GK: John Honos (Oakleigh Cannons)
The star stopper performed his duties with minimal fuss to help his Oakleigh Cannons side secure a point against Port Melbourne in their 1-1 draw. Made a number of top draw saves and in the end was only beaten by an own goal.
RB: Daniel Chaabani (Hume City)
The young right back has been in superb form for Hume City in the past month and he put in another great display at right back, earning a man-of-the-match performance. He made a great goal saving interception, before going down the other end and grabbing one of his own.
CB: Daniel Jones (Green Gully)
An absolute rock at centre-half, and he absolutely had to be to keep a dangerous Bentleigh forward line at bay. He was sublime, commanding and never looked like conceding. His performance went a long way towards the three points.
LB: Ivan Grgic (Melbourne Knights)
The Knights defender was in fine form to help stifle the attacking threat of Werribee City. He also grabbed a goal – his first of the season – which came in controversial circumstances. Played on the right but fits in at left-back to accommodate others.
DM: Alan Kearney (Port Melbourne Sharks)
Kearney was voted the man of the match as Port Melbourne secured a point against Oakleigh Cannons. He was a massive presence in midfield for the Sharks, winning the ball with expert timing and displaying a wonderful and vast array of passing.
LM: Simon Tolli (Green Gully)
Toiled hard on the left flank for Gully in their surprise demolition of Bentleigh Greens. The former Werribee man gets the nod in the Team of the Week, setting one up for Liam Boland and also grabbing his first goal for Gully.
CM: Nick Hegarty (Hume City)
The skipper was superb once again for Hume City, putting in a commanding display to lead his side to three points and what is almost now guaranteed finals football. He supplied an inch perfect cross for Harvey for Hume’s second of the night.
RM: Chris Talajic (Melbourne Knights)
The Knights winger was in fine form as his side secured a mammoth 5-1 victory over Werribee City. He set up a number of goals from the flank and put in a number of quality deliveries over the course of the match.
ST: Dan Heffernan (Heidelberg United)
An absolute star of this league, there’s little doubt about it. The scene was set perfectly for his return from a back injury, a season defining game against South Melbourne away from home. The striker duly delivered, slamming home a double including one in the 93rd minute to snatch victory against their rivals.
ST: James Kalifatidis (Northcote City)
The best on ground in Northcote City’s 3-1 win over the improved Avondale FC. Kalifatidis scored from the spot and set up Calvin Mbarga for another with a beautifully executed back heel flick.
ST: Liam Boland (Green Gully)
The third Cavalier to make the starting XI in the wake of their massive win over Bentleigh. While in all honesty, any of the other 10 players for Gully could’ve made the squad for their all-round brilliance, Boland was still the clear standout, grabbing two goals and linking up with those players around him. Grabbed the all important opener with a cool finish.
Bench:
Kaine Sheppard (Heidelberg United)
While his strike partner may have taken the majority of the plaudits after Heidelberg’s 2-1 win over South Melbourne, the returning Sheppard was also impressive for the Warriors. Was thwarted a number of times, and also impressed with a few telling crosses.
Jai Ingham (Hume City)
Was a bright spark on the flank for Hume, lighting up the wing and suppling a great assist for Daniel Chaabani’s goal. One of a number of strong contributors for City.
Iqi Jawadi (South Melbourne)
South Melbourne’s best performer in a disappointing day at Lakeside Stadium. He impressed with his usual class on the ball, moving the ball on quickly and making bullocking runs forward when required.
Mass Murdocca (Avondale FC)
The high-profile recruit for Avondale was once again a force in midfield, despite featuring in a side that lost 3-1 to Northcote City. Showed his experience with some great delivery and rattled the crossbar with a free-kick late in the game.
Marijan Cvitkovic (Melbourne Knights)
Despite playing less than an hour, Cvitcovic had a decent game for the Knights, steering the ball home for the opener as well as looking dangerous throughout. Made way for Rodrigo Covarrubias who is starting to find his touch after a long injury concern, stretching back to last year.
Joseph Youssef (Pascoe Vale)
The ever consistent performer and Pascoe Vale skipper Joseph Youssef was once again a standout as Paco ran away 2-0 victors over North Geelong. He made a sharp run and matched it with an emphatic finish to score their second goal.