Half of its composition may have been completely rebranded but the sentiment has only grown since Heart became the City. The quality of football was poor and masked by the frenetic pace matched by the tension from the stands but there was no hiding the importance from players and fans alike. Erik Paartalu's emphatic winner sparked scenes of jubilation from City, which is understandable but most telling was the agony evident on the Victory coaches' and players' faces in losing their first game of the season against a club they regard as their little brother.

2.  Perth Glory can play through drama.

It's a topic of discussion within the Perth Glory dressing room and is causing nerves among the club's administrators, but the salary cap scandal showed no signs of affecting their on-field performance. A 4-1 demolition of the Mariners extended their lead to six points at the summit of the A-League. If anything, their confidence seemed to have grown, highlighted by the performance of Chris Harold and a stunning strike from teenager Danny De Silva. An FFA investigation may be looming to suggest the biggest threat to their commanding lead won't come from another team.

3. Grey skies over Sky Blues.

Sydney's stellar start to the season is at risk of crumbling after their 2-0 loss to the Phoenix at home. Winless in four games and losing pace fast, a season that began with so much promise now places them among the league's middle order. Truth is they've been ravaged by injuries they have failed to cope with as of yet. Hopes of a revival largely hinge on what bargains they can find in the upcoming sales.

4. Mariners out at sea.

In 18 months, they've gone from A-League champions to a club that celebrates draws. That's right, the Mariners' reign on the A-League has ended. The gravy train that was their production line has gone off the tracks and worse still, results have disappeared. Not only are they winless in 10 games, they never looked close to breaking that drought against Perth Glory on the weekend and the dejection on captain John Hutchinson's face at full-time told the whole story.

5.  I was saying Boo-urns. 

Sydney fans may have jeered him after he brought his season tally to 10 at their expense, but Wellington striker Nathan Burns will be the talk of the league come season's end. Another superb showing assured his place in the Asian Cup squad and reaffirmed that after years in the wilderness, the boy from Blayney is making up for lost time. If he maintains this form, don't be surprised to see a Johnny Warren medal around his neck in May.