There were a number of real standout performers in midfield this week, which saw us flirt with the idea of fielding a 2-6-2 formation. Nevertheless, this bumper edition of the NPL Victoria Team of the Week for Round 17 sees some extra names slot onto the bench, with some incredibly unlucky not to be in the starting XI.
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GK: Nikola Roganovic (South Melbourne)
Voted the man of the match by the South Melbourne media team, the ever-reliable custodian ensured that everything in a defensive sense was cool and calm in the absence of skipper Michael Eager. Made a number of crucial saves at the right times to maintain momentum that eventually led to a 1-0 win. Opposite number David Thomson was also a strong performer for Werribee.
RB: Ivan Grgic (Melbourne Knights)
Nominated as a real standout for the Knights in their solid – if not unspectacular – 2-0 win over North Geelong Warriors. It could’ve been a real danger game against the league’s cellar dwellers, who were coming off the back of a 1-0 win over Green Gully, but the defensive prowess of the versatile young Grgic kept the Warriors at bay.
CB: Adam Nakic (Pascoe Vale)
Started the day at centre-half, but really came into his own in the second half when forced into midfield. He was incisive with his use of the ball, rarely – if at all – giving away possession and executing his stopping duties with aplomb.
LB: Tom Lakic (South Melbourne)
The young left-back, who swapped the blue of Melbourne Victory for the blue of South mid-season, has made a very strong start for his new club, and it continued on the weekend after another great performance at full-back. Some may have questioned using Brad Norton as a cb, and the versatile Lakic as the full-back, but in Eager’s periodical absence over the last month, the defensive structure continues to blossom.
CM: Alon Blumgart (Green Gully)
A complete performance from Green Gully saw Alon Blumgart grab a brace from midfield to go alongside a man-of-the-match shift. His goals were well taken too, the first a good finish on the edge of the area, the second coming as a result of his purposeful run with the ball at feet.
CM: Liam McCormick (Bentleigh Greens)
The Greens midfielder is in the form of his career at the moment as he capped off another fine display with an assist to his name and an all-round excellent, energetic display in midfield. His good form has given manager John Anastasiadis plenty more of selection headaches ahead of their trip to South – with captain Wayne Wallace pushing for a starting birth upon return from injury. Troy Ruthven was also superb as Bentleigh’s number 6.
AM: Joseph Youssef (Pascoe Vale)
The Pascoe Vale skipper was immense for his side in the free role, grabbing a double in their 3-1 away win against Northcote City. The hosts have been in good form of late, but Youssef made a mockery of that with a bustling display, which saw him slide a low shot past Theodoridis, beat him again with a header, whilst seeing another header rattle the crossbar.
AM: Tyson Holmes (Bentleigh Greens)
A goal and two assists in another sublime performance from the former South Melbourne midfielder. He set up Daniel Visevic for the opener before expertly finishing off a great team move to make it 2-0. He would be prove to be Heidelberg’s destroyer once more when he played through Lucas for a third to cap off one of his finest individual performances to date.
RW: Matthew Breeze (Green Gully)
Green Gully’s English winger was in fine form as they took apart Dandenong Thunder to the tune of 6-1. He was influential on the right, chiming in with two goals, both at crucial times in the contest. He first opened the scoring before grabbing his sides third on the brink of half-time.
ST: Chris Lucas (Bentleigh Greens)
Four goals in as many games since Matt Thurtell’s long-term injury suggests Bentleigh isn’t missing the NPL top scorer just yet as his fellow Queenslander bagged a second half brace in the 4-0 demolition over Heidelberg. His first saw him latch onto Holmes’ through ball where he outpaced Steven Pace before converting past the keeper. His second was all about perseverance as he won the ball down the wing and continued on his run before dispatching his shot through the legs of the keeper to seal a memorable victory.
LW: Francesco Stella (Avondale FC)
Stella came to the fore when the game really needed a spark, providing two assists in the second half to blow the game apart for Avondale. While he did miss a penalty – despite putting in his first attempt before a retake was ordered – it was a small blight on a stellar performance.
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Bench:
Marcus Schroen (Hume City)
The former Dandenong Thunder youngster played a deeper role in midfield for Hume City, and was tidy, composed and confident in the role. Played a lovely through ball for Hegarty’s winner to cement his spot on the bench.
Nick Hegarty (Hume City)
Hegarty’s impact for Hume week in, week out is incredibly important. His shift back into the middle of the pitch has also been a huge factor in the Englishman’s form, where he’s displayed his wonderful array of passing. Capitalised on a good run forward by putting home the match winner against Oakleigh Cannons.
Mass Murdocca (Avondale FC)
Mass Murdocca displayed class in abundance for Avondale FC, who picked up a much needed win on the weekend, to the tune of 3-0. He excelled in midfield, dictating the tempo of the match and winning the ball in crucial situations. Most importantly, he always looked forward with his passing and linked up well with in the front third.
Marino Gasparis (Northcote City)
The Northcote attacking midfielder put in a good performance in a losing side, causing plenty of headaches for Paco from the centre of the pitch. Only some good keeping kept Gasparis from grabbing a goal. Jonathan Bounas was also a good performer in the midfield for Northcote.
Nick Epifano (South Melbourne)
Another strong performer for South Melbourne, Epifano’s performances on the pitch this year have been nothing short of majestic. Again he dazzled with his quick feet, crisp passing and ever reliable right foot, where he split the teams with a goal, while coming close on a number of other performances.
Matt Sanders (Avondale FC)
Three new signings, three Team of the Week appearances for Avondale FC who marched along to an emphatic victory. Matt Sanders was a star in the front third, contributing a second half brace towards the three-goal win.
Stipo Andrijasevic (Melbourne Knights)
The monkey is finally off the back for 2015 and with perfect timing, as Andrijacevic will need to step up to fill the void of the departing Andrew Barisic. The Knights forward plundered his first goal of the season with a tidy low finish past Daniel Zilic, while turning provider soon after for Chris Talajic. Desperately unlucky not to make the starting XI.