TCF’s Player of the Month saw differing opinions for both the fan vote and the media contingent for the second month. So congratulations to Pascoe Vale’s Gonzalo Munoz and St Albans Saints’ Josh Knight for taking out the fan vote for NPL and NPL2 respectively, while Avondale FC’s Jonatan Germano and Brunswick City’s Andrew Le Page are our media picks.
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NPL
Fan voted: Gonzalo Munoz Abascal (Pascoe Vale)
Image: Sportsgraphy
A positive achievement for the fullback, who becomes the first defender voted as a POTM. With experience in Chile’s top divisions, Pascoe Vale’s full-back has come with a fair amount of pedigree for this level and it has certainly shown in his time at the club since arriving mid-season. In a position that often goes without the levels of credit as others, Gonzalo has provided a strong presence defensively, while also showing a penchant for getting forward, making two Teams of the Week in July.
Media voted: Jonatan Germano (Avondale FC)
Image: Graeme Furlong
The Argentine dragged Avondale away from the relegation mire with a brilliant month of football on the right wing, which saw him grab two braces in his five appearances. While he struggled in the 6-0 loss to Oakleigh Cannons – as did the majority of his teammates – there were some bright sparks from him, especially in the second half. He really kicked into gear the week prior as a brace helped spark a win over Melbourne Victory, before putting on another man of the match performance in the upset win over South Melbourne, where he ran the show and grabbed two goals. It was an incredibly fruitful month for the club, who picked up 10 out of a possible 15 points to push all the way up to eighth on the NPL Victoria ladder.
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NPL2
Fan voted: Josh Knight (St Albans Saints)
Knight’s pick has been an accumulation of solid performances which has helped St Albans rise to second on the ladder in July (and eventually top in August so far). His constant presence in the Saints’ midfield has been testament to his ability in a season which has been a rollercoaster to date off the pitch at the club. Nonetheless, his ability to control possession and pick out a good pass in midfield has been a massive asset to Kruni Razov’s side.
Media voted: Andrew Le Page (Brunswick City)
A familiar name in the NPL before his Brunswick move from State League Four, Le Page is often remembered for his Avondale stint which helped the club to its rise to the top tier two years ago. His move to Brunswick has seen him reach similar heights, and while promotion is not on the cards for City, his impact has contributed to their long unbeaten run. Two winning goals including a Liam Boland-like lob from distance against Thunder, which dealt their only defeat of the year, has seen Le Page be a massive contributor to George Karkaletsis’ team (his double salvo against Whittlesea continued his form, but that falls in August and not July).