GK: Marko Stevanja (North Geelong Warriors)
This round saw 26 goals split over seven matches, an average of 3.7 per game. Keepers either had heaps or little to do. Despite conceding three, some of Stevanja’s saves were crucial and prevented the score from blowing out against a rampant Greens.
RB: Adrian Talarico (Pascoe Vale)
Has been deployed across the backline this season and was on the left against the Knights but we’ll put him on the right. Played a solid role defensively and was his reliable self in an important drought-breaking win.
CB: Luke Byles (Heidelberg United)
Byles, Pace, any of the back four, really, take your pick. As much a cumulative pick for Heidelberg’s defence to shut out Avondale at Somers Street in the top-of-the-table battle which the Bergers completely outclassed.
LB: Luke Pilkington (Bentleigh Greens)
Hasn’t always been on the pitch due to injury this season but Pilkington was having an impact on both sides of the pitch against North Geelong, contributing to the clean sheet at one and then netting at the other to mark a productive night at the office.
RCM: Chris Irwin (Kingston City)
Kingston got plenty of joy out of pressing Gully at the back and Irwin was a big catalyst in his side nearly taking the three points. His energy, darts down the wing and pinpoint delivery notched up a couple of assists.
CM: Jack Petrie (Heidelberg United)
Potentially one of the more underrated midfielders in the league, Petrie often goes about his business unheralded, but his stunning strike against Avondale was more than eye-catching, following up his winner against Port.
LCM: Jay Davies (Green Gully)
A classy showing from Davies whose determination was matched by his execution. Was a big catalyst in the comeback and had a hand in each goal, including his set-piece for the first, and stunning strike and diagonal ball for the next two.
CAM: Lambros Honos (Bentleigh Greens)
The veteran just keeps delivering for John Anastasiadis. A regular in the first XI, his attacking flair and technique is too much for oppositions to handle at times, adding to his tally against North Geelong and could have had more if not for Stevanja in goals.
RW: Jesse Daley (South Melbourne)
Becoming a handy player for South who seems to make an impact every time he’s on the pitch. Played a big part in his side’s comeback win against Port, applying a clinical finish for the first goal before delivering a pinpoint assist to Lujic.
LW: Jordan Templin (Bulleen Lions)
A busy performance in the front third but it’ll be his volleyed wonder goal which will be remembered. Aesthetics aside, in the context of the game it was crucial because it put Bulleen on level terms with Oakleigh, a springboard for the eventual win which takes them out of the relgation zone for now.
ST: Damian Iaconis (Kingston City)
It was a welcome match for Iaconis who took his season tally to eight – but importantly his first since Round 9, ending a mini drought – too keep up with the golden boot leaders, and his touch also teed up Mitrovic for his goal.
Bench:
James McGarry (Hume City)
Continues to be one of Hume’s best throughout the season and was outstanding with his interceptions while also being the main architect going forward. Had a great run to set Prasad up for the first goal.
Daniel Chaabani (St Albans)
Outstanding on the right wing especially as St Albans pushed for a result in the second half. Was threatening and relentless in pursuit of an equaliser.
Milos Lujic (South Melbourne)
Now the regular threat that we’re used to and also putting away his chances. Buried his header with aplomb to net the winner against Port but was also involved in the build-up to the first with a clever flick on.
Adrian Zahra (Heidelberg United)
Has struggled with injuries at times this year but was on form against Avondale, providing an attacking outlet along with the rest of his Bergers teammates, and got the ball rolling with the opener.
Joseph Youssef (Pascoe Vale)
Another who was unlucky not to make the XI, Youssef was involved in both goals, winning the penalty for the first and scoring the match-winner with a well-taken effort.
Dusan Bosnjak (Oakleigh Cannons)
It was vintage Bosnjak early against Bulleen, scoring the first and converting the penalty for the second – his build-up that led to the penalty was also sublime as he played Marafioti through with a wonderful delivery. Unfortunately for his sake and Oakleigh’s, the team couldn’t get the job done by the end of the 90.