It was a funny old month which saw all the clubs experience at least one defeat from the three games – except Moreland Zebras, but they only played two games due to a postponement in the game against Nunawading. The results also see Northcote extend their lead at the top of the table.
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GK: Andre Janesse (Moreland Zebras)
The former Brisbane Roar keeper’s transfer to the Zebras flew under the radar but the young keeper has been reliable between the sticks and made a solid impression for Fausto de Amicis’ side in the month despite the Zebras having a game less than the rest.
RWB: John Vakirtzis (Melbourne Victory)
He was the Coaches Player of the Year for Victory’s NPL side last year and Vakirtzis has brought that form into 2017 with solid performances on the right flank. The Melbourne derby aside, Victory have seen improved results with Vakirtzis being a mainstay of that, including the 3-1 win over Murray and especially last week’s 1-0 win over Sunshine which also yielded a clean sheet at a time when most of the side’s bigger names were on A-League duty.
CB: Keil O’Brien (Moreland City)
The former Manchester United youth is a towering and imposing figure and has been a big success for Moreland City despite a mixed month for Adrian Mathers’ side. Also added a goal to his tally as he builds his repertoire in the NPL.
CB: 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. We have no doubt he’ll keep featuring in TOTM throughout the season.
CB: Mile Medjedovic (Moreland Zebras)
The experienced captain has been performing duties defensively which has enabled the young brigade up front do their work with ease. Two wins against decent sides in Springvale and Brunswick yielded two clean sheets.
LWB: Anthony Ramzy (Northcote City)
Shifted to the left in our XI, Ramzy has done some positional shifting of his own in Kuzman’s three/five man defence, playing a wingback role. Has worked hard defensively and aided the attack with dangerous deliveries, and has been recognised for his tireless efforts.
CM: 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.
CM: Ali Turgut (Brunswick City)
Has been a force at times for Brunswick in the midfield throughout the month, and was espeically influential in the wins against Nunawading and Richmond. Scored against the former too to aid his side’s cause.
CM: Dom Falla (Sunshine George Cross)
Been good defensively as well as going forward for Sunshine. Scored a goal of the season contender against Springvale, and his pinpoint passing and dribbling has caused headaches for opposition.
RF: Tommy Barforosh (Whittlesea Ranges)
The former Melbourne City teen is having a bit of a breakout season at Whittlesea now under Vinko Buljubasic. Scored against Box Hill which proved to be the equaliser that propelled the side into the win, and also won and converted a penalty against Northcote though Whittlesea lost that one.
LF: Trent Rixon (Moreland City)
Has provided solid support alonside Apai Ukuno up front but it was against Ballarat City that the veteran striker rolled back the clock to his Northcote days in the top flight with a classy hat-trick in which he displayed his ability to score with both his head and feet, proving the spark that led to a resounding comeback win.
Substitutes
Donte Thomas (Bendigo City)
We’ll throw Bendigo City a bone here. Despite Bendigo often being peppered with shots on goal, the custodian has been a standout with numerous important saves. Has prevented certain blowouts and helped his side earn a first point of the campaign against Richmond.
Matthew Whatley (Northcote City)
Alongside Janiel Silva, Whatley has been a defensive Visa player who has made a big difference to his side. While Northcote didn’t have the best defensive month, Whatley was still a key performer and even netted twice, including the winner against Whittlesea.
Barry Devlin (Sunshine George Cross)
Solid as a rock in a defence, aside from a slip up against Springvale, Devlin has been good in the air and at ground level, with a number of pinpoint passes out wide to set up opportunities. Has hit the ground running in returning to his former club, where he has a good reputation.
Brady Quinn (Melbourne Victory)
The player who shares his name with a well-known quarterback made the switch from Bentleigh Greens youth side for the 2017 campaign. Quinn has made a positive impression so far and was especially impressive against Sunshine.
Adam Wright (Brunswick City)
By virtue of the FFA Cup break, the one game less this month meant the marksmen’s tallies haven’t been as big as previous month. But Wright’s two goals mean he’s been up there with a few others as second-highest scorers behind Rixon. Netted against Nunawading and Richmond.