GK: Frazer Siddall (Avondale FC)
Bossed the goals, keeping Avondale in the game against Heidelberg which kept the door open for a late equaliser. Made a number of crucial saves throughout the contest, mainly frustrating Kenny Athiu who was denied a number of times.
RB: Matthew Reid (Green Gully)
Brought in last minute to replace Amadu Koroma, Reid was solid on the right side of defence, performing his duties with aplomb and contributing to Gully’s clean sheet against Werribee.
CB: Shane Rexhepi (Hume City)
With a desperate North Geelong snapping at their heels, Rexhepi was instrumental in preserving Hume’s lead – and the clean sheet – by repelling a wave of attacks by the hosts, especially towards the end of the contest. Was strong in the air all day.
LB: Jake Halliday (Pascoe Vale)
The ever reliable Halliday put in another ever reliable shift against Oakleigh, keeping Kofi Danning relatively subdued on his wing. Played his part in helping Paco to a huge away win against the Cannons and restricting the hosts to the one goal from the penalty spot.
DM: Bonel Obradovic (Northcote City)
Picked out as best on ground by teammates, Obradovic is thriving back at Northcote, putting in an important shift in the victory over Port Melbourne. Did a terrific job screening the defence against the attacking threat of the Sharks, helping keep his opponents at bay.
CM: James McGarry (Melbourne Knights)
An excellent showing in the heart of the Knights midfield. McGarry helped his team over the line with a powerful header past the ‘keeper, but also kept play ticking over by winning the ball on numerous occasions and getting it to his forwards with precision.
CM: Nick Hegarty (Hume City)
The influential skipper led his exhausted team by example, helping them get over the line despite a tiring and sometimes scrappy – but ultimately successful – week. Kept working hard to unlock Geelong’s midfield and defence.
CM: Troy Ruthven (Bentleigh Greens)
With influential skipper Wayne Wallace struggling with injury, Menai-born Ruthven has been a sensation at the heart of the Greens engine room, and backed it up with another dominant 90 minutes where he dictated proceedings at took the crucial touch that led to Lucas’ winner.
LW: Matthew Breeze (Green Gully)
The Englishman has been reinvigorated in the second half of the season with a number of quality performances. Was at it again on the weekend, scoring a goal with a neat finish. Started on the wing but was menacing all across the front third against Werribee.
ST: James Kalifatidis (Northcote City)
Leading the line for Northcote, Kalifatidis grabbed himself a goal and could have had a couple more. Did well to constantly ask questions of the Port Melbourne defence and generated a number of other chances that went unrewarded.
RW: Matthew Lazarides (Pascoe Vale)
The youngster was a menace on the wing on Friday, making a huge impact with dangerous runs and link up play with teammates. Scored the winning goal with a clinical effort from a tight angle to seal victory away from home.
BENCH:
Kosta Kanakaris (Heidelberg United)
A standout for Heidelberg in a match the Bergers would feel aggrieved at not taking all three points. Kanakaris did his best on the wing to take on his opponent and tee up his teammates with pinpoint crosses, but the resultant shots were ultimately trumped by Siddall for most of the occasion.
Tomislav Uskok (Melbourne Knighs)
Another strong and commanding performance from the Knights’ captain, who rarely lost a challenge and gave his side the midfield in a free-flowing contest. Possessed his usual goal threat, unlucky not to score when his powerful header was palmed away by Zenelli.
Liam McCormick (Bentleigh Greens)
The current NPL in-form player backed up his good spell with another relentless performance, coming alive in the second half and troubling Iqi Jawadi in the South midfield. Given his recent form it’s hard to believe that he started the season on the bench, but his persistence and strong work ethic has seen him cement his starting berth.
Yusuf Ahmed (Dandenong Thunder)
The youngster has been a shining light for Dandenong Thunder in a difficult season, and again did his utmost to help his side try salvage a result against Melbourne Knights. Made a number of dangerous runs in behind the defence and was unlucky not to score on the night.
Michele Crazia (Avondale FC)
One last nomination, Crazia stood tall in Avondale’s defence in the face of adversity. Was pivotal in dissolving Heidelberg’s attacks with numerous interceptions and instinctive positioning.