GK: Brendan White (Port Melbourne)
While the likes of Govas and co did their bit at one end, White was pivotal at the other to ensure Port Melbourne got the three points with a number of crucial saves throughout the 90.
RB: Paul O’Brien (Heidelberg United)
Has shone in recent times having been given an extended run in the team. With Josh Wilkins’ long-term injury it’s led to some rotations in the position and the usual midfielder filled in there but was exceptional against North Geelong and contributed to the clean sheet.
CB: Mehdi Martin (Melbourne Knights)
Avondale were coming up against a team low in confidence but Martin was solid in defence and restricted the opponents’ chances. Wasn’t at fault for the goal and generally his contribution meant the Knights stopped their recent defensive leaks and took a hard-fought point out of the contest.
CB: Nathan Cook (Green Gully)
It’s not often a team comes to Lakeside and takes all three points away. But, apart from the early opener, Gully were strong to deal with South’s threat and Cook in particular was very impressive – and has been an important mid-season acquisition from Northcote.
LB: Jordan Wilkes (Heidelberg United)
We’ve had to shift Wilkes to the left to fit into TOTW. A clean sheet and a regular threat in front of goal when getting forward, his delivery also led to Zahra’s goal, capped off a solid outing in Luke Byles’ absence.
CM: Jonathan Bounas (Green Gully)
Gully weren’t setting the world alight in terms of form when inflicting South’s first home loss but a big part of the victory was Bounas’ role in the centre of the park. The big midfielder was imposing and his goal, the burst through the middle and a roacket from distance, was the undoubted highlight.
CM: Andreas Govas (Port Melbourne)
Currently one of the form players of the competition, Govas again scored a trademark blistering goal against Hume but his vision from midfield also had set up teammates for the other goals.
CAM: Dusan Bosnjak (Oakleigh Cannons)
A brace – including one from the penalty spot and the sealer with a classy curling effort – did the damage against St Albans in a strong comeback win against the bottom side.
RF: Davey van ‘t Schip (Pascoe Vale)
A goal and assist to cap off a typically dangerous and clinical showing. Kingston game aside, van ‘t Schip and Bernabo-Madrid look have developed some decent understanding up top.
CF: Matt Thurtell (Bentleigh Greens)
Easiest pick of the week. Thurtell was at his predatory best with three well-taken goals to propel a 10-man Bentleigh to a 3-0 victory over Kingston.
LF: Philippe Bernabo-Madrid (Pascoe Vale)
Like van ‘t Schip, also had a goal and assist to his name to earn TOTW selection. A solid mid-season pickup for Pascoe Vale who has been one of the few additions to break into a fairly settled XI.
Bench:
Lucas Spinella (Green Gully)
Not often that Milos Lujic gets denied from the spot but his penalty down the middle was read well by Spinella. Gets our nod for backup keeper in TOTW after playing an important role in his side’s win.
Trent Clulow (Bentleigh Greens)
Was close to being a starter in the XI but we just couldn’t fit him in. While Thurtell gets the attention this week, and rightly so, it was two of Clulow’s deliveries that led to assists so he played an important role in the buildup.
Jack Petrie (Heidelberg)
Seriously flies under the radar but Katsakis knows his worth to the side with his tireless work ethic in midfield and ability to break up play and win possession for his side – all on display against North Geelong.
Matteo Ballan (Pascoe Vale)
Like Petrie just above, Ballan is the workhorse in midfield, a true number six who keeps possession ticking over whick allows the forwards to do their thing.
Lambros Honos (Bentleigh Greens)
Like Clulow, was involved in much of the build-up to Thurtell’s goals and his experience and nous in attacking midfield is such a big asset for John Anastasiadis.