A spate of 0-0 draws saw one representative of each of those clubs make up the backline as once again defenders were the talk of the town. In one of the most balanced Teams of the Week for the year, nine teams make up the starting XI, while 11 different clubs feature all up.
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GK: Nikola Roganovic (South Melbourne)
Roganovic was a major influence on South Melbourne’s 2-2 draw with Bulleen Lions, making a number of top-class saves across the stretch of the 90 minutes. A brilliant double save in the first half was amply backed up by some reflex shot-stopping in the second half, including an unbelievable stop off Takanori Nishimoto’s close-range flick. Rescued a point at the death with a one-on-one save against Rodrigo Covarrubias.
RB: Adrian Talarico (Pascoe Vale)
It was a fantastic defensive performance from Adrian Talarico, as he snuffed out any opportunity that came his way on the right defensive flank. Kept things tidy and contributed to Paco’s clean-sheet, albeit without fashioning a winner against Northcote City.
CB: Daniel Jones (Green Gully)
It was another rock solid performance from Jones who was on hand to clean up any aerial deliveries or cut off passes before they could eventuate into serious threats. The veteran ensured Kenny Athiu and co. had a frustrating time up front.
CB: Steven Pace (Heidelberg United)
Showed all of his experience in helping out a younger Milos Ilic alongside him, while marshalling the middle of defence with Luke Byles to keep Liam Boland and the other forwards at bay for most of the 90 minutes, even when applied under heavy pressure.
CB: Michael Karvouniaris (Northcote City)
Along with goalkeeper Phil Petrovski, Northcote’s Greek import Michael Karvouniaris played a major role in his side grabbing their first point and clean sheet of the season. Under the pump at times, but he kept a cool head to ensure they weren’t breached.
LB: Steve Pantelidis (Oakleigh Cannons)
Shifted onto the left due to a wealth of other central defensive options this week, Oakleigh’s Steve Pantelidis was at his commanding best as his side took a surprise 2-1 win over Hume City. Returning to his more natural centre-back position, he was immense over the 90 minutes for the Cannons. The former Melbourne Victory defender looked comfortable alongside new partner Steven Topalovic, putting in a number of important challenges to nullify the threat of the Hume attack.
CM: Matteo Ballan (Bulleen Lions)
Had an outstanding opening half and was involved in the build up for both goals Bulleen scored, their Italian playmaker did his role from deep in the midfield to perfection, cutting off a number of aerial balls, and recycling possession back through to the pace in the forward line.
CM: Troy Ruthven (Bentleigh Greens)
Another sublime performance from Bentleigh’s rock in midfield, Ruthven capped off his work on Friday night with two spectacular strikes from distance, one a free-kick which left Avondale’s Chris May little chance – and that wasn’t even the best of them. His opener was a world-class strike as the midfielder flicked the ball up to himself and dispatched into the corner on the volley. A walking highlights reel.
AM: Sebastian Pasquali (Melbourne Victory)
Got a hat-trick on his starting NPL Victoria debut and had the unteachable instinct of being in the right place at the right time – worth its weight in gold from a number 10. Took all of his chances well and aided in Victory’s ability to turn defence into attack with frightening speed.
ST: Joey Katebian (Melbourne Victory)
While the opposition defence was incredibly poor on the night, Joey Katebian still had the job of putting them to bed. He did so with distinction, powering in a penalty and finishing well for his other goal.
ST: Sami Nour (Bulleen Lions)
Had a number of brilliant chances to add to Bulleen’s lead, having initially put the home side there with his scrappy first-half strike. Looked dangerous all night with his quick feet, but was up against an inspired Roganovic, who denied him on numerous occasions.
Substitutes:
Fraser Chalmers (Melbourne Knights)
On another week, Chalmers would’ve been a starter in our team, but he has to settle for a spot on the bench after his heroics helped the Knights snatch a point with 10-men against Port Melbourne. While it was his poor goal-kick that set up Milan Batur’s red card and subsequent penalty, he soon atoned for his mistake with a brilliant low save from the spot. Was later beaten from another penalty, but he made a series of solid stops in a good display.
George Howard (Melbourne Victory)
The third goalscorer for the Victory makes the cut for the Team of the Week, having contributed heavily to the six goals piled on by the Victory. Started on the right flank but swapped with the equally impressive Lucas Derrick to test himself against a different full-back, finishing the night with a single, while also playing a role in a number of the other goals.
Ross Frame (Oakleigh Cannons)
Welshmen Frame was a late summer signing for the Cannons and scored his first goal for the club as his powerful shot from an acute angle opened the scoring against Hume City. His overall contribution was promising with a number of good interplays with teammates in attack.
Ryan Paczkowski (Bentleigh Greens)
While it took three bites at the cherry, Bentleigh Greens forward Ryan Paczkowski eventually followed in he and teammate Chris Lucas’ work to tap home his first goal for his new club. The English forward was dangerous through out, as was fellow recruit Danny Dixon who also threatened in spurts.
Adrian Zahra (Port Melbourne)
It would’ve felt like a loss for Port Melbourne on Friday night as they failed to capitalise on the 10-men of Melbourne Knights. One man that did try for Port Melbourne was Adrian Zahra, who’s had to bide his time on the bench as he reached full fitness. Bright appearances off the bench was rewarded with a start, where he was menacing on the left. David Stirton was equally threatening up top.
Ben Surey (Melbourne Knights)
Was forced to do a lot of the grunt work in midfield and his experience was necessary to help marshall a 10-man Knights to a hard-fought draw. Teammate Stipo Andrijacevic toiled hard across the frontline to help relieve some pressure on the midfield and defence.