This year, we’ll be taking a look at the performers in the NPL2 that are lighting up the pitch on a weekly basis, compiling a Team of the Month for both the NPL2 East and West conference. We’ll be looking at the star performers of the opening two rounds in the Team of the Month for February.
READ MORE > NPL2 East Team of the Month
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GK: Luke Gallo (Whittlesea Ranges)
Gallo’s most telling contribution came in the 1-1 draw against Melbourne City, where he helped his side salvage a 1-1 draw with a number of important saves, including a penalty save which Chris Cristaldo had to score on the rebound.
RCB: Patrick Karras (Ballarat Red Devils)
Two goals in two games for the righ-back says it all, with Karras showing great attacking instinct alongside his defensive duties.
CB: Matt Townley (North Geelong Warriors)
Was almost unbeatable in the first two rounds, helping his side to a win and a draw, and only one goal conceded in the process.
LCB: Martin Mason (Sunshine George Cross)
Was instrumental in Sunshine’s great start to the season, which saw the Georgies earn a 1-1 draw against a highly fancied Moreland City, followed up by a comprehensive victory over Bendigo City.
RM: Bobby Vidanoski (Werribee City)
Dangerous up and down the flank, Vidanoski Scored in the first game against Whittlesea Ranges, and was menacing in the contest against North Geelong, where he deserved to add to his tally.
CM: Michael Simms (North Geelong Warriors)
Influential in the Warriors’ midfield, Simms did well to link up the defensive and attacking thirds for Elcho Park outfit.
CM: Phil Petreski (Melbourne City)
Petreski had been pulling the strings for his side in the first two rounds of the season, which included a first up win against Bendigo – he scored in that game – and a draw against Whittlesea Ranges, which should have ended in a win.
LM: Joey Monek (St Albans Saints)
A menace on the wings, Monek has kept defences on their toes so far this season. Scored against North Geelong and was a regular threat against the Zebras.
ST: Juso Julardzija (Sunshine George Cross)
Julardzija was banging the goals in early since his move from North Geelong Warriors, netting four times in the first two games – notably a hat-trick against Bendigo City – to lead the goalscorers charts early.
ST: Baggio Yousif (Moreland Zebras)
Started the season with a bang, scoring a hat-trick against Ballarat to ensure the Zebras’ first win of the year. Was also dangerous against St Albans without finding a goal.
ST: Atilla Ofli (Whittlesea Ranges)
The Whittlesea marksman is another striker with a hat-trick to usher in the season, instrumental in helping Whittlesea to a dramatic equaliser against Werribee City, which came in the 95th minute.
Bench:
Apai Ukuno (Moreland City)
Unlucky to miss out on a starting spot. One of the shining lights in a tough start to the season yielding one point in two games, Ukuno scored against Sunshine George Cross and then had a brace against Ballarat Red Devils, which unfortunately for his side still wasn’t enough to earn any points on the road.
Patrick Colliar (Werribee City)
One of the standouts in the Werribee side, Colliar earned plaudits from his club for his performances in the opening rounds, excelling in midfield.
Nelson Salvatore (Ballarat Red Devils)
His usual trickery on the wings saw Salvatore stand out in the first two rounds, where he was regularly involved in his club’s attacking forays.
Jordon Hall (Melbourne City)
The young defender had barely put a foot wrong in the early rounds, providing a reliable presence at the heart of City’s backline, while also netting against Bendigo City.