisingly given the start, impressed manger Darije Kalezic with a brilliant save after a close range header from George Blackwood to secure his side a point. in the final few minutes.
Western Sydney Wanderers 2 - 1 Perth Glory
Despite the shock exit of coach Tony Popovic just days before the season opener, caretaker manager Hayden Foxe led the Wanderers to a 2-1 victory over Perth Glory.
New Marquee signing Oriol Riera opened the scoring in the 43rd minute with Jumpei Kuksukami adding another goal shortly after in the 46th just before half time.
An 82nd minute Brendan Hamill own goal gave the Glory some hope but Foxe's Wanderers held onto the three points.
The Spanish contingent at the Wanderers was solid with Raul Llorente having a very impressive debut at left back and Alvaro Cejudo proving he will be one to watch this season with a man of the man performance assisting fellow countryman Oriol Reira's goal. 26-year-old and new signing Roy Bonevacia also put in a solid shift in the attacking Western Sydney outfit.
