Due to the Team App Cup final, there were just three games in the NPLW that took place over the weekend. As such, the Team of the Week will consist of just a starting XI, with a further few honourable mentions.
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GK: Teresa Morrissey (Senior NTC)
While Morrissey may have only played 45 minutes, and conceded three times in that period, the goalkeeper managed to save two South Melbourne spot kicks in that space of time. A leg injury forced her out of the game at half time, but her penalty kick heroics earns her a spot over the busy Katie Neville (Heidelberg United) and Southern’s Christine Fonua.
LB: Alex Gummer (South Melbourne)
While a teammate in the forward third may have stolen most of the headlines with a five-goal haul, it was the four assists from left back Gummer that helped dictate proceedings. Her set piece delivery was excellent for the most part, with two assists coming from corners. Nothing she could do about the two goals scored by opposition left-back Leia Varley which came in the form of two raking long-shots.
CB: Jaimee Williams (Alamein FC)
The centre half was noted for her stellar performance in largely limiting Box Hill at their home ground. The defender has found a new gear in 2017 and it was fitting that one of her better performances of the campaign came against her former employers.
RB: Milla Jowett (Southern United)
The youngster was given was thrown into the deep end for her starting debut for Southern United, but came away from the clash with an impressive 90 minute performance behind her. Jowett looked the part as she helped her side to a first win in six starts.
DM: Hannah Ryan (Southern United)
Utilised as a holding midfielder, Ryan was responsible for not only helping attacks dissipate before they started, but also to help dictate the tempo of the contest, which for the majority was in the control of Southern United. A strong display against her former side.
LCM: Caitlin Doeglas (Alamein FC)
A brace from midfield marked a good return for the Alamein star. Doeglas’ two strikes were incredibly well taken and helped set up a vital three points to shore up a finals berth.
CM: Natalie Martineau (South Melbourne)
The Canadian put in a workman-like performance to drive the South Melbourne midfield. Scored once in the rout to cap off a good performance which saw her heavily involved in the forward third.
CM: Mari Pastor (Alamein FC)
The skipper had a positive impact on the game, working in tandem with the aforementioned Doeglas to help control the midfield battle. Pitted up against Kristina Hall, her experience was vital in Alamein claiming the three points.
RCM: Aimee Medwin (South Melbourne)
Playing down the right side of midfield, Medwin put in another eye-catching display, which saw her win a first half penalty for her side as well as picking up an assist for Melina Ayres. Had a number of chances to hit the scoreboard herself but was unable to convert.
AM: Candela Ferreyra Bas (Southern United)
The Southern United skipper continued her goal scoring form with yet another stunning strike in the win over Heidelberg. Ferreyra Bas was able to find the top bins while off balance from the edge of the area, a feat that is becoming commonplace for the in-form attacker.
LF: Melina Ayres (South Melbourne)
Ayres became the first player in NPLW history to score more than three goals in a game, after finding the back of the net a stunning five times against the Senior NTC. She showed a wide variety of skills in delivering the mammoth haul, heading in for her brace, finding the net with a first time effort from 30 yards and being aware enough to poke home from a keeper spill. Looks a shoe-in to run away with the Golden Boot for 2017.
Honourable Mentions:
Samantha Black (Heidelberg United), Leia Varley (Senior NTC), Caitlin Greiser (South Melbourne), Julia Nicolaci (South Melbourne)