Given this week’s nominations, it was difficult to fit everyone into their natural positions and we had to do some shifting around. In particular, there were many fullbacks selected for TOTW. Not surprisingly Heidelberg were the big winners, scoring eight goals and picking up six points this week.
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GK: Ingrid Philippe (Bayside United)
The Bayside custodian was certainly part of the reason the scoreline remained scoreless throughout the 90 minutes. She made at least three really important saves to keep her side in the contest against Alamein FC
RB: Annabel Martin (Galaxy United)
One of the standouts of the game, as she has been against many other clubs this season, Martin was able shut down attacking threats repeatedly, averting any danger that came her way. A key contributor towards another clean sheet.
RCB: Steph Parton (Bayside United)
Parton, like much of Bayside’s backline, stood strong in the face of many Alamein attacks. In one her best performances of the year, Parton made a lot of interceptions and was solid in the air, winning a lot of headers and defended very well.
LCB: Tyla-Jay Vlajnic (Calder United)
Given our abundance of fullbacks, we’ve had to shift TJ into the centre for TOTW. She contributed plenty throughout the game, being defensively sound while also producing the assist for that goal by Alonso.
LB: Demi Mihaloudis (Heidelberg United)
In the side predominantly for her showing in the first game against Southern, she justified her selection at left back by scoring a cracking goal. Was also part of the backline against NTC that almost went the whole game without conceding.
CM: Jamie Pollock (Bulleen Lions)
A classy performer in the centre of the park, Pollock was said to have ran the midfield throughout the 90, providing an excellent link between the backline and front third, and was recognised as one of the best on ground.
CAM: Julia Nicolaci (Heidelberg United)
A potent threat going forward and linking with the remainder of the front third, Nicolaci’s creativity and passing especially against Southern was crucial in the side’s freescoring run.
CAM: Tiffany Eliadis (Southern United)
Returning to her damaging best following injury, Eliadis was clinical up front, scoring a brace and proving a real handful for Heidelberg’s defence with her vision and goal-sense.
RW: Steph Galea (Heidelberg United)
A dynamic player on the wings, Galea may not have scored in either game, but her pace and delivery from the wings saw create some crucial assists and contribute to her side’s attacking forays.
ST: Leigh Gray (Heidelberg United)
Well, what more is there to say? Four goals across two games (including her fourth hat-trick of the season) saw Gray propel herself to the top of the golden boot race on 14. Absolutely clinical in front of goal.
LW: Cindy Lay (Calder United)
A handy contributor up front, Lay proved her usual threat up front with a goal and continued to trouble Box Hill’s defence when the opportunity presented itself.
Substitutes:
Christine Fonua (Heidelberg United)
It was that kind of day against Southern, when in such an open game, she may have conceded three goals, but Fonua’s crucial saves also prevented many more from going in. She was then also consistent against the NTC, only conceding from a penalty
Anita Les (Alamein FC)
Solid at left back, often repelling any sniff of an attacking opportunity that came her way while also looking to get forward. Maybe perhaps on another week Les would have made the starting line-up of the TOTW, however other selections snuck in ahead of her.
Jess Beddows (Southern United)
Another cog in the machine of Southern’s attack, Beddows was also a worthy contributor. She added a goal of her own and made a real difference in the contest.
Jamie Brown (Bayside United)
How apt that another member of Bayside’s backline makes it in TOTW. Playing in a right-back position position for the first time, Brown was very capable and had to do a lot of work up against Brittany Thomas.
Rachel Alonso (Calder United)
It’s be remiss of us not to include Alonso in TOTW for her goal that went viral. While she’s had better games overall in the past, it was her acrobatic effort that grabbed the headlines and was a social media sensation.