In one of the more difficult teams to compile, there was the issue of a team winning on the weekend and losing midweek, and the usual dearth of defenders with each game this round averaging four goals.
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GK: Emily Shields (Box Hill United)
We were scrambling for keepers this week, and Shields gets in for her performance against Bayside as she didn’t feature midweek against the NTC. Her performance included two crucial saves to deny the opposition on the day.
RB: Stacey Papadopoulos (Calder United)
Has made the transition to fullback seamless with a good balance of defensive solidity and her usual attacking instinct, providing a consistent display of both against Bulleen.
CB: Rita Mankowska (Heidelberg United)
Stood tall to anchor her side’s defence against the ever-threatening Alamein attack which, even without Hannah Keane, was always looking dangerous when getting forward. Mankowska, in her 199th game, provided all the experience that contributed to her side’s win on the day.
LB: Emma Littlewood (Box Hill United)
In the side for her game against Bayside, and coming up against one of the league’s emerging forwards in Bronte James, Littlewood held her own and ensured any danger on her wing was averted.
CM: Adriana Taranto (Galaxy United)
By our count, it’s the first time both Tarantos have scored in a senior game, and it was indicative of both sisters’ performances, controlling the midfield. Adriana did well to win the ball for her goal, driving it forward and beating the keeper.
CM: Melissa Taranto (Galaxy United)
Like her sister, Melissa was a constant presence in midfield, controlling possession and linking well with teammates. While her goal wasn’t as pretty, it was just reward for another positive outing.
CM: Liana Iaconis (Bulleen Lions)
Continued her solid season to date with another commanding performance in midfield, always looking to help her side gain the ascendancy against Calder. Worked hard
CAM: MelindaJ Barbieri (Senior NTC)
As one of the NTC’s most experienced and credentialled players, Barbieri stood up and showed the leadership to ensure her side earnt just its second win of the game with a win against Box Hill.
RF: Kariah White (Galaxy United)
Has really started hitting her straps this season, adding to last week’s goal with a double this week against Southern United. The diminutive attacker didn’t give her opponents a moment’s rest and was clinical with her finishing.
CF: Leigh Gray (Heidelberg United)
Undoubtedly one of the players of the week with an incredible hat-trick, each goal utilising a different range of skills to get the ball in the back of the net. Whether going on a mazy solo run or simply outmuscling her opponents, she was an unstoppable force against Alamein.
LF: Sofia Sakalis (Senior NTC)
Another promising performance for the 14-year-old, who was always buzzing on the wings and keeping her opposition defenders on their toes. The future’s bright if she keeps up her progress.
Substitutes:
Joey Cartwright (Heidelberg United)
Unlucky not to make the starting XI, Cartwright was a menace on the wing, scoring with a well-taken effort on the counter, and also getting the ball into dangerous areas, teeing up Gray as well.
Hannah Ryan (Heidelberg United)
One of the unsung heroes on the day, Ryan was immense in midfield with two assists and pinpoint passing throughout the contest. Another player unlucky not to make the starting XI.
Saphri Lines (Southern United)
One of the more dangerous players in her side despite the defeat, Lines toiled hard to create opportunities up front and trouble the defence, just without much to show for her efforts ultimately.
Courtney Conrad (Bayside United)
One of the transfers that slipped under the radar in NPLW Victoria, Conrad became another Canadian U20 international to hit our shores. While her goal was a late consolation for Bayside, it may just be a sign of greater things to come for her and Bayside.
Melanie Camilleri (Box Hill United)
A good striker’s effort to score a brace against Bayside, at the right place at the right time to put away her opportunities. Continued to add to her season tally, which now stands at five, after a few barren weeks.