Please not that these do not reflect any results within fixtures in round 23.
1. Adelaide United (1)
Adelaide United continued their near-unbelievable role and now sit top of the table at the completion of round 22. Their latest result, a massive 4-0 win over the Phoenix, sums up everything that there is to like about this side over the past three months. Four different goal scorers goes to show what a team effort it has been to put together this amazing run. Adelaide created 11 chances, seven on goal, with less than 50% possession. Once again they have proven that they don't need 60% possession stats to win games, they are by far the most efficient side in the competition right now.
2. Perth Glory (2)
Perth responded to their slip up at Pirtek Stadium last Friday night with a solid 2-0 win over the Jets. Andy Keogh's return to the club hasn't been the only reason for the mid to late season revival, but it certainly hasn't hurt. He scored the Glory's opener on the 37th minute mark, with Gyorgy Sandor putting the game beyond doubt on 46 minutes. The Glory now sit inside the six, which considering their position two months ago is quite amazing. They have a good run in, with plenty of home games. They're well set up for a finals assault.
3. Brisbane Roar (5)
The Roar continue to bounce around the rankings, this time in the positive after a ridiculous 3-2 win over the Wanderers. After scoring an early goal through Jamie Maclaren, the Roar looked comfortable for a long stretch. An Andreu penalty drew the Wanderers level, although they would take the lead less than five minutes later. The Roar responded inside five minutes to draw level, then take the lead once again just two minutes later. I doubt we'll see anything like the final 25 minutes again this season, but the three points has put the Roar right back in the premiership plate race.
4. Western Sydney Wanderers (3)
The Wanderers fell from the top of the A-League table after conceding two goals within three minutes to fall away from home to the Brisbane Roar. The Wanderers went behind early in the piece, but did manage to fight back and take the lead, although they not only lost the lead, but all three points within a few minutes no Wanderers fan will want to relive too soon. The loss will hurt but it won't end their title hopes, with a trip to Newcastle presenting a good chance to put themselves back on top of the table.
5. Melbourne City (6)
Melbourne City sent a big message to the rest of the competition that they are still in the title race after a 3-0 victory over Sydney FC. Bruno Fornaroli collected the match ball after a brilliant hattrick that sent his side rocketing up the table and in the running to win their first premier's plate. Sydney FC bossed possession and created more chances but it was the home side City who used their time on the ball far better. City now haven't lost at home in eight games, and if they can take points away from Adelaide in their next fixture, may shorten into favouritism given the roster they possess.
6. Newcastle Jets (4)
Newcastle suffered a huge dent to their finals aspirations, falling 2-0 away to the Perth Glory. Newcastle created nine shots, without a single shot being on goal. It's tough to score without hitting the target, and to be honest Newcastle were never really at the dance in terms of winning this game. Mullen's 59th minute send-off ended the slim chance Newcastle had of fighting back, but truth be told even with 11 men, Newcastle were second best. They need to beat the Wanderers this coming weekend to be any real shot at the finals.
7. Wellington Phoenix (7)
I really wanted to punish the Phoenix for their 4-0 loss to high flying Adelaide United, however their recent form has been good. Being the home side, the Phoenix did enjoy the majority share of possession, but it was Adelaide who used it far better. That being said, the Phoenix did have 11 shots, seven on goal, but they lacked that killer instinct to ground the high flying Adelaide United. The Phoenix now look like they are playing for pride as despite their recent form, finals footy looks beyond them.
8. Melbourne Victory (9)
The Victory have finally ended their long winless run, however a 2-0 victory over the Mariners won't have Victory fans attempting backflips just yet. The Victory took an early lead through Berisha, who finished off a brilliant move. Micky Neill's send off just after half time for the Mariners killed the game off, although the Victory didn't take their hosts apart like you would have expected. Ben Khalfallah's 90th minute goal wrapped up the three points and should give the Victory a shot of confidence.
9. Sydney FC (8)
Sydney FC have now fallen out of the finals spots for the first time in a long time after a 3-0 loss to the Melbourne City away from home. It's crazy to think that not that long ago Sydney FC topped the rankings and were the form team of the competition. Sydney now haven't won since round 15, all the way back in mid-January, and now look in real trouble of missing out on a finals berth that looked academic prior to their current streak of winless games. Sydney look tired and out of ideas. They need a win against the Phoenix or they can start planning their end of season trip.
10. Central Coast Mariners (10)
The Mariners woeful season continued as they failed to create a single shot on goal during their 2-0 loss at home to the Victory. The Mariners had a great chance as the Victory turned up for their third fixture in under two weeks, but they were never really in the race. Micky Neill's send-off on 48 minutes ended the contest but I suppose the Mariners can be proud they only conceded a very late second goal. The Mariner's season is over, it's time for the players to play with the pride their fans expect.
