I agree with Whatever. While Lia has improved this season on his previous year's performance, this is largely because Ernie seems to have given him a very clear (and limited) game plan, which Lia was able to stick to. He was perhaps not so much outmuscled as outsmarted in midfield by Melbourne City who knew how to counteract our midfield sideways movement. Yes he (Lia) is a hero for the club in that he does what he's told, does not commit reckless fouls and is decent bloke performing to the best of his limited ability.
Rufer and Ridenton are simply too young to "step up" game in game out, and the under-20 WC will be a very useful big-time experience for them which they hopefully apply next season and beyond. Similarly, I think Rodriguez was too young to play constantly game in game out (despite many on this website demanding that from every foreign visa player). Rodriguez has a long term contract so we'll be able to see good value from him over the next two seasons.