Graphic: Alesich Design
A cricket score at Jack Edwards Reserve saw a number of Oakleigh Cannons player stand up to put Avondale FC to the sword. As such, they are the big winners in the NPL Victoria Team of the Week for Round 19, as they earned four nominations (which could have been much more).
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GK: Nikola Roganovic (South Melbourne)
There were a number of strong goalkeeping performances over the weekend in the NPL Victoria, but one of the utmost importances was Nikola Roganovic’s as he helped South take a point against Hume City. Despite conceding twice, Roganovic made a number of key saves at important moments; at 0-0 he denied Craig Carley and Theo Markelis, before again halting Carley at 1-1 with a sharp save from close range.
CB: Troy Ruthven (Bentleigh Greens)
In a game of very few standouts, Troy Ruthven performed admirably in a defensive role, shifted into centre-half due to the suspension to Jack Webster. He was no-nonsense in his approach and was generally solid throughout. When he did have shaky moments, he was able to fast atone for his mistakes by working hard to win the ball back or put his body on the line.
CB: Roddy Vargas (Green Gully)
The veteran centre-half continues to show his importance to Green Gully as he put on another brave display to help the Cavaliers to a clean sheet and three points. Played a smart game of football and was rarely beaten on the night, even when matched against the pace of the Sharks forward line.
CB: Steven Pace (Heidelberg United)
The barometer for Heidelberg proved to be just that once again as the centre-half put in a solid display in the Bergers’ 2-0 win over Northcote City. Worked hard to keep a clean sheet and made an important block in the second half to deny substitute Todd Norris.
DM: Matthew Foschini (South Melbourne)
Foschini continues to impress in a South Melbourne shirt regardless of where he’s played on the pitch. This week saw him return to midfield after a stint at right back, where he was once again man of the match after a tireless performance through the middle. Made a crucial goal line clearance, sprinting half the pitch to deny Markelis in the second half.
CM: Jacob Collard (Oakleigh Cannons)
The unsung hero in Oakleigh Cannons’ big win over Avondale FC, who alongside Dom D’Angelo, really controlled the midfield battle. Was one of their best performers in the first half and linked up well with Dean Piemonte on the left flank, reading the play well and distributing with little fuss. His work behind the scenes allowed the Cannons’ flair players to shine.
CM: James McGarry (Melbourne Knights)
The central midfielder put Richmond SC to the sword with two opportunistic goals coming from the delivery of Robbie Zadworny and Jason Hicks. He also created chances for his teammates, including an opportunity for Marijan Cvitkovic who hit the crossbar. His clinical eye for goal was enough to get past Richmond in a very tight contest.
AM: Dusan Bosnjak (Oakleigh Cannons)
Creative and clinical, Bosnjak has returned to his dangerous best in 2016 and was the catalyst in the 6-0 rout of Avondale FC. Supplied Piemonte with the cross for his opener, and won the corner which lead to Oakleigh’s second with a brilliant shot that was scrambled behind by Chris May. Struck a sweet free-kick for the third, while both winning and converting a penalty for the fourth. Capped his night off by playing the penultimate ball in the build-up to Hatzimouratis’ goal at the death to make it 6-0.
LF: Dean Piemonte (Oakleigh Cannons)
Looked the most dangerous player on the park for Oakleigh Cannons in the first half. Displayed a quality touch and wasn’t afraid to run at defenders down the left flank, earning reward for his repeat efforts by opening the scoring with a sweetly struck half volley. Scored another spectacular goal to make it 2-0 heading into the break by scoring directly from a corner kick. His second half wasn’t as electric as his first, but nonetheless a deserved spot in the Team of the Week.
ST: Liam Boland (Green Gully)
Scored early to give Green Gully the ascendency in their win over Port Melbourne and lead the line well to bring his teammates into the play. His goal was a fantastic solo effort, barging past two defenders using his strength before applying a powerful finish past Michael Stark. Was supported well by Evan Christodoulou who thrived in a deeper midfield role.
RF: Robbie Zadworny (Melbourne Knights)
Provided the ball in for McGarry’s opener for the Knights and was a highlight in their narrow win. Could have gotten on the scoresheet himself were it not for a great early save from Richmond keeper Tony Fogia.
Bench:
John Honos (Oakleigh Cannons)
Despite a brilliant performance in net for the Oakleigh Cannons, Honos earns just a spot on the bench for this week due to the fact most of his work came when the hosts were already up 4-0. Made some great stops to deny James Riccobene and Abrahim Yango when Avondale pushed hard to restore some respectability to the scoreline in the second half.
Sam Borghesi (Bulleen Lions)
The best of the outfielders as Bulleen Lions and Pascoe Vale shared the points in a 1-1 draw. The fullback kept things tight down his flank and worked well to combine with his Bulleen teammates. Felix Rosman was another defender noted for his performance at the Veneto Club.
Jordan Wilkes (Heidelberg United)
While he has been on and off the bench since making the switch back from Northcote to Heidelberg, Wilkes has performed whenever called upon and was once again amongst the best as his side kept a clean sheet in a 2-0 win. One of those two goals came from the head of Wilkes who rose above the pack to glance home from a corner kick.
Jamie de Abreu (Port Melbourne Sharks)
The best in the losing side against Green Gully, de Abreu provided plenty of attacking intent for the Sharks in a game where they didn’t impact the scoreboard.
Kristian Trajceski (Hume City)
One of the bright sparks for Hume City in a game they were arguably second best in against South Melbourne. With Nick Hegarty missing, much of Hume’s creativity came through the youngster, who was ably supported by Declan Hargreaves in midfield who put in another good shift. Scored the opener after making a good run into space.
Milos Lujic (South Melbourne)
Quality movement as always from Lujic as his two goals earned South Melbourne a share of the spoils against Hume City. Worked his way into channels and got on the receiving end of a number of balls forward without too much luck in front of goals. He equalised from the spot, before smartly tucking home a Manolo cross to put South 2-1 up, a lead that was short lived.