While the next round commences in April and ends in May, we believe a sample size of four weeks (Rounds 6-9) are enough to gain a definitive sample size of five players each from NPL and NPL2. So get your votes in to determine the Players of the Month for April.

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Kenny Athiu

With Kaine Sheppard slowly returning from injury across the last fortnight, George Katsakis may be forced into changing up his system to accomodate both him and his dynamic forward Kenny Athiu, who has been one of the most dangerous players in the month of April. A supremely physical forward, Athiu has the pace and strength to trouble the leagues best defenders, as it proved in the game against Port Melbourne Sharks, who were left in awe as the striker breached their defence three times. Athiu grabbed the sealer in the 4-2 come-from-behind victory over Bulleen Lions before grabbing his fifth goal of the month in a 4-1 rout of Richmond SC on the weekend. Sean Ellis can consider himself incredibly unlucky to also not grab a nomination.

Luke Byles

At the other end for Heidelberg has been one of their more elder statesman in Luke Byles who has been his usual composed self at the heart of defence. This nomination may come as somewhat of a surprise, given the fact that the Bergers haven’t kept a clean sheet throughout the month, but his assurance in possession and lionhearted efforts to win the ball haven’t gone unnoticed, as he’s consistently been amongst the best on’s throughout April.

Evan Christodoulou

The 25-year-old has managed to step up for Gully when needed most, with his form entrenching his side firmly into the top six as they chase the leading pack. With Matthew Breeze out for the season through injury and with fellow strikers Liam Boland and Nick Krousoratis experiencing niggling fitness troubles, Christodoulou has moved to a more advanced position to devastating effect. A fantastic brace sealed a come-from-behind victory away to Richmond before scoring the sole goal in a hard-fought 1-0 win against Hume City.

Matthew Theodore

One of the most technically gifted players in the league, the form of pocket dynamo Matthew Theodore has helped ease the absence of all-action midfielder Iqi Jawadi as he’s taken on the brunt of the creative burden in the side. While he didn’t see out a full 90 minutes in the league for the month of April, his form was enough to help South Melbourne to a perfect four wins from four as he helped tick things over through the midfield. Matt Millar, Kristian Konstantinidis and Nikola Roganovic were all other strong performers for a South Melbourne team firing on all cylinders.

Wayne Wallace

Bentleigh’s wrecking ball in the middle of the park has been in exceptional form, finding his scoring touch once again to helped his side win nine out of an available 12 points for the month of April. He’s contributed four goals in as many games, which has complemented his usual robust performances. Alongside Troy Ruthven, the central pairing have dictated play with their calmness in possession as well as providing an extra shield to protect the Bentleigh defence. His decisive double against the Melbourne Knights was the high point of his month.

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NPL2

Brandon Barnes

Has the opportunity to follow in Amir Osmancevic’s footsteps in being a Player of the Month from Dandenong Thunder. Like his teammate, Barnes’ introduction to George Andrews Reserve yielded an immediate impact, scoring six times in four games since Round 6, following on from his hat-trick in Round 5. His prolific ratio has also propelled him to second in the NPL2 East Golden Boot race, behind Osmancevic. Strong, technical and physical, he’s had all the attributes to keep opponents guessing.

Zdenek Koukal

Signed as the foreign creative midfielder with plenty of flair and goalscoring involvement from the middle of the park, Koukal has stepped up and performed in a defensive role as well now due to a forced reshuffle at the Grange. Working from a left-back position in recent times, his contribution and experience has continued to benefit Kingston City regardless which position or role he plays.

Joseph Monek

Consistently one of St Albans’ bright sparks even when his team isn’t performing at its best – notably netting a winner against Sunshine George Cross. His trickery on the wing has seen Monek often torment his opposing fullbacks, getting in good positions to create opportunities for himself or teammates. Consistently rated by his own club as one of their standouts, improving his game each month.

Cameron Neales

The midfielder has been a key ingredient in Eastern Lions’ ascension up the NPL2 East table in April, helping them up to fourth position with five goals across the four games. He’s been one of the most effective players for Eastern throughout this time, ever-present going forward due to his versatility in the front third, with a keen eye for goalscoring opportunities.

Baggio Yousif

A barnstorming month saw the forward run rampant up front, netting at least seven times in four games to take his season tally past double figures after three goals in the first five rounds. His devastating form shot him up to keep in touch with Atilla Ofli at the top of the NPL2 West Golden Boot race, and in no small part contributed to the Zebras’ form that yielded four consecutive wins to propel them to the top of the West table and back in promotion contention.

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