GK: Nikola Roganovic (South Melbourne)
An early and crucial save one-on-one against Giuseppe Marafioti set the tone, as it denied Oakleigh from breaking the deadlock. Looked an unstoppable force throughout.
RB: Hamish Millar (Kingston City)
Was tasked against the ever-dangerous Davey van ‘t Schip and held his own in a tight tussle on the right flank. A worthy contributor in a significant victory.
CB: Steven Pace (Heidelberg)
His absence to injury in a couple of recent defeats highlighted his importance to the team. Pace was a solid presence against Gully and was good value for the clean sheet.
LB: Brad Norton (South Melbourne)
A tidy performance from the captain, leading the way for the three points and a clean sheet against Oakleigh. Continues to be one of the league’s premier left-backs.
CM: Andreas Govas (Port Melbourne)
A goal (surprisingly not a long-range bomb, that was left for Zane Sole) and a classy assist rounded off a thrashing of South Melbourne to add to Port’s recent good run of form.
CM: Harrison Michaelis (Bulleen Lions)
An excellent contribution from the mid-season signing. Found space and the attackers in front of him well, and scored an outstanding goal, as Bulleen defeated Hume.
CM: Michael Trigger (Heidelberg United)
Normally we were used to writing up NPL2 TOTM descriptions about Trigger at Ballarat but now he’s making his mark in the top flight and again was classy for the Bergers, claiming both assists in the win over Green Gully.
RAM: Jip Bartels (Avondale)
The former Ajax youth showed his pedigree for Avondale, proving to be a worthy mid-season addition. Had an assist in the victory over North and added a touch of class to the lineup.
LAM: Joey Monek (St Albans Saints)
In one of the surprises of the round, St Albans were able to hold powerhouses Bentleigh to a draw to continue the latter’s recent fluctuations in form. Monek was at the forefront with a double, netting with his head and a neat finish at the back post.
ST: Oleksiy Khrapko (Port Melbourne)
Prolific against Melbourne Knights with a brace and an assist in the 4-1 win. Has enjoyed his best top-flight season to date and continues to deliver for Dom Barba’s side.
ST: Oliver White (Bulleen Lions)
Has really stamped his authority in recent weeks and added to his scoring streak against Hume City. His finish was a joy to behold – a rocket into the top corner.
Bench:
Taban Makoii (Kingston City)
Not a bad way to introduce yourself to your teammates and league with a goal on debut. While he didn’t always always make the most of his opportunities, Makoii made a positive first impression with his speed and directness while leading the line, also netting the opener in the win against Paco.
Jonatan Germano (Avondale FC)
Influential in the middle and front third of the park, linking well with teammates. Capped off proceedings with a goal of his own.
Trent Clulow (Bentleigh Greens)
Was one of Bentleigh’s better performers in what was ultimately two points dropped against the cellar dwellers. Was involved in the good team buildup for the second goal.
Reuben Way (Heidelberg United)
Took his goal well from Trigger’s assist and excelled throughout the 90 in a more advanced role, having been deployed both at fullback and on the wing this season.