A bit of a pattern is developing for some sides where a couple of familiar faces keep popping up in team of the week, emerging as key performers early in the season. Along with that are some new faces making a TOTW debut.
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GK: Chris Oldfield (Avondale FC)
The pick of the goalkeepers this round, despite conceding once Oldfield also denied Jay Davies from the penalty spot and made important interventions when called upon.
RB: Kristian Konstantinidis (South Melbourne)
South were the only side to keep a clean sheet this week and KK was a worthy contributor on the right side, defending well and also getting up the other end to help out in attack. One could say he had his finger on the pulse all game.
CB: Daniel Jones (Green Gully)
An ever-reliable performance for the captain who barely put a foot wrong all game. Made some crucial challenges and interceptions to deny his opposition forwards from getting a look-in from open play.
LB: Nana Yaw (St Albans)
Picked by St Albans as their best on ground, the fullback had a tough prospect in South’s forward line but was busy on his side of for the most part protected it well. Wasn’t directly at fault for either goals conceded.
RCM: Jesse Daley (South Melbourne)
A first start for South resulted in a hard-working shift full of energy early, with Daley looking the most likely to create chances on goal for the visitors. His set-piece delivery also caused plenty of headaches.
LCM: James McGarry (Hume City)
The former Knights man continues to be one of Hume’s most dangerous and consistent performers in midfield. His obvious highlight came via a well-taken goal that bamboozled his defender and left Kile Kennedy with no chance in goals.
RAM: Danny Dixon (Melbourne Knights)
It was a weird night for the Knights who almost squandered a 3-0 lead but it was the early onslaught that did the damage, led by Dixon who was bright on the wing and capped off his night with a curling strike from distance.
CAM: Velibor Mitrovic (Kingston City)
Continues to grow and make a bigger impression in each contest for Kingston, forming a potent front third that sees the Grange outfit equal top scorers in the league. Showed his array of talents with a goal and assist on the night against one of the league’s heavyweights in Hume City.
LAM: Francesco Stella (Port Melbourne)
Did some big damage on the left wing for Port Melbourne, punishing North Geelong’s defence by pouncing on mistakes and killing the game off with two classy finishes.
RF: Damian Iaconis (Kingston City)
A brace on the night (could easily have been a hat-trick) against Hume saw Iaconis take his season tally to three and play a big role in the win. There’s no lack of confidence in his own game and Iaconis seems to have made the central striker role his own for now.
LF: Davey Van ‘t Schip (Pascoe Vale)
Some have already touted Van ‘t Schip as an FFV Gold Medal contender as his form for Paco has been exceptional. His physical presence, ability on the ball and finishing capabilities were all on show again on the weekend against Bentleigh, scoring and playing the ball through for Mustapha Quaynor’s goal.
Substitutes
Brendan White (Port Melbourne)
Was a worthy contributor for Port Melbourne, as while the forwards took much of the plaudits for the 3-1 result, he also had a say in denying North Geelong at the other end and preserving the lead.
Mouad Zwed (Kingston City)
Was touted as a starter but again has to settle for the bench for the sake of team balance and because we had a glut of attacking picks. But once again the tricky winger had a bright night, making life difficult for Kris Kioussis and finishing with two assists.
Oliver White (Bulleen Lions)
Bulleen struggled to make inroads early against the Knights’ onslaught but their late charge was in part due to their American striker, now back and firing after his suspension, with a powerful strike and good link-up play.
Ben Litfin (Bentleigh Greens)
With Bentleigh down and needing a spark, Litfin was one of the substitutes to come on and make a difference for the Greens. His goal – the level of skill and luck in it has been debated – was one of the catalysts that led to the draw.