Graphics: Alesich Design
Another really difficult week to pick and fit a team, with more than 20 names floated around as putting in exceptional performances for their clubs. A couple of new faces in the team in as well, a positive given the season is approaching its latter stages.
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GK: Tony Foglia (Richmond SC)
The custodian kept Richmond in the game with a few top saves to deny Heidelberg on a number of occasions, while the goal was no fault of his own. A big shift between the sticks.
RCB: Ersin Kaya (Bulleen Lions)
Toiled hard all night for his side on the flank, battling against a Northcote side who were up for the occasion and pushing hard. Held his nerve at the other end to secure a point via the spot.
CB: Luke Byles (Heidelberg United)
Captain Byles once again stepped up when his side needed him to keep a desperate Richmond scoreless at home despite their forward advances to try gain a result in the survival race. A fantastic rearguard showing.
LCB: Shane Rexhepi (Hume City)
There’d be no repeat of Green Gully dancing through the box at ABD Stadium as he and Rama stood tall in the backline to thwart Gully in their tracks, earning a hard-fought three points and clean sheet.
DM: Matt Foschini (South Melbourne)
In familiar sounds at AAMI Park, Foschini put in the type of showing that has been typical of the former Victory man all season – gave it all for his side with a tireless shift, working to win the ball all the time.
AM: Jem Berkant (Avondale FC)
Thrown in the deep end, Berkant thrived in an attacking midfield role, getting his side going with a fantastic individual effort to dribble to the edge of the area and put in a good strike into the net.
AM: Tom Cahill (Hume City)
Continues to go from strength to strength at Hume since his late introduction to the side, thriving in the front third. Scored one of the goals of the week with a thundering volley from distance to help his side to three points.
AM: Dusan Bosnjak (Oakleigh Cannons)
The Bosnjak bandwagon rolls on, with the Cannons’ attacking midfielder making it somewhere along the lines of his eighth winning goal of the year, taking his league tally closer to 20 by the game and really stamping his Gold Medal credentials.
LW: Kamal Ibrahim (Bentleigh Greens)
Despite a convincing win on paper, it was hard to pick a standout from Bentleigh due to the all-round consistency from the players – however, Ibrahim was picked out as a standout, his assist at the end to Lucas a tangible reward for a player who looks to hit form at the right end of the season after an injury and suspension-interrupted campaign.
RW: Todd Norris (Northcote City)
Had been knocking on the door of a starting spot after being a substitute in last week’s TOTW. The commentators at the Bulleen vs Northcote game asked the question, and Norris does earn selection for his game, in which he was a constant presence and threat along the wing for his side.
ST: Leigh Minopoulos (South Melbourne)
Undroppable at the moment, Minopoulos continued his stellar form with another goal this month and an overall busy performance that troubled Victory’s backline.
Substitutes:
Phil Petrovski (Northcote City)
For the most part both he and Griffin McMaster had the better of their opponents, most notably Petrovski was responsible for a save that denied Matteo Ballan one of the goals of the year and had a solid game throughout. Has done well since being re-instated in goals ahead of Anthony Bouzanis.
Massimo Murdocca (Avondale FC)
Originally in the XI before we had to reshuffle, Murdocca put in an important performance in midfield, helping the defence and linking well with the more advanced of his teammates on the pitch – the type of experienced showing to help his side earn three points and all but guarantee their status in the top tier for 2017.
Declan Hargreaves (Hume City)
Another positive acquisition for Hume in the mid-season window, Hargreaves exemplified his midfield ability with a disciplined and productive contribution, playing his role in shielding the back four. Another unlucky to miss out.
Milos Lujic (South Melbourne)
Another two goals, another step close to another Golden Boot for Lujic, who had a solid day out. Scored via his head and a penalty to consign Victory to a confirmed relegation.
Sean Lovemore (Oakleigh Cannons)
Beginning to find his feet in Victoria, with the former Wellington Phoenix man scoring in consecutive weeks. Has shown a penchant for good close control and finishing when presented with an opportunity in the box.
James McGarry (Melbourne Knights)
A shining light in Melbourne Knights’ midfield, McGarry was his usual consistent self, importantly helping lifting his side in the second half with his drive in midfield.