GK: Michael Weier (Hume City)
A 3-0 win for Hume sounds straightforward enough, but a number of crucial saves from Weier laid the foundation for that by denying Kingston an early lead. Ended the game game with a well-rewarded clean sheet.
RB: Matt Hennessey (Pascoe Vale)
We’ve had to shift him on the right to fit in this week’s team. A second TOTW for Hennessey since moving from Victory and has provided defensive element for Paco which has aligned with their recent upturn in form, including a resolute performance against Bentleigh.
CB: Janiel Silva (Oakleigh Cannons)
The Brazilian’s stocks keep rising in Victoria. Moving up from the state leagues to NPL2 and now the top flight in a short space of time, he proved himself against one of the best with a standout performance against Heidelberg. Contributed to a clean sheet against Kenny Athiu and co, and was denied a maiden goal at the other end in unlucky circumstances.
CB: Nathan Cook (Green Gully)
A solid acquisition in the mid-season window for Gully from Northcote, shoring up the side’s defence. Helped thwart many of Avondale’s advances which contributed greatly to the overall scoreline.
LB: Brad Norton (South Melbourne)
It might have been a clash against the cellar dwellers but nonetheless Norton was able to show his capabilities at the back and especially going forward, contributing a goal and assist to propel South to the top of the table.
CM: Jonathan Bounas (Green Gully)
Bounas is a big presence in midfield and provided some of his best against Avondale to keep Gully in the top four race. A particular highlight was his interplay in midfield and release of Krousoratis on the wing, who finished the move off with aplomb.
CM: Matt Millar (South Melbourne)
Over time Millar has played at fullback and on the wing, but currently South Melbourne’s midfield maestro is a class above in the middle of the park. Two goals and a bustling display helped propel South a mauling over Dinamo.
RAM: Jordan Templin (Bulleen Lions)
Consistently is Bulleen’s most creative and clinical outlet and again played his part in slicing the opposition open. This time it was the Knights, as Templin profited to combine with White and McKenna while also bagging a goal of his own.
LAM: Francesco Stella (Port Melbourne)
Has been one of Port’s best all season and put in a typically tricky performance in the attacking third. His passing and combinations with the likes of Colosimo helped Port have the early ascendancy before Geelong finished strong.
ST: Leigh Minopoulos (South Melbourne)
No Lujic, no worries, with Minopoulos thriving in a central role all to himself. Predatory around the area, he lapped up the opportunity against St Albans with a hat-trick.
ST: Oliver White (Bulleen Lions)
A destructive performance by the centre-forward, certainly one of his best in the NPL, putting the Knights to the sword. Not only were his goals well taken but his hold up play, linking up with teammates and bursts through the middle – especially in that destructive nine-minute spell – were too much to handle.
Bench:
Stefan Zinni (South Melbourne)
Got a full game under his belt and his speed, directness and delivery couldn’t be dealt with by St Albans. Adds another attacking outlet for Chris Taylor’s side.
Nick Hegarty (Hume City)
A classy presence around the park, Hegarty put Kingston to the sword with a clinical finish and was ran the show for Hume was very creative going forward as well as defended strongly when McGarry came off after 35 min when he had to play deeper. Liam Boland was another with a goal and assist who could’ve made the list but it’s been a stacked week of standouts.
Matteo Ballan (Pascoe Vale)
Flies under the radar more than some of Paco’s but Ballan has been a midfield fulcrum for the side and goes about his business to great effect, providing a consistent and tireless link between defence and attack against Bentleigh.
Nick Krousoratis (Green Gully)
A handful to deal with due to his directness and touch of finesse with his finish for the goal. A toss up with Jay Davies for a final bench spot but really there were plenty of standouts for Gully on the day.
Wayne Wallace (Oakleigh Cannons)
A commanding presence in the centre of the park, his involvements created chances for Oakleigh which proved pivotal in the 2-0 win, a massive result away from home against the joint league leaders.
Andrew Mullett (Bulleen Lions)
No doubt Bulleen’s attackers will receive the plaudits for Bulleen’s demolition job but while that was a nine-minute blitz, Mullett over the 90 was a strong presence at the back, restricting the Knights’ chances.