In a week dominated by both defenders and wingers, we’ve opted for one of the widest 5-3-2’s likely to be in existence, with fullbacks, wingers and wide forwards making up more than 50% of the squad. Without further ado, here is the penultimate WPL Team of the Week for season 2015.
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GK: Melissa Barbieri (Box Hill United)
Barbieri was immense in shutting down the forward talent that Premiers Boroondara Eagles possess, making a number of vital saves to help her side to a 2-1 victory and in the process, break the Eagles’ long standing 22 game unbeaten run.
RB: Dani Gudelj (Bulleen Lions)
The winger found herself deputising as a makeshift right-back in Bulleen Lions’ 1-0 win against Sandringham. Was a dangerous figure streaming from the back and provided Emily Coppock with an assist for the winning goal. Also contributed to a clean sheet.
CB: Raelynn Mikell (Casey Comets)
Despite falling 3-0 to Ashburton United, Mikell ensured the Ashburton forwards were all kept on their toes as she failed to give them an inch in an intriguing contest at Comets Stadium. Spiranovic was bested for the majority of the 90 minutes before she slipped in for a late goal.
CB: Holly Richardson (Ashburton United)
One of the better performers for Ashburton in a game where they struggled to get out of first gear. She chased plenty of loose balls, and showed plenty of smarts to move around the pitch, shut down the Casey forwards and in the end earn a clean sheet.
CB: Claudia Fruscalzo (Bundoora United)
While she didn’t have too much to do on her return to the starting XI, Fruscalzo was a much-welcomed inclusion for Bundoora who kept just their second clean sheet in six games. She was solid throughout and found a way to break through the numbers of South Yarra who set up to force errors playing out from the back.
LB: Sadie Murphy (Heidelberg United)
The entire Heidelberg United defence were on form in their big 5-0 win over the Senior NTC and Sadie Murphy in particular was a standout. She – and her defensive teammates – gave the NTC nothing all night, constantly catching their forwards offside, and allowing their keeper an easy day at the office.
LM: Saphri Lines (South Melbourne)
The first of a number of wingers, Saphri Lines was immense for South Melbourne, contributing two assists in an all-round dominating performance. She laid another ball off for Sara Alberici in the first half, who struck the woodwork and was denied by the Caulfied United goalkeeper in an attempt to grab a goal herself.
CM: Tessa Sernio (Bulleen Lions)
The skipper has started a few games on the bench for Bulleen, with the immoveable Caitlin Friend in superb form. But an injury saw her miss out against Sandringham; Sernio not a bad replacement by any means! She was involved in a lot of the build up play for Bulleen in a 1-0 win over Sandringham.
RM: Cristina Cardaci (Box Hill United)
Cardaci has had a fine year so far for Box Hill United, but this may be the pinnacle of the season to date, as her goal and assist put the Eagles to the sword. She set up Melanie Camilleri for the opener with a great run down the right wing, before scoring the winner herself with a determined effort.
LF: Rachel Alonso (Bundoora United)
Alonso was one of the brighter sparks for Bundoora against South Yarra, putting her opponents to the sword with two well taken goals to go with a bright display. She drifted across both wings and caused plenty of trouble with her delivery.
RF: Rhea Schreuder (South Melbourne)
While she may have only played the first half against Caulfield United Cobras, she was in superb form, notching up a well earned hat-trick. She finished three good chances with a clinical touch and could’ve had even more. Not a bad impact for 45 minutes of game time.
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BENCH:
Demi Mihaloudis (Heidelberg United)
Another Heidelberg defender to make the squad, Mihaloudis was a strong contributor to the cause, and her inclusion is as much for herself as it is for Lisa Fonua and Laura Phillips.
Rachel Binning (Casey Comets)
Much like Mikell, Rachel Binning contributed to a tough afternoon for Ashburton, and was a monster in the air. She won almost everything that came her way and covered well for Mikell when she pressed forward to shut down the Ashy forwards.
Tiffany Eliadis (South Melbourne)
Eliadis pulled the strings in midfield for South Melbourne and was a strong contributor throughout the contest, especially in the first half. Could’ve scored twice if she had brought along her shooting boots.
Amy Jackson (Boroondara Eagles)
Yet another strong performance from AJ that we’ve come to expect. Was one of the best performers in purple in their loss to Box Hill and scored a customary goal from midfield.
Emma Runnalls (Sandringham SC)
The main threat up front for Sandringham, Emma Runnalls impressed onlookers and coaches alike with her bullocking display up front. She went closest to an equaliser for the hosts against Bulleen but saw her shot cannon off the post.