Dan Nichols
Week two featured an absolute classic footballing thriller in the form of the Melbourne Derby. A game that seemed over, roared back to life on the back of two pieces of City brilliance, only to be put to bed in the final minutes.
Brisbane Roar's win ensured they emerged from round two as the only team with maximum points, while the Glory are the only side without a point.
Adelaide and Western Sydney's draw on Friday night means they too are without a win, however, both shared the points to put them on the board.
For those who read last week, rankings will change quite dramatically in the early rounds, before it settles down. A win (or loss) could see a team rise (or slide) halfway down the chart.
Last week's ranking is in brackets after this week's ranking.
1. Brisbane Roar (2)
With their 2-1 victory at home, the Roar sit pretty at the top of the table, with the maximum six points from two games. Although they conceded a late goal, truth be told, they bossed the game and were deserved winners. A Brandon Borrello double was enough to secure the points for the high flying Roar. Jamie Maclaren was again a constant threat after his brace in the opening round. The John Aloisi era is still in its early stages, however, it's certainly off to a bright start. Thomas Broich looks like a man on a mission, while Matt Mckay slotted straight back in after international duty.
2. Melbourne Victory (5)
The Victory's brilliant derby win was truly the stuff of champions. They dominated the game for long periods and looked home after taking a 2-0 lead, only to be forced to score a late winner after a spirited City fightback. Although Kevin Muscat won't be happy with throwing away a two goal lead, there is plenty to be proud of in the way they captured the three points. The attacking weapons possessed by the Victory are second to none. Carl Valeri won't get the media attention of the likes of Berisha and Barbarouses, however, his ability to control the game in midfield is equally as important.
3. Sydney FC (6)
Sydney FC may have captured the points from their trip to Newcastle, but they were far from at their best. A very late goal from Alex Brosque may cover the cracks of what was a below par performance, but three points are three points. Sydney's attack may not look like the free flowing 2014/15 edition, however their defence looks as though it will be tough to break down. Keeper Janjetovic is yet to make a genuine save across two games, which shows the strength Sydney possess in defence. They've got a monster derby game coming up in front of an expected huge crowd, so you're likely to see the best out of Sydney FC this weekend.
4. Central Coast Mariners (1)
The Mariners were brought back to Earth following their high flying start at home, however it has hardly undone their good work. A late goal looked good on the scoreboard, but they were outplayed. Despite the loss, Ferreira continued his brilliant start to the season, and looks as though he is going to be the Mariner's best attacking weapon. The Mariners back four is a slight worry for coach Tony Walmsley, and he has tough decisions ahead. They face a tough trip to play Melbourne City, who will be playing their third fixture of a very busy week. Next week will tell us a lot about this Mariners side.
5. Wellington Phoenix (8)
Last weekend's disappointing loss to the Jets was put behind them at the Phoenix put the Glory away in the game's longest road trip. The travelling Phoenix took advantage of Richard Garcia's late dismissal, with an even later winner. Roy Krishna is going to score plenty of goals this season, although he can be guilty of letting some very good chances slip. Should he find his goal scoring touch, the Phoenix will be in a good position. The Phoenix could very well have a full six points right now, as they've played well across their opening two fixtures.
6. Newcastle Jets (3)
Much like their NSW coastal neighbours the Mariners, the Jets lacked the free-flowing attack going forward in round two. David Carney, who stared against the Phoenix, was kept extremely quiet in a different position against Sydney FC. Only in the final minutes did he really start to find any space. Manager Scott Miller can be proud of his team's efforts across the opening fortnight, but they'll have to be at their very best if they're to stave off the defending champions this Friday Night. Although they've only conceded two goals in two games, they've allowed plenty of chances. If anyone can cash in, it's the Victory.
7. Melbourne City (4)
Melbourne City were just minutes away from holding on for a very valuable point after staging a stunning comeback against their cross-city rivals. Aaron Mooy's long ranged assist for Stefan Mauk's equaliser was a thing of beauty, and hopefully a sign of things to come. City's defence wasn't at its best on Saturday evening, however their response to going 2-nil down will give John van't Schip plenty of positives going forward. City will play three times in just over a week, having to travel to Perth tonight for their FFA Cup quarter final, which will really test their squad as a whole. That's the price you pay for success.
8. Adelaide United (7)
Adelaide United have hosted two homes games, yet are without a win. That being said, at no time on Friday Night did they really look like losing. THAT being said, despite the opportunities created, they are still yet to score a goal this season, after an Andreu own-goal gave them the lead. Craig Goodwin's long rate shot almost captured the points, only to be denied by an absolute belter of a save by a fully extended Redmayne. Adelaide will kick off their away trips with a flight to Perth. It's early, but the squad needs three points almost as much as their hosts next Sunday.
9. Western Sydney Wanderers (10)
The Wanderers put in a much improved performance on their travels, however never really threatened to capture the win in Adelaide. Andreu's brilliant finish cancelled out his earlier own goal. His goal scoring exploits pretty much summed up the Wanderers game over 90 minutes. Tony Popovic has certainly had the side work on defending set pieces, as they looked far more comfortable after their shambolic efforts in the season opener. The side really needs a threat going forward but should welcome back Mark Bridge soon. Marquee man Dario Vidosic needs to find full fitness and impose himself quickly.
10. Perth Glory (9)
Two games, two less than stellar performances, zero points. It doesn't read pretty for Perth Glory, although if there's a time of the season to underperform, it's the first few rounds. Perth sides of the past, no matter how they are travelling form-wise, are always tough to beat at home. Once again, it's early, but the signs aren't brilliant. They gave up plenty of chances to their long-travelling visitors. Richard Garcia's late send-off probably cost them the game, although a point is probably the most they deserved.
