GK: Melissa Barbieri (Box Hill United)
Victorian football’s favourite daughter was superb in goals for Box Hill United, as she nearly earned her side a draw with her heroics for nigh on 90 minutes. Made two top draw saves amongst many, many more, the first a reflex save, before leaping through the air to deny Caity Friend with her fingertips.
LB: Dani Jackson (Caulfield United Cobras)
In the left centre-back role – she’ll squeeze in at left-back for our Team of the Week – captain Dani Jackson had a standout game, where she anticipated a lot that South Yarra had to throw at her, playing the stopper role and putting out spot fires before they turned into danger. Stepped her game up another level in the second half when the game was on the line.
CB: Harriet Cordner (Casey Comets)
Was superwoman for Casey Comets as she put her body on the line, and won nearly everything in the air. Testament to her courage, she flew through the air in the second half to meet a lofted ball and rode the back of an NTC player before falling to the ground. Without fuss got up and put in a Herculean effort when it mattered most, including a crucial interception in the dying minutes of the match.
CB: Penny Bakopoulos (Box Hill United)
Was immense alongside Barbieri, despite Box Hill’s resistance being broken right at the death. Was everywhere, making an insane amount of key interceptions, and was a huge reason as to why her keeper didn’t have to face a firing squad. Deserved a clean sheet for her troubles.
CB: Gulcan Koca (Bundoora United)
Was composed at the back and did well to nullify the threat of Spiranovic and co., whilst comfortable on the ball when playing out. Started the passage of play the led to Bisby’s winner with a penetrating run from defence.
RB: Annabel Martin (Senior NTC)
The NTC captain was a standout at full-back for her side, where her drive and purposeful runs on the right made a real impact on the game. Her delivery was excellent throughout and she almost scored with a 30-yard effort.
CM: Caity Friend (FC Bulleen Lions)
Was Bulleen’s best on Monday night, and netted the winner right at the death. The Victory W-League player has revelled in her deeper role, showing plenty of calmness in possession, and ultimately popping up with the clinical touch when it mattered.
AM: Julia Nicolaci (Heidelberg United)
She was an excitement machine on Saturday afternoon as her Midas touch with the ball turned everything around her to goals. Facing a two-goal deficit, she pulled Heidelberg level with two absolutely beautiful goals from distance before Emma Gunn snatched the winner.
LW: Tiffany Eliadis (South Melbourne Women’s)
A change of formation for South saw them start with a front three for the first time all year. Saphri Lines, Brittany Dudley-Smith and Eliadis interchanged fluently between them, with Eliadis shifting across on both flanks as well as through the middle. She finds home at left wing however, after scoring a second half brace to down Sandringham. Her clinical finishing was a class above, and she had a number of fantastic touches elsewhere.
ST: Amy Kane (Caulfield United Cobras)
While she only claimed the one goal on the afternoon, the Cobras forward was by far the most influential player n the pitch, despite being substituted in the second half. Played a role in each goal and her energy and ability to get the wide players into the game was to her credit. On another day would’ve had two or three goals.
RW: Emma Hubbard (Boroondara Eagles)
Had a bright first half to help set Boroondara up for a crucial win against Heidelberg. Unfortunately, her goal and assist weren’t enough to get her side over the line, as they fell to a 3-2 loss having lead by two goals. Offers not only speed, but a strong body from the advanced right wing position.
***
Bench:
Marika Kamoda (Casey Comets)
Redeemed herself fully after copping seven goals against South Melbourne, Kamoda was a solid and dependable figure in between the sticks for Casey. Made a sublime save at her near post to deny Whitney Knight and her handling was excellent throughout.
Marcela Marques (South Yarra)
Was a bright light for South Yarra in a disappointing day, and gets the honours of scoring their first WPL goal. She made the best of her few chances, and played at an intensity that inspired her teammates to follow suit, having created a number of chances.
Aliesha Newman (Boroondara Eagles)
Was a bright spark for Boroondara on the wing, starting on the left before swapping with Hubbard on the right, where she scored a goal and was a general handful for Heidelberg all afternoon. Displayed a good turn of pace and hit the crossbar in the second half with a well-worked effort.
Liv Ellis (Senior NTC)
Was superb against Casey Comets on Friday night, as she not only did her defensive duties without problem, but also played a large role in the final third. Worked the wing all night and wasn’t afraid to carry the ball, with skipper Annabel Martin offering the same on the other side. Little wonder NTC’s best came down the flanks, they basically had two wingers on both the left and right!
Alison Baker (South Melbourne Women’s)
Was once again superb in the middle of the park for South Melbourne. Offered the extra protection this week with Jade Feakes holding the midfield, she played a more free role, and was allowed to play a more expansive passing game. Her long passing in particular was impressive and her set-piece delivery was consistent.
Louisa Bisby (Bundoora United)
The Bundoora enforcer was a key player for her side as they managed to trump Ashburton 1-0. She was strong and commanding in the engine room and took her goal well when the opportunity arose. She was a constant presence in the middle of the pitch.