GK: Griffin McMaster (Heidelberg United)
Was the pick of the bunch in terms of goalkeepers as McMaster – who this season has returned to his best form – starred in a draw against Hume City. Made a fantastic save off Marcus Schroen and was confident palming away crosses too.
LB: Adam Petko (Dandenong Thunder)
This spot was tied down by teammate Faisal Sakhizada before he played a part in the 5-0 demolishing at the hands of South Melbourne. Centre-half Petko didn’t play in the midweek fixture, but found himself a solid figure in defence in the Thunder’s 1-1 draw with North Geelong. Made some crucial interceptions in the first half and dealt well with the double threat of Juso Julardzija and Robbie Zadworny on the left. Squeezes in at fullback despite playing a role in the middle.
CB: Adam Nakic (Pascoe Vale)
Melbourne Knights very rarely looked dangerous against Paco, and that was in part down to Adam Nakic’s performance down back. Knights were forced to shoot from distance for most of the contest because of it, and luckily Stipo Andrijacevic left his shooting boots at home.
CB: Luke Byles (Heidelberg United)
Hume City set out to attack the Bergers with pace from the front and Heidelberg centre-half and skipper Luke Byles did his role in countering it. Organised his defence well and was like sour milk to the Hume forwards, spoiling any attack they had.
RB: Tim Mala (South Melbourne)
Played his 50th game for South Melbourne against former employers Dandenong Thunder and was rewarded with a clean sheet. Better yet, he was awarded the man of the match award against Avondale for his tidy performance at right back. Arguably the best defensive fullback in the league while his attacking link-up has come on leaps and bounds.
CM: Liam McCormick (Bentleigh Greens)
While he’s had to wait a fair while for his chance in the starting XI this year, he’s taken the opportunity with both hands. Some spirited performances off the bench earlier in the season has lead to him earning his second start of the season, where he’s seamlessly slotted back into the system. His touch and distribution was on point and he’s always a hard worker up and down the pitch.
CM: Milan Savic (Werribee City)
Werribee City’s experienced campaigner Milan Savic is the type of player everyone wants in their team. He showed that on the weekend in the Bees first win of the year against Oakleigh Cannons, controlling the play in the middle with his blend of assertiveness and work rate. Controlled the play well.
AM: Tyson Holmes (Bentleigh Greens)
Holmes has been in deadly form this season and was integral in the build up to most of Bentleigh’s goals on Friday night. He made the number 10 position his own with some world class movement and deft passing. His competitive edge has gone a long way towards the Greens achieving the heights they have so far.
RW: Andy Brennan (South Melbourne)
It’s fair to say that South will miss the service from Andy Brennan when he departs, as he showcased his ability with two strong performances over the week. Put an inch perfect cross onto the head of Milos Lujic for the decider against Avondale, before repeating the dose against Dandenong Thunder mid-week. He also scored in that second game, in controversial circumstances.
LW: Kamal Ibrahim (Port Melbourne)
One of Port Melbourne’s best in their narrow win against Green Gully, their first in six fixtures, he scored a goal with a tidy finish from a cross. His equaliser gave Port a passageway back into the game and when he put a cross into teammate Brent Fisher, they thought they had their winner. Alas, the goal was ruled out for an offside but it was a good example of the delivery Ibrahim put on show at Green Gully Reserve.
ST: Milos Lujic (South Melbourne)
Got the job done in both South Melbourne fixtures, sticking a trademark header past Avondale while also opening the scoring against the Thunder. Looked very dangerous in both games, with plenty of decent delivery coming his way into the area.
Bench:
Chris May (Melbourne Knights)
Three appearances in a row by our count for Melbourne Knights English custodian. Has been one of the leading shot stoppers in the league and this purple patch of form saw him stop a penalty against Pascoe Vale – albeit one that he gave away – as well as a number of other more comfortable saves.
Daniel Visevic (Bentleigh Greens)
A good month of football from Daniel Visevic saw the former Knights forward rewarded with his first league goal in Green. Often flies under the radar in terms of his contribution on the pitch but has proven himself as a vital cog in the system with his quality delivery and link-up play.
Faisal Sakhizada (Dandenong Thunder)
As mentioned, the Afghan international had a starting XI spot tied down after a strong performance in defence against North Geelong. But Dandenong were torn apart by a South Melbourne side who finally flexed their attacking muscle with a 5-0 win. Focusing on the Warriors game however, Sakhizada was imposing and complemented Petko well in defence. Made some important goal saving blocks.
Juso Julardzija (North Geelong Warriors)
Was North Geelong’s best performer on the night against Dandenong Thunder. Was a dangerous presence in and around the 18-yard box, drifting into pockets of space and moving the ball up confidently with long strides. Tested keeper Zaim Zenelli a number of times for no reward.
Matthew Breeze (Green Gully)
Looked alive for Green Gully, especially in the first half of their contest against Port Melbourne. In a half that lacked that little bit of creativity, Englishman Breeze often looked the most likely to break the game open with a moment of magic.
Nick Hegarty (Hume City)
The skipper has played a lot of his football in a wide left position this year, but was played in his more preferred position through the middle against then high flying Heidelberg United. Playing just behind the strikers, he saw plenty of the ball and launched a crusade of shots towards Griffin McMaster in goals. Converted a penalty to rescue a point.