June saw the two Dandenong clubs dominate with Thunder and City collecting 10 points out of a possible 12, while both Kingston City and the Springvale White Eagles were on course to complete perfect records, but lost key fixtures at home to Whittlesea and away to Melbourne City respectively. Having said that, it was no surprise that these clubs dominated selection with two familiar faces partnering each other up front once again.
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GK: Fraser Maclaren (Dandenong Thunder)
The ex-Bulleen and Kingston custodian had another impressive month behind the sticks for Huss Skenderovic’s side, shipping only four goals in as many games with the 21 year-old hardly at fault for any of those goals. Made a number of important saves in the 3-3 draw against Whittlesea as well as the 2-0 defeat of North Geelong, where he had to be at his best to maintain his clean sheet.
RB: Nick Modaffari (Dandenong Thunder)
One of the league’s most consistent performers makes his second consecutive appearance in TOTM after another solid four games saw the Thunder maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign. Has proved to be an obstacle for opposition attackers and has arguably been in career best-form at the promotion-chasing outfit, where he is yet to miss a game.
CB: Halil Gur (Dandenong City)
After experimenting with their back four earlier in the season, the City coach staff are now at ease with Gur being a central figure in their rise to third position on the table. The no-nonsense defender has put his body on the line on many occasions this past month, which has included getting his teeth knocked out, while also consolidating his formidable defensive partnership with captain John Carroll.
CB: Marcus Holmes (Springvale White Eagles)
A commanding presence in the back four, the former Doveton defender has been one of his side’s standout performers this year and continued this form into June which included two clean-sheets and a man-of-the-match performance in a 2-1 victory over Werribee City. Makes his second TOTM appearance after earning a bench spot in April.
LB: Dan Westmore (Springvale White Eagles)
The Englishman has been a breath of fresh air at White Eagle Stadium this year and has added consistency to his game both going forward and in defence. Has only missed one league game this year and was part of resolute Springvale back four which conceded only four goals this month – the leagues’ equal lowest.
CM: Brendan Elmazovski (Dandenong Thunder)
The versatile Thunder skipper has featured in both full-back roles this year but has been at his best in the centre of the park where he has developed a sound understanding with Kristian Sarkies. Scored against Ballarat before backing it up with a hard-working display against North Geelong. He has not missed a league game in nearly three years now.
CM: Dejan Erakovic (Springvale White Eagles)
One of the league’s youngest captains at 23 years of age, the striker-turned-midfielder is in the form of his life at the club he made his senor debut for in 2011. His combative style of play has won him plenty of admirers, with the midfielder being at the heart of the White Eagles resurgence under Nik Kovacevic, which saw them collect three wins from four in June.
AM: Shaun Kane (Goulburn Valley Suns)
Unlike his namesake Harry in the Euros, the Scotsman has been on fire with the Suns this month, scoring five times from an advanced midfield position. Unsettled by injuries earlier in the season, he netted a brace against both Melbourne City and Sunshine, as well scoring a consolation strike against Moreland City.
RF: Mouad Zwed (Kingston City)
The Polish-born Libyan winger has come into his own lately and is getting better by the game with a number of dazzling displays down the right flank over the course of the last month. He grabbed his second league goal against Ballarat before contributing two assists in the 3-1 win over Moreland City. Did well against both the Zebras and Ranges to round off his month.
CF: Brandon Barnes (Dandenong Thunder)
The league’s leading marksman shows no signs of slowing down as he moved his season tally to 30 goals in 16 outings. A goal in each game has helped the Thunder extend their undefeated streak, with the Englishman having now scored a goal in 13 out of his last 14 games, causing havoc for opposition defenders who have struggled to nullify his explosive threat.
LF: Amir Osmancevic (Dandenong City)
New club, same old Osmancevic it seems with the former Dandenong Thunder striker impressing in his first month at Frank Holohan Soccer Complex. A goal and two assists marked an impressive debut against St Albans before grabbing another derby strike against North Geelong. The 21 year-old capped off an impressive month with a double in a man-of-the-match display over the Moreland Zebras.
Substitutes:
Sermin Sadikovski (Kingston City)
The former Dandenong Thunder shot-stopper has stepped up and excelled since the departure of Frenchman Julien Chaumet, making a number of vital contributions in the past four games. White Eagles goalkeeper Lajos Oliveira might consider himself unlucky to miss out on selection after a fine month of form as well.
Jamie England (Goulburn Valley Suns)
The midfield enforcer has been impressive in the centre of the park for the Suns, especially in their impressive 3-1 home win over Melbourne City. The Englishman has also battled with injuries this campaign but on his day is one of the best in the business.
Velibor Mitrovic (Kingston City)
Another standout month from the 24 year-old attacking midfielder who has not missed selection in the TOTM when fit this season. Scored in the 3-1 triumph over Moreland City before rounding off a fantastic individual performance with two strikes from outside the box against the Moreland Zebras.
Ross Frame (Dandenong City)
The Welshman has been in inspired form at his new club by netting three times in opening for games for Hajduk, which included a debut strike against sister club Dinamo. A winner against North Geelong followed before netting the opener against the Moreland Zebras.
Adam Wright (Brunswick City)
The second Welsh forward on the list, the Spartans striker has taken his season tally into double figures thanks to three headed strikes this month which included a double away to Werribee. Is now producing the form which made him one of State League One’s best marksman last season.