Graphic: Michael Alesich
In a goalkeepers’ special this week, quite unprecedented were the amount of nominations we received for the glovemen. And we also had a dearth of attacking options which also almost nearly happens.
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GK: Chris May (St Albans)
Starting goalkeeper could really have been selected by pulling a name out of a hat, such was this week’s abundance of selections. In context of the season so far, with promoted side St Albans coming off a thrashing and the only team without a point in the league, May’s penalty save in helping his side earn a difficult point on the road against Heidelberg takes the cake.
RB: Josh Wilkins (Heidelberg United)
Was one of the league’s standout fullbacks last season and again played his part for Heidelberg, denying chances down his flank and linking with teammates going forward. Earned his club’s man of the match honors.
CB: Ramazan Tavsancioglu (Avondale FC)
Has consistently been a TOTW nominee this season and the results are plain obvious as to why – yet to concede a goal in at least 270 minutes of play, this time helping restrict South’s chances against Avondale for another win and clean sheet.
CB: James Karvelis (Port Melbourne)
Karvelis and McGowan are forming quite a pair at the back for the Sharks, with a second consecutive clean sheet the result, this time coming up against the potent forward line of Oakleigh Cannons. It’s been a positive start for Karvelis this season at the back.
LB: Josh Pugh (North Geelong Warriors)
A busy night for Pugh who had Mouad Zwed’s measure early, and also fired in the free kick to give the Warriors the lead. Wasn’t rewarded with a clean sheet as the hosts pushed late but still a worthy inclusion.
CM: Joseph Youssef (Pascoe Vale)
Typical industrious midfield play from the heart of Pascoe Vale’s midfield, Youssef provided good link-up work in his side’s forward forays, unfortunately many of which were thwarted by Michael Weier in Hume’s goal.
CM: Jason Hicks (Melbourne Knights)
The Kiwi is building a formidable partnership with Jake Barker-Daish in the middle and they certainly did well to deal with the likes of Litfin, Holmes, etc through the middle. Also delivered the set piece for Cahill’s goal.
CM: Massimo Murdocca (Avondale FC)
An experienced and classy performance in midfield from Murdocca against his former club (from a long time ago). Helped out to negate any threats posed by South, characterised by a goalline clearance.
RW: Elvis Kamsoba (Melbourne Knights)
Proving to be one of the signings of the season at this early stage, Kamsoba’s performance was not just typified by his attacking ability, but his endless workrate in getting back to help a makeshift defence with some important interceptions, then bolting down the other end to attack. Assisted Mikulic’s goal.
ST: Tom Cahill (Melbourne Knights)
As a big target man, his presence added an outlet for the Knights on goal . Together with another big man in Kym Harris (both former Hume teammates), they were a potent duo which on another night could have had a few more goals, though Cahill did head in the all-important equaliser which solidified the shift in momentum towards the Knights.
LW: Alex Caniglia (Green Gully)
Already making an impression at his new club, Caniglia added his third goal of the season against Bulleen on a low-scoring night where his solitary strike proved to be the winner.
Substitutes:
Marko Stevanja/Chris Oldfield/John Honos/Michael Weier (take your pick)
For the first time in TOTW history we just couldn’t separate the picks. Stevanja on his Warriors debut had a cracker, the close-range save to deny Iaconis sticking in the memory; Oldfield impressed when called upon especially in denying McCormick’s header against South, Honos kept Port Melbourne at bay with crucial saves; as did Weier against Pascoe Vale. These weren’t the only ones – Dowisha, White, Pavlidis also had clean sheets, Cakarun did well against Bentleigh and, despite conceding three, Scott was also made big saves against the Knights. Keepers union.
Erhan Yalaz (Kingston City)
Another exciting performance on the wing. Yalaz’s speed and left boot caused North all sorts of problems, the only thing missing was a finish from his teammates.
Nathan Tidmarsh (Kingston City)
Kingston don’t get a starting XI player this week, just like a win on the board, despite coming so close. Tidmarsh was one of his side’s most consistent in defence and the fullback was picked out by his coach as having performed well.
Matthew Breeze (Green Gully)
Having endured the heartbreak of last year’s season-ending injury in Round 1, Green Gully’s Breeze has worked his way to near full fitness and his performances are starting to reflect that, with a dangerous and energetic performance against Bulleen Lions.