Our review of the best highlights from the 2018-19 A-League season
With Sydney FC the newly minted 2018/19 A-League champions, we decided to take a look at the top goals, and saves, from the year that was.
In an upset that mirrored the Federal Election results the day before, Sydney FC pulled off a mighty victory, knocking off favourites Perth Glory after Perth lead for the entire season.
In many ways, it was the perfect end to a season of high drama and electrifying displays of talent from players at the top of their game.
Here's our pick for the best goals, and saves, across 29 rounds of quality football.
Jamie Young's saves against Western Sydney Wanderers in Round 4
Brisbane Roar's goalkeeper Jamie Young is fearless on the ball and has countless incredible saves to his name, including during his fierce performance against the Western Sydney Wanderers in Round 4.
Brisbane's prospects seemed dim after conceding two-goal by half-time, but Young's swift reflexes between the posts saw him fend off five further shots on goal, including a penalty shot.
Thanks to Young, Brisbane was able to claw their way back and finish the game level at 2-2!
Young proved indispensable across the season, stopping five or more goals in at least half a dozen games.
Craig Goodwin's goals against Sydney FC in the FFA Cup Final
Craig Goodwin is one of Adelaide United's most ambitious goal-kickers, booting two stellar goals in the FFA Cup Final in October to finally deliver a victory for Adelaide over Sydney FC.
His first dent on the scoreboard came from a free-kick, but the real prize winner was a spectacular volley that sent Adelaide United fans into a frenzy before the game finished 2-1.
Considering this was Adelaide United's only win against Sydney FC across the season (having lost two matches and drawn another), it was a particularly momentous day for Goodwin!
Dimi Petratos' goal against Melbourne Victory in Round 21
Newcastle Jets attacking midfielder Dimitrios (Dimi) Petratos is no stranger to goal-scoring glory.
One is his best goals in recent memory came in Round 21 against Melbourne Victory when Dimi smashed home a ripper shot to the top left corner in stoppage time to secure a 2-0 victory for the Jets.
Jack Clisby's strike against Wellington Phoenix in Round 21
When the Central Coast Mariners suffered a gut-wrenching 8-2 loss to Wellington Phoenix in round 21, they at least took home a small victory thanks to the boot of Jack Clisby, who was awarded 'goal strike of the season'.
As a defender, Clisby's odds for securing the prize must have been pretty long, yet he booted a phenomenal strike with his wrong foot which found the bottom far corner of the net.
Liam Reddy and Joel Chianese's legendary performance against Adelaide United in the semi-final
It’s no surprise that Perth Glory legends Liam Reddy and Joel Chianese have made this list following their team's jaw-dropping semi-final victory against Adelaide United.
You won't find a more dramatic and action-packed A-League shoot-out than in this high-stakes semi-final, where goalkeeper Liam Reddy saved four goals against Adelaide United and even booted his own for Perth Glory.
But it was Joel Chianese that finished the job and had Perth Glory fans jumping from their seats. Despite only participating in a penalty shoot-out once in his life, for the Blacktown City under-13s, he held his nerve and brilliantly kicked the winning goal.
Their outstanding efforts secured Perth Glory a Grand Final position against Sydney FC.
Sudden death penalty kick-off in the Grand final
The battle between Perth Glory and Sydney FC made A-League history as the first grand final where neither team scored a goal. After 120 minutes of play, the game was forced into an agonising penalty shoot-out.
Sydney's Adam Le Fondre, Brandon O'Neill, Rhyan Grant, and Reza Ghoochannejhad seized the crown for the Sky Blues after all four executed skillful shots beyond the grasps of Perth Glory's goalkeepers.
Sydney FC's goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne also played his part, stopping two shots and ultimately delivering a victory for the Sky Blues.
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