GK: Brendan White (Port Melbourne)
The Sharks keeper kept a frustrated Gully more frustrated for another week, making a number of important saves. Became a second keeper in a fortnight to make a save from the penalty spot against Gully.
RB: Hamish Millar (Kingston City)
Locked down his corner for much of the game and had an easier time on his wing than Kingston did on the other. Was also a port of call to get the ball moving out the back.
CB: Luke Adams (South Melbourne)
The Kiwi continued his solid campaign at the back alongside NZ compatriot Eagar and once again delivered at AAMI Park against Heidelberg. Helped keep the ladder leader’s strike force quiet for much of the contest in an uncharacteristic outing for the Bergers.
CB: Marco Jankovic (Bentleigh Greens)
Superb at the back for Bentleigh, Jankovic had great positioning to intercept, and also played some excellent crossfield long balls to the wings for Brennan to get into space and attack with.
LB: Josh Brindell-South (Green Gully)
Another bright showing from the fullback who would often bomb forward to get some dangerous deliveries in, also putting up plenty of fight defensively.
CM: Massimo Murdocca (Avondale FC)
A calm and experienced showing at the back from Murdocca whose distribution was also consistent and effective. This was most evident when delivering the cross for the second goal to seal the game.
CM: Ben Surey (Melbourne Knights)
A no-nonsense performance from Surey who was involved all over the park and added an extra layer of protection as the defensive mid. Broke up play well even if it led to a couple of penalty shouts against him.
RAM: Luka Prelevic (Pascoe Vale)
A bright performance, Prelevic got himself in decent shooting positions throughout the contest, netting the winner in the 1-0 win over St Albans to get Pascoe Vale back on track for a top six berth.
CAM: Jordan Templin (Bulleen Lions)
Becoming one of the signings of the season and his goal involvements could make the difference in Bulleen’s season. Again proved difficult for his opposition to contain and his goal came by effectively waltzing through the middle and putting away the finish, his weaving run also leading to the third.
LAM: Nick Epifano (South Melbourne)
This selection picks itself, really, with Epifano the only multiple scorer for the week. Looked ever-threatening and made the Heidelberg defence pay for their performance.
ST: Liam Boland (Hume City)
We were a bit light on strikers this week so Boland gets the nod this week. Took his goal well and his general hold-up play and linking up with Hume teammates was strong.
Bench:
Lewis Italiano (Bulleen Lions)
Held his own against the Warriors for the most part, a cool and collected presence between the sticks, and couldn’t do much about the goal conceded. Capped off a solid run of games at Bulleen with a new A-League contract at Wellington Phoenix.
Nick Hegarty (Hume City)
Led his team brilliantly and won crucial interceptions and played some excellent through balls for teammates to start dangerous attacks.
Dylan Smith (Green Gully)
A fantastic early impression from the Adelaide United youth at Gully. Took his goal with aplomb and added an extra spark for his side in the front third.
Jesse Daley (South Melbourne)
One of South’s hallmarks this season has been its core squad from recent seasons turning it on again but Daley would be one of the most impactful signings for the Lakeside outfit. His assist for the third goal – a weaving run and good vision – highlights his capabilities.
Elvis Kamsoba (Melbourne Knights)
He might not be banging in as many goals as he was earlier in the season but Kamsoba is nonetheless still a handful for opposition defences, just as he was against Kingston, with his speed, sharp feet and array of trickery down his wing.