Plenty of nominees this week in a round which saw teams hit the back of the net with regularity. There were enough standout defensive performances however, and some youngsters who shone bright.
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GK: Chris Oldfield (Hume City)
When the game was on the line against Pascoe Vale, keeper Oldfield stepped up to make the difference. In a commanding performance, the Englishman stepped up to make two huge saves in the dying embers of the contest, after Theo Markelis put Hume into the lead late into the second half.
LB: Brad Norton (South Melbourne)
Supplied an assist for the first two goals of the game, he was one of a number of good performers for South Melbourne in their big 4-1 in against Oakleigh Cannons. Had plenty of bright moments in the attacking half and was unlucky not to grab another couple of assists. His afternoon was soured however as he was caught out for Oakleigh only goal.
CB: Ramazan Tavsancioglu (Hume City)
A true hard man in the heart of defence, Rama was on form in the periods where Hume City were on the back foot. Uncompromising and tough, the veteran fought hard and was rewarded with a clean sheet.
RB: Liam McCormick (Bentleigh Greens)
McCormick reverted into the right-back position following the suspension of Dion Kirk and injury to Luke Pilkington. He excelled in his makeshift role and was tidy in possession in an overall efficient performance.
DM: Matthew Foschini (South Melbourne)
Up against his old side, Matthew Foschini played a commanding role in the centre of midfield. The former Cannon was exceptional and did his fair share of the grunt work, winning plenty of loose balls in midfield and freeing up his teammates to move forward without fear.
CM: Wayne Wallace (Bentleigh Greens)
The Bentleigh Greens midfielder has found his scoring touch of late, grabbing a brace to consign the Knights to a defeat. His first was a lovely glancing header, his second a powerful effort from just inside the area. On display as usual was his uncompromising toughness through the middle.
CM: Yitay Towns (Avondale FC)
The hard-worker in the Avondale FC midfield, Yitay Towns battled tirelessly against a creative Melbourne Victory midfield. Kept the ball ticking over in the middle of the park, and delivered well into wide areas.
LF: Sean Ellis (Heidelberg United)
One of the form players of the competition at the moment, Ellis has gone a long way towards Heidelberg’s resurgence to the upper echelons of the NPL ladder. Scored a brilliant goal from the edge of the area, was involved in the build-up to Kaine Sheppard’s winner and provided the assist for Kenny Athiu’s sealer.
CF: Evan Christoudoulou (Green Gully)
In the absence of Liam Boland, Christodoulou worked extra hard to provide a potent goal threat, and his endeavour didn’t go unrewarded, converting twice to give Green Gully a 2-1 win over Richmond.
CF: David Stirton (Port Melbourne)
A good night’s work for Stirton who not only scored a brilliant goal in the first half, but then went on to win a penalty, which he converted himself. He’s been a good performer in the forward line for the Sharks this season.
RF: Leigh Minopoulos (South Melbourne)
Thwarted by an injury in pre-season, the versatile forward has had to bide his time on the sidelines while South have shot to the top of the NPL ladder. He earned a first league start for the season and made it count with two goals and a vibrant display up top.
Bench:
Alon Blumgart (Green Gully)
Can consider himself unlucky not to make the starting line-up, after putting in an industrious shift, setting up Christodoulou for both goals in a brilliant display.
Omar Ammache (Avondale FC)
The wide man was a livewire on the left wing for Avondale in their narrow victory against Richmond SC. Ammache combined well with fellow youngster Towns as the pair put in standout performances. His assist for Riccobene’s equaliser was sublime.
Phillip Riccobene (Avondale FC)
Riccobene and his spring loaded heels came to play at Knights Stadium as he not only equalised for Avondale, but then went on to win them the game. Both goals came with powerful headers.
Kristian Trajceski (Hume City)
The youngster impressed on the wing with a couple of bright moments, showing his potential to become a game winner in his breakout year. Debutant Deniz Yildiz was another youngster to put in a positive display.
Matthew Theodore (South Melbourne)
The creative force was one of South Melbourne’s best players, always capable of threading the impossible pass and always able to create space for himself.
Josh Brindell-South (Bentleigh Greens)
The full-back held his flank down well and has come on as the season has progressed. Despite not earning a clean sheet against the Knights, Brindell-South was a consistent performer, excelling in his defensive duties.
Kaine Sheppard (Heidelberg United)
Sheppard made a triumphant goal scoring return for Heidelberg United, grabbing the all important winner in the 87th minute with a great low finish. He’ll take plenty of confidence from his performance having battled injury to start his season.