In this week’s WPL action we missed South Melbourne and Casey, as they play their Round 20 clash on Tuesday. Nonetheless, we still had a goalfest weekend, which unfortunately – or fortunately, depending on which side of the result you were – saw big blowout results for some teams, with four of the five matches seeing margins of two or more goals against an opposition that didn’t score any goals. As a result, we received many attacking nominations, which is reflected in this week’s formation. Without further adieu, here is your Team of the Week.
Formation: 3-5-2
GK: Erin Hudson (FFV U17 Girls)
The NTC custodian was good in goals, pulling off a great acrobatic save in the first five minutes, which proved to be crucial as NTC took the lead down the other end soon after. At times she was forced into a couple of good saves and really showed her worth in the air. Performed reliably between the sticks, keeping a deserved a clean sheet.
RCB: Holly Ayton (Bundoora United)
While Bundoora put on an attacking masterclass against Cairnlea, their defence also stood up when it counted. Ayton was a standout in her time on the pitch, reading the play well, making interceptions and picking off through balls, giving her opponents little hope of finding a way through.
CB: Christie Parton (SSC)
The commanding stopper played an inspired performance to help upset the second placed Boroondara and keep Sandringham’s finals hopes alive. Dominated from the back and heavily contributed to keeping the second placed Eagles scoreless by making several crucial challenges.
LCB: Lexi Anastassiou (FFV U17 Girls)
The left back put in a great shift; astute in her defensive duties while also providing great support when linking and carrying the ball forward. Her passing, pace, strength and ability to read the game really shone on the day.
CM: Louisa Bisby (Bundoora United)
Commanding in midfield, Bisby’s dead ball delivery was lethal against Cairnlea. Curled in one goal directly from a corner kick, while set up Barilla with another one. Finished off proceedings with her second goal from range.
CM: Jess Pitts (FFV U17 Girls)
Despite limited time on the pitch due to NTC’s tight interstate schedule, the NTC skipper oozed class in the centre of the pitch. She provided a great assist for Goad with a piercing yet deft touch, while her goal was the highlight of the day, timing her run to perfection. Technical and clinical are two words that that spring to mind when describing her performance.
RM: Beattie Goad (FFV U17 Girls)
Again, despite Goad’s limited game time, her impact was immense. Largely played out wide, she grabbed a well-taken goal in the first half and provided an assist in the second. Contributed in breaking down Box Hill’s little period of dominance when reintroduced onto the pitch before the hour mark, helping the NTC reassert control of the contest. Highlighted why she has been re-signed by Melbourne Victory for another W-League campaign.
LM: Melina Ayres (Ashburton Women’s)
Ayres played a fantastic performance down the left in very attacking role, providing support for Brit Thomas, but also scoring a well-taken goal herself. Ashburton coach Sinisa Cohadzic believed her return was perhaps the key difference in the contest.
CAM: Enza Barilla (Bundoora United)
How could the hat-trick hero not make Team of the Week? The attacking midfield dynamo was troubling her opponents all day, finding pockets of space and popping up to score a classy treble. Her first goal was the pick of the bunch, finishing off good build up play from Dade and Papadopoulos.
ST: Emily Coppock (Bulleen Lions)
Coppock proved herself a quality finisher on Wednesday night. Was always in the game despite Heidleberg looking the better side for most of the contest. It always looked like something was going to happen when she had the ball, as she combimed with Olivia Edwards for two well-taken goals.
ST: Emma Runnalls (Sandringham SC)
Despite not scoring, the striker dominated from the front, leading the attack for Sandringham and bringing teammates into passages of play. Coach Deb Nichols named her as one of the best on ground after the 3-0 win, citing Runnalls’s importance to the side.
Substitutes:
Anna Lanning (Boroondara Eagles)
While Lanning was on the receiving end of the 3-0 loss, she made several outstanding saves to keep her side from total embarrassment against a determined Sandringham side.
Britt Thomas (Ashburton Women’s)
Scored Ashburton’s sealer in the 35th minute by controlling the ball expertly before finishing with poise. Was a strong force on the day, holding the ball up well and bringing others into the game.
Padiki Dade (Bundoora United)
While Dade did not get on the scoresheet, she was involved in two of Bundoora’s goals. Her deft pass to play Papadopolous through – who then cut the ball back for Barilla’s goal – was excellent, especially on a choppy pitch. Partially set-up Barilla’s third goal with a stinging low cross that wasn’t dealth with by the Cairnlea backline. Looked dangerous on the wing throughout the contest.
Kendra Jones (Heidelberg United)
It was one of those nights for Heidelberg and Jones, who could have bagged a hat-trick if she took her chances. Kept Bulleen’s defence on their toes with her set pieces and corners. Whilst the night didn’t always go her way, she toiled all night and did nab an 88th minute goal.