With no mid-week game in the NPLW Victoria due to NTC challenge as well as cup games, we only had four games to go off for Round 13’s Team of the Week. As such, big winners for the round Alamein FC dominate with no less than five players in the squad, while seven different teams have representatives in this week’s team.
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GK: Freya Crocker (Southern United)
Galaxy United controlled large portions of their win against Southern United, and while they were guilty of wasting a number of chances, Crocker was still a required figure, making a number of saves in a decent display. She was unfortunate to concede twice in the dying embers of the game, with a win looking the likely result for Southern.
LB: Annabel Martin (Galaxy United)
The right-back was her usual tenacious self for Galaxy down the flank, contributing largely to their 2-1 win over Southern United in both an attacking and defensive capacity. We’ve had to move her to the left for this week’s Team of the Week to accomodate other performers.
CB: Gulcan Koca (Calder United)
The Calder United centre half was solid throughout, and was kept the busier of the two centre-backs as they came seconds away from a win against Bulleen. Couldn’t do a thing about Liv Ellis’ wonder goal at the end and assisted Marie Rampal’s goal with a good cross.
CB: Harriet Cordner (Alamein FC)
An astute pickup for Sinisa Cohadzic’s side, Cordner did a marvellous job in marking Leigh Gray out of the contest. A superb aerialist, Cordner looked a class above in the heart of defence.
RB: Stacey Papadopoulos (Calder United)
The Calder full-back was the player who showed the most desire from the get-go, completing her defensive duties before bombing up forward to cause havoc up front. A real bright spark in the contest against Bulleen Lions.
CM: Kristina Hall (Box Hill United)
The American bossed the midfield against Bayside United, and played a large role as Box Hill raced out to an early 2-0 lead. Her passing range was brilliant but was unable to help her side hang on to the full compliment of points.
CM: Emma Robers (Bayside United)
Another midfield general to come out of Saturday afternoon’s tie at Wembley Park, birthday girl Emma Robers continued her fine form for Bayside United with another combative performance. Teed up Jamie Brown for the first goal of their spectacular comeback and even did a role in defensive midfield Kristie Shearing came off in the second half.
AM: Annabelle Gibney (Alamein FC)
The pick of the players this week, Annabelle Gibney shone as Alamein put Heidelberg United to the sword 5-1, grabbing two goals and assisted a further two. Was involved in plenty throughout the tie floating just behind the forward.
LW: Melina Ayres (Alamein FC)
Much like teammate Gibney, Melina Ayres netted twice in the big win over Heidelberg United, with both goals coming in the second half. She also played a role in two of the goals in the first half in a brilliant personal performance from the teenager.
ST: Emma Runnalls (Alamein FC)
Ably assisted by former Sandringham teammate Gibney, Runnalls showed a hunger to win contests and put her body about in 50/50’s. Showed great work rate and grabbed her side’s third goal.
RW: Jamie Brown (Bayside United)
Coming on after just half an hour to replace Katelyn Lee, youngster Jamie Brown put in a brilliant performance in the second half to spark a memorable comeback for Bayside against Box Hill. Scored twice to draw level, before Bronte James popped up with a late winner. Yes she played in midfield, but we just had to fit her into this starting XI.
Bench:
Anita Les (Alamein FC)
The fifth and final Alamein FC player in this team of the week is Anita Les, who had a brilliant game at right-back for the hosts against the Bergers. Assisted one and kept her flank watertight, unlucky not to make the starting XI.
Steph Parton (Bayside United)
Despite conceding twice, Steph Parton was another good performer for Bayside United, tasked with marking a large variety of attacking threats for Box Hill. She defended with her brain and was solid throughout.
Caitlin Pickett (Galaxy United)
The youngster came off the bench on the hour mark and made an immediate impact with a bright performance, helping spark a comeback win over Southern United with her 82nd minute equaliser.
Melissa Taranto (Galaxy United)
Both Melissa and Adriana were standout’s for Galaxy in their hard-fought win against Southern, but it’s Melissa that gets the nod this week. Passing display was at her consistent best and looked threatening going forward with the ball. Southern’s Saphri Lines was another good contributor in the tie.
Liv Ellis (Bulleen Lions)
Bulleen had a rare day off and struggled to match the tenacity of Calder United for the majority of the contest. Up stepped Liv Ellis who scored a contender for goal of the season to earn her side a share of the spoils with one of the last action’s of the game.