It’s the week of makeshift centre-backs, with two usual fullbacks featuring in the centre of the backline for out TOTW XI. Elsewhere saw some mid-season additions make big impacts at their new clubs, along with some regular faces.
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GK: Alex Pavlidis (Pascoe Vale)
While it was Pascoe Vale doing most of damage at one end, Pavlidis had a few crucial moments at the other to ensure Northcote couldn’t capitalise on the few chances they had and preserve Paco’s ascendancy in the contest.
RB: Nick Glavan (Melbourne Knights)
As a fullback, a clean sheet and a win is already a good day’s work. But to add in scoring the winning goal – a collector’s item at that – makes it just that extra special.
RCB: Tim Mala (South Melbourne)
Shifted into the centre of defence alongside Luke Adams, with Amadu Koroma and Brad Norton on either side of the centre-backs. Excelled alongside his Kiwi compatriot, who was also a worthy contributor on the day, helping keep Bulleen to a clean sheet in the 1-0 win.
LCB: Luke Pilkington (Bentleigh Greens)
Another makeshift centre-back due to Ross Archibald’s injury in the FFA Cup, apart from an early goal to Jonatan Germano, Avondale were restricted thereafter and it was in part due to Pilkintong’s successful transition into the middle of the backline.
LB: Les Doumbalis (Heidelberg United)
Another no-nonsense performance from the long-serving club favourite, who put in a typically hard-working shift to combat Green Gully’s wingers. His night was summed up by putting his body on the line in winning one duel that resulted in sustaining a late challenge from Jay Davies.
RCM: Jake Barker-Daish (Richmond SC)
A regular presence in the Richmond midfield, Barker-Daish again showed his ability on the ball by linking well with teammates and scoring a sublime free-kick that proved one of the highlights of the contest – and the week overall.
CM: Kristian Trajceski (Hume City)
The youngster thrived in midfield alongside the likes of Hegarty and outshone some of his elder statesmen on the park in a showing bursting with youthful exuberance. Also added a goal to his tally to cap off a great performance in the win, despite not featuring for the full 90 due to sustaining a knock.
LCM: Shajan Alinejad (Melbourne Knights)
The move back to Melbourne Knights already seems to be paying dividends for Alinejad, who arguably saw his best football at Somers Street prior to his move away. He added a bright spark in his side’s midfield, including laying on the winning assist for Glavan.
FW: Chris Lucas (Bentleigh Greens)
A clever goal and assist sees Lucas feature as well, as he shone in tandem with Ryan Paczkowski, Matt Thurtell and Lambros Honos in the front third for the Greens. Clinical in front of goal, as usual his pace caused all sorts of headaches and the pressure showed on the scoreboard.
FW: Craig Carley (Hume City)
The free-scoring veteran has hit the ground running since signing on with Hume, with the former GVS man being the difference in a few games now. Was his deadly self around the box, pouncing on opportunities to score a brace to help in a come-from-behind win.
FW: Davey van ‘t Schip (Pascoe Vale)
The Dutchman is really hitting his straps now, and in turn Pascoe Vale are also slowly climbing up the ladder. His two goals oozed class in the win against Northcote, with the second one especially an eye-catching curling effort.
Substitutes
Rani Dowisha (Green Gully)
Could do absolutely nothing about the goal, and really, if it wasn’t for the innocuous own goal, Dowisha would have had a clean sheet on the night. Had to be on guard for Sean Ellis’ dangerous free kicks, and one of his most telling moments was a point blank save to deny Kenny Athiu.
Ryan Paczkowski (Bentleigh Greens)
It often becomes a broken record adding Paczkowski or his attacking teammates in TOTW given how clinical they can be up front. Another goal and assist like Lucas made for enjoyable viewing for the Greens faithful alongside the Kingston Heath fence as the Englishman’s stocks continue to rise.
Adam Nakic (Pascoe Vale)
The centre back had to be wary of Braedyn Crowley, who had scored five the week before. So besides hardly putting a foot wrong in defence, Nakic also scored a goal in a positive all-round performance.
Sergio Msahli (Richmond SC)
The move to Richmond mid-season certainly reaped rewards for both player and club, with Msahli playing the full 90 against Victory and making an impact up front. Scored in the 14th minute to double Richmond’s advantage in the important relegation six-pointer.
Andy Kecojevic (South Melbourne)
Getting a rare start this season, Kecojevic showed good composure on the pitch, providing a strong link between the front and back third and being acknowledged by teammates for his shift. May have mounted a case for further game time as the season comes along.
Andrew Mullett (Bulleen Lions)
For the most part, was able to frustrate South Melbourne in the backline, who were frustrated in their forays forward in open play, with their only goal coming via a set piece.