A streamlined version of the WPL Team of the Week is in action this week after the scheduled clash between South Yarra and South Melbourne was postponed due to the torrential rain on Sunday afternoon. This means we get an XI of the best performers of the week packing only the best performers of the week into the team.
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GK: Beth Mason-Jones (Bundoora United)
Was kept relatively busy by an imposing Heidelberg United line-up. Not so much in the team for making a large amount of saves, but more for her safe hands and ability to help mop up loose balls. Having said that, made a few tidy saves, including tipping a dropping long shot from Christy Zwolski onto the crossbar.
RB: Sadie Murphy (Heidelberg United)
Murphy was dynamic on the left side of defence, cleaning up any deliveries that came her way and stopping opponents in their tracks, before getting forward and delivering dangerous crosses of her own. A complete performance by the fullback who squeezes into the team at right-back.
CB: Raelynn Mikell (Casey Comets)
Casey new centre-half has felt her way into the WPL quite well, and her form throughout the Comets’ revival has been fantastic. She once again stood out in the heart of defence, holding the free scoring Boroondara Eagles for all of 94 minutes. Rachel Binning was once again also immense alongside her.
CB: Lisa Fonua (Heidelberg United)
It was a strong and commanding display from the centre-half that limited Bundoora to only a few chances on goal. Her defensive contribution allowed her teammates more time in possession, which eventually materialised into two goals.
LB: Mykaylin Rosenquist (Casey Comets)
Up against the double team of Aliesha Newman and Rani Cavaretta, Casey’s Mykaylin Rosenquist becomes the second international Comet to make the starting XI after an industrious shift on the left wing. Came to the fore when her side began to control proceedings in the second half and was offered plenty of opportunities in the attacking half. Popped up with the crucial goal that nearly saw Casey secure a win.
DM: Emma Checker (Ashburton United)
Revelling in her new defensive midfield role, the free reign offered to Emma Checker has seen her stamp her authority all over the park. She was confident on the ball and offered drive through the midfield. Was forced back into defence in the second half of their 3-3 draw against Bulleen and performed admirably.
DM: Madelaine Richardson (Box Hill United)
The versatile player took to the pitch in a roaming defensive midfield role, where she excelled and earned plaudits for her energetic display. Scored twice from range, showing her exceptional ability to take a half-chance (or quarter chance in the case of the free kick).
CM: Holly Tsalikidis (Heidelberg United)
Tsalikidis was superb in midfield, with her killer through balls either setting up teammates for chances or acting as a catalyst for the final ball. Was the perfect link between Heidelberg’s defence and attack in a game where the midfield saw plenty of the ball.
RW: Cristina Cardaci (Box Hill United)
Box Hill’s diminutive winger had an absolute blinder against Caulfield and was desperately unlucky not to grab a goal, but would be pleased with her display nonetheless. Denied by a sublime reflex save by Emily Woodward and was her usual buoyant self, chasing loose balls and free spiritedly running at defenders with pace and skill.
ST: Beattie Goad (Bulleen Lions)
The young starlet put in a vibrant display of wing play as Bulleen secured a 3-3 draw with Ashburton. She ran at defenders with confidence, and peppered Melissa Maizels’ goal with a number of attempts from range. She grabbed an important goal on the stroke of half-time and was involved in the build up of another. Has to fit in as a striker this week.
LW: Melina Ayres (Ashburton United)
Shared the pitch with Beattie Goad in that captivating contest at the Veneto Club and the future star also got the chance to showcase her credentials on the flank. She was brilliant and her dogged efforts at the ball and strength, pace and trickery in beating an opponent saw her set up a number of chances for herself. Was denied multiple times by Cassie Dimovski in goals for Bulleen.