GK: Pasquale Gioffre (Oakleigh Cannons)
Oakleigh looked like they were on their way to victory due to the efforts of Gioffre to save numerous shots that came his way. Then Gully got a well-deserved equaliser (Gioffre saved the initial effort) and looked like they were on their way to victory, but again Gioffre was the saviour with two late clutch saves.
RB: Matt Foschini (South Melbourne)
Usually a South Melbourne midfielder, Foschini has been utilised in the right-back role that was familiar to him in the A-League and he’s excelled. In fact from that position he got forward against North Geelong to net his first for the club.
CB: Janiel Silva (Oakleigh Cannons)
Like Gioffre, Oakleigh’s backline in general was under pressure from the moment Dusan Bosnjak netted the opener as Gully pushed for an equaliser. Silva was effective in making numerous clearances, which for a long time restricted his opponents to long shots and missed opportunities in the area.
CB: Ramazan Tavsancioglu (Avondale FC)
A name we haven’t mentioned much in TOTW circles in recent times but he has been a mainstay of the Avondale defence which has conceded fewer than a goal a game. Was again solid to help his side keep a clean sheet against former club Hume City and keep the likes of Liam Boland goalless.
CB: John Lazaridis (St Albans)
Has come close to TOTW selection previously as his name has popped up as one of St Albans’ more consistent performers, with his nomination this week coming off the back of a fantastic performance against Kingston which kept them scoreless, allowing Dinamo a priceless win.
LB: Josh Brindell-South (Green Gully)
One of the league’s premier left-backs at the moment, Brindell-South again put in a tireless display that included a few important involvements in the last line of defence while also bombing up forward to put in dangerous crosses; almost scoring a goal of his own but for another of Gioffre’s saves.
CM: Michael Grgic (St Albans)
A tireless showing from Grgic, who has been dedicated to the St Albans cause all season despite a tough campaign. A headed goal, the game’s sealer, capped off an exemplary afternoon.
CM: Troy Ruthven (Bentleigh Greens)
Helped Bentleigh keep the tempo high and starve Bulleen of possession. Bulleen’s midfield had minimal impact on the game and by the 70th minute it looked like they were exhausted from chasing the ball rather than Bentleigh, who were coming off the shorter break.
CAM: Marcus Schroen (South Melbourne)
Not much needs to be said about this pick, with Schroen putting North Geelong to the sword with a hat-trick. Also had an assist for good measure. This game may act as a springboard for Schroen who often peaks at the deep of a campaign.
RF: Sean Ellis (Heidelberg United)
Ellis was Heidelberg’s main creative outlet in attack – while they couldn’t capitalise on chances in open play, Ellis was the best at making space and sending dangerous balls into the area
LF: Davey van ‘t Schip (Pascoe Vale)
Just a standard night at the office for the Dutchman. Dominated throughout, scored the penalty, and set up youngster Koutroulis for his first senior goal.
Bench:
Chris Theodoridis (Heidelberg United)
Made an important save to deny Cahill early, whose follow-up hit the crossbar. The Knights were unlucky after hitting the woodwork twice more but Theodoridis’ work also helped preserve a clean sheet.
Andy Brennan (Bentleigh Greens)
A physical and lightning quick presence, Brennan has some of his markers mesmerised and his delivery contribute the first goal, where he was especially threatening in the first half.
Gonzalo Munoz (Pascoe Vale)
Used a lot in an attacking sense when Pascoe Vale were looking to break down a 10-man Port Melbourne, Munoz was fouled for Paco’s penalty.
Luke Jurcic (Melbourne Knights)
Thrust into the starting lineup, the fullback was bright for the Knights in defence and getting forward, and came inches away from netting a stunner.