It was a topsy turvy bit of a month in NPL2, with mixed performances from many sides – while a couple played a game less – meaning it was tough to pick overall standouts. Nonetheless, here are our five from March across East and West!
TCF is also excited to announce that the winner at the end of the voting cycle will also win a $100 gift voucher courtesy of Soccer 5s Dandenong, to use on pitch-hire and a range of other offerings.
Peter Sawan (Northcote City)
The former Richmond captain has been a spark in Northcote’s midfield. His distribution has been sound, able to pick out teammates with some raking diagonals. He scored in a win over Box Hill and stepped up in Josh Knight’s absence against Whittlesea.
Janiel Silva (Whittlesea Ranges)
Silva has consistently been one of league’s best defenders this campaign and is relied upon to marshal Whittlesea’s defence while also being the one to distribute the ball from the back. It wasn’t the most miserly of months for Whittlesea but Silva’s importance sees him often labelled a class above by teammates and observers.
Gerrie Sylaidos (Melbourne City)
Melbourne City won all three games in March, against Springvale, Victory and Box Hill, and Sylaados scored in all three. Those three goals have seen the 17-year-old move to second on the goalscoring charts behind Brandon Barnes with his overall season tally being five. Having already trained with the senior team last pre-season, the diminutive winger is definitely one player to keep an eye on.
Steven Topalovic (Dandenong City)
Having begun the year as a number six, the 26 year-old is now being deployed in an unfamiliar box-to-box midfield role. The 2015 NPL Championship winner has thrived in that role and formed a formidable midfield partnership with the returning Ljubo Milicevic. After a stuttering start to the season, City are firing on all cylinders and Topa is helping drive that momentum.
Ali Turgut (Brunswick City)
Has been a force at times for Brunswick in the midfield throughout the month, and was especially influential in the wins against Nunawading and Richmond. Scored against the former too to aid his side’s cause. While he was quieter against the Zebras, Turgut’s March continued on his impressive February as well.