New Caltex Socceroos boss Bert van Marwijk was an interested observer at a number of Hyundai A-League fixtures on the weekend as he assesses his options ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
And with friendlies against Colombia and Norway looming large in March, every opportunity counts for Russia hopefuls.
Which contenders stood up in Round 19? We take a look.
DANIEL ARZANI
The young fan-favourite seems to only improve and capped an outstanding performance against Brisbane Roar on Sunday with an inclusion in Round 19's Team of the Week.
The January nominee for Young Footballer of the Year picked up an assist in City's come-from-behind 2-1 win at Suncorp Stadium despite missing a golden opportunity to put his side in the lead in the first half.
His speed, skill and smart positioning could be useful weapons at the next level.
JOSH BRILLANTE
A one-man engine room, Brillante continues to mount a compelling case for World Cup inclusion.
The hard-working defensive midfielder was at his assured best in Sydney FC's comfortable 4-0 win over Wellington Phoenix, mopping up the visitors' rare raids and using possession cleanly.
Dimitri Petratos
Petratos is enjoying his finest Hyundai A-League season to date and turned in another standout performance on the weekend.
The graceful attacking midfielder delivered the free-kick from which Newcastle Jets went ahead against Melbourne Victory.
Yet to graduate from youth internationals to a full senior debut, 25-year-old Petratos appears to be timing his run to perfection.
ALEX WILKINSON
Veteran centre-back Wilkinson has played every minute for the Sky Blues this season.
The unassuming 33-year-old - and 2014 FIFA World Cup starter - is the leader in a defence which added another clean sheet on Friday night and has conceded only 14 goals in 19 games.
MICHAEL ZULLO
Not a bad time to be in career-best form.
Friday night's man of the match is making a difference at both ends of the pitch, making 38 clearances in defence this season to go with five assists.
There is plenty of competition at left-back but Zullo's all-action performance against Wellington illustrated his maturity.
DANIEL DE SILVA
De Silva was restricted from fully expressing himself in front of van Marwijk on Sunday as his Central Coast slipped to a 2-1 defeat to Western Sydney.
The playmaker did manage to get two shots away, while 11 duels underlined his willingness to work hard off the ball.
