A tough week to make selections as there was an abundance of attacking options at our disposal this week with plenty of players finding the back of the net on multiple occasions. Plenty of outstanding defensive performances too, hence our extended bench.
***
GK: Chris May (St Albans Saints)
Oakleigh for good chunks of the contest may have been masters of their own downfall in front of goal, but May was unbeatable when called upon especially as the minutes ticked away.
RB: Hamish Millar (Kingston City)
Stood strong on the night against some highly regarded opponents, especially in the second half. Had the likes of Andy Brennan to contend with and did well to protect his side of defence.
CB: Bryan Bran (Hume City)
Earlier in the season Hume City had a tendency to leak a few goals but Bran has certainly played his part in stemming the tide, and was efficient against Port with numerous interceptions and clearances.
CB: Luke Byles (Heidelberg United)
The experienced centre-back did a job all over the park against a flat North Geelong outfit, not letting a way in despite the numerical disadvantage, then also went up the other end and nailed a thunderbolt.
LB: Matt Lazarides (Pascoe Vale)
A decent outing for Lazarides in Pacoe Vale’s trip to Bulleen. Played his part defensively and in attack for Paco’s win. Helped keep a clean sheet and assisted van ‘t Schip.
CM: Massimo Murdocca (Avondale FC)
Adjudged as Avondale’s best on ground, not a bad feat when Germano scored a brace. He assisted the Argentine with a clever header and was just a constant presence all over the park. One of the key drivers of Avondale’s unbeaten run.
CM: Matt Millar (South Melbourne)
One of Millar’s best performances in a game where South just couldn’t hold on for the three points. Netted a double and always looked threatening in attacking midfield.
RAM: Nick Krousoratis (Green Gully)
The Gully danger man had his array of talents on display, scoring once and setting up teammates’ chances and causing his opposition headaches in defence.
LAM: Sean Ellis (Heidelberg United)
This selection doesn’t need much explanation, does it? High fives for the five-star man with his big haul of five goals.
FW: Davey Van ‘t Schip (Pascoe Vale)
The Dutchman just can’t stop scoring. That’s another two for Van ‘t Schip who just manages to put everything he latches onto into the back of the net.
FW: Kenny Athiu (Heidelberg United)
Displayed all his athleticism and poacher’s instinct and holding-up ability to bag a brace himself while also contributing in the build-up to many of the other six goals on the night.
Substitutes:
Michael Weier (Hume City)
Has had busier nights between the sticks but still had to deny the likes of Stella and Cristaldo to preserve a clean sheet and ensure Port didn’t find a way back in. Also had the last touch for Hegarty’s winner as it was his punt up the pitch that caught Port’s backline napping. Incredibly has a goal and assist to his name this season, which is more of an attacking contribution than some of league’s forwards. Go figure.
Jonatan Germano (Avondale FC)
It’s hard to keep a player who scored a brace out of the XI but that’s just a reflection of the attacking quality on display this week. His second goal, the direct free kick, was certainly one for the highlights reel.
Jay Davies (Green Gully)
The impact sub of the round. Came off the bench for Wade Dekker after the half time break and was a big catalyst for Gully’s route back into the contest against South, scoring twice with a couple of decent efforts.
Anthony Katiforis (St Albans Saints)
A big effort from the recent arrival who was up for the challenge against what’s usually a potent Oakleigh forward line. The young defender contributed to a clean sheet and Dinamo’s first win of the season.
Nick Epifano (South Melbourne)
Epifano’s inclusion from suspension has been a welcome one for South Melbourne, as he provided a bright attacking spark from midfield – including scoring himself – which helped his side score more than their usual tally this season.
Lambros Honos (Bentleigh Greens)
The experienced head sometimes flies under the radar when looking at Bentleigh’s plethora of attacking options, but no doubt his strike was key to unlocking what was otherwise a near flawless defensive display from Kingston and helping his side take a share of the spoils.
Adrian Zahra (Heidelberg United)
By our count had a hat-trick of assists on the night against North Geelong which might not garner as much attention as some of the other displays on the night, but nonetheless a worthy contributor.