What to do when you have four centre-backs nominated for TOTW? Squeeze them all into the same back four. Elsewhere it was a fairly balanced squad, with all other positions filled and some new faces making a first appearance.
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GK: Griffin McMaster (Bulleen Lions)
Has been a solid and commanding presence at Bulleen since his move from Heidelberg, and was vital in keeping a clean sheet to help his side prevail over Pascoe Vale and earn a hard fought away win.
RCB: Ivan Grgic (Melbourne Knights)
In the first of our four-man centre-back defensive line, Grgic becomes another Knight to feature in the TOTW. Was a standout at the back to help the Knights withstand Richmond’s threat for most of the 90 after Barker-Daish’s early goal.
CB: Kristian Konstantinidis (South Melbourne)
It was Chris Taylor’s big roll of the dice to omit skipper Michael Eagar and bring in Konstantinidis against Hume City after returning from injury. Yet his efforts at the back ensured his side restricted the ever-potent Hume forward line to just one goal at home.
CB: Jack Webster (Bentleigh Greens)
Scored the opener with a well times header and was unlucky not to score another earlier on when he hit the crossbar. Contributed to an all round good defensive performance which included a third clean sheet of the season.
LCB: Jamie Cumming (Avondale FC)
The final centre-back in our lineup, Cumming was an air of consistency that has often escaped Avondale this season. In a much improved team performance, he was one of the best on ground, constantly leading from the back in averting any danger.
CM: Lewis Hall (Heidelberg United)
The defender-come-midfielder has applied himself with distinction at Olympic Village, adding that extra protection for the defense while also looking positive going forward. This culminated in a performance against Northcote that saw him win most his challenges and add a goal to the Bergers’ tally.
CM: Troy Ruthven (Bentleigh Greens)
Struck the woodwork twice in the opening five mins with the latter being a superb free kick effort. Dictated proceedings in the middle of the park alongside his partner in crime, captain Wayne Wallace
CM: Jake Barker-Daish (Richmond SC)
Continued his good form for Richmond with another game in which he scored and performed well in midfield. The goal especially was quite spectacular; a long-range strike that left the keeper with no chance.
LW: Sean Ellis (Heidelberg United)
Has been knocking on the door of a starting XI berth in TOTW for a couple of weeks now. Adds that X-factor to Heidelberg’s attack, able to create something out of nothing that catches the opposition off guard. One of his acts of brilliance against Northcote was a curling free-kick that beat everybody.
RW: Matt Millar (South Melbourne)
The former Melbourne City man showed his versatility and proved why he’s a fringe A-League player with two goals to sink Hume City. Was at the right place at the right time each time to apply the finishes that earned his side three points on the road.
ST: Alec Goodwin (Port Melbourne)
Disregard the adage about not working kids or animals. Youngster Goodwin was both as he showed predatory instincts to get in the right positions to score, before applying the finishes to beat Rani Dowisha in goals – including a ripper volley – in turn ending Green Gully’s long stretch of clean sheets.
Substitutes:
John Honos (Oakleigh Cannons)
Very unlucky not to make another starting berth in the side. Could do nothing to prevent Yitay Towns’ rocket of a shot for Avondale, while also preserved a point for Oakleigh with a penalty save.
Sami Nour (Bulleen Lions)
Showed why he was awarded TCF NPL player of the month for March with a stunning solo goal from distance that again proved to be the winner for his Bulleen side. Takes his season tally to three and remains his side’s most potent attacking threat.
Chris Lucas (Bentleigh Greens)
Scored his first league goal since Round 2 after latching onto a Matt Thurtell pass on the stroke of half time. Overall had a good game and gave the Victory defence trouble throughout the 90.
Josh Wilkins (Heidelberg United)
Yet another defender to make TOTW for Heidelberg after a run that sees the club concede only twice since Round 1. While it was against a Northcote side that has seen them struggle to score from open play, nonetheless it was a performance worthy of plaudits from his own side for ensuring Northcote had barely a sniff.
Reuben Way (Heidelberg United)
It may have been two penalties which counted towards Way’s tally, but he was nonetheless a constant presence in the Heidelberg forward line to continue his dangerous form.