There’s a bit of sentiment surrounding this team, with the WNPL announcement changing the look and feel of women’s football in the state forever, and therefore this will be the final Team of the Week in the current WPL format. All the feels.
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GK: Melissa Maizels (Ashburton United)
A clean sheet and number of crucial saves at important times served as the ideal finals tune-up for Maizels, who is rewarded with TOTW starting spot in a week where plenty of keepers were nominated.
RB: Dani Gudelj (Bulleen Lions)
Excelling in her new position, Gudelj provided a fantastic balance of defensive responsibility and attacking prowess at right back. Rarely allowed Boroondara any joy down her wing, before linking up with teammates going forward.
CB: Gulcan Koca (Bundoora United)
A rock in the Bundy defence, Koca led from the back with distinction, mopping up any danger that came her way, and tried her best to play positive football from the back. Made some mistakes in posession but for the most part she carried the ball well and distributed with ease and accuracy. A decent confidence boost ahead of the finals series.
CB: Coby McInerney (Senior NTC)
Like her counterpart in Koca, McInerney was largely responsible for the game remaining scoreless for the majority of the contest, putting in a sound defensive display. Combined well with Jaimee Williams who was also impressive in defence. Wasn’t directly responsible for the late goals conceded, either.
LB: Sarah Dash (South Yarra)
Really held her own on the left side of defence, working hard to keep her opponents at bay whilst not afraid to drop her shoulders and make a run forward. One of the key performers in a win the Yarra crew will cherish as they sign off from top division football.
DM: Hannah Charman (South Yarra)
Scored the all important goal to set Yarra on their way to victory. But it wasn’t just the goal that earned Charman plaudits, as her tireless performance overall in the middle of the park immensely helped her side to victory.
DM: Alex Gummer (Boroondara Eagles)
The ever-versatile Gummer has performed in every position thrust on her this season, and it was no different on the weekend as she excelled in midfield. Scored a cracking goal and was a driving force throughout the 90 minutes.
CAM: Tiffany Eliadis (South Melbourne)
A regular threat up front for South Melbourne against the ever-solid Heidelberg defence, Eliadis provided an assist and penalty in a busy day in the front third for the attacking midfielder who grabs her first TOTW appearance since Round Eight.
RW: Lia Privitelli (Bulleen Lions)
The supplier of many dangerous deliveries to teammates, and the finisher of a well-taken goal, Privitelli has been immense in her return from sustaining pretty much every injury known to mankind. Showed the league what it’s been missing out on this season in her scarce performances at the end.
ST: Antonia Niteros (Casey Comets)
A strong performance saw Niteros display an array of skills against Caulfield, holding the ball up well, linking up with the likes of Mykaylin Rosenquist and Sharnoah Hurley going forward, and finishing off a well-timed ball from Chelsie Selleck to score.
LW: Anisa Guajardo (Heidelberg United)
It was business as usual for the all-purpose forward, who led the attack with aplomb. Netted one and was involved in plenty more build-up play for the Bergers.
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BENCH:
Claire Imray (South Yarra)
South Yarra’s two clean sheets this season have come with ‘Stingray’ in between the sticks, and she was at it again against Box Hill, pulling off a number of crucial saves to keep her opponents’ scoreline to zero. Ousted NTC’s Teresa Morrissey for this bench spot.
Lisa De Vanna (Bundoora United)
All it takes is a moment of brilliance from De Vanna to unlock a game, and the Matildas legend was at it again, scoring a late double for Bundoora. May not have been the most clinical performance of her stint, but nonetheless got the job done for the three points.
Kristin Stensholt (Ashburton United)
A tidy performance from Stensholt at the back, who did her job in limiting Sandringham’s opportunities with a number of important interceptions and tackles. Rewarded for her endeavour with an eventual clean sheet.
Annabelle Martin (Senior NTC)
A combative performance by the young fullback, making plenty of interceptions and getting the ball forward with purpose. Competed with great character against the experience of De Vanna.
Katrina Avila (Casey Comets)
Avila sealed her final game for the Comets – in a largely productive season for the American – with a somewhat fortuitous goal. It was, however, reward for a positive contribution from a fullback position, playing more like a wingback and providing a constant option on the overlap.