It was a round for the forwards this week as a collection of strikers helped themselves to multiple goals.
David Stirton put three away for Bentleigh in their 4-0 rout against Werribee, whilst Dean Piemonte also scored a hat-trick; his coming in Oakleigh’s 5-1 thrashing of Green Gully. The Knights condemned more misery onto a struggling Dandenong outfit after a 4-1 result.
The final two games on the Saturday were chalk and cheese; Port Melbourne and Goulburn Valley playing out a 1-0 result while Ballarat and Heidelberg played out a 5-5 draw at the very same time.
Sunday saw Northcote City and Pascoe Vale earn a score draw before South made it 15 wins for the season after a 2-0 win against Hume.
Formation 4-1-2-1-2
GK: Chris May (Melbourne Knights)
It was tough to find a standout keeper amongst the goalmouth carnage this week but Christopher May gets the nod after a decent performance on the weekend. Not much to do but stood up when required.
LB: Luke Pilkington (Bentleigh Greens)
A consistent performer this year whether he’s played at full-back or in midfield. He put in a decent shift as the Greens sailed to a 4-0 win over Werribee, and whilst he was solid in defence, it was further up the pitch where he excelled, providing plenty of width and good service.
CB: Ivan Grgic (Melbourne Knights)
With all the strikers having a field day this week, Knight’s centre-back Ivan Grgic didn’t want to miss out on the fun as he headed home his side’s third goal against the out of sorts Dandy Thunder. The young man has developed a knack for scoring crucial goals, and Saturday nights was his fourth for the season. He also did a good job contributing to the steely display from the team’s defence.
CB: Simon Colosimo (Goulburn Valley Suns)
The ex-Socceroo and A-League veteran had a stand out game for the Suns and his short impact on the team since signing was already noticeable. His leadership and organisational skills nearly saw his team escape with a clean sheet.
RB: Tim Mala (South Melbourne)
Young Mala has had a good season for South Melbourne, etching himself as a set name on the team sheet. He did his burgeoning reputation no harm in the 2-0 affair against Hume City, contributing to a clean sheet as well as working the flank well to get into decent crossing positions. His delivery was also excellent, with Lujic and Theodore coming fractions away from his balls.
CDM: Wayne Wallace (Bentleigh Greens)
While we didn’t get to see Wallace face up to the fabled NPL Victoria crossbar challenge, we did get to see him in full flight for the Greens on the weekend as he put in a man-of-the-match performance, winning a penalty, scoring a goal and going close on a number of occasions. His performance was a good mix of the blue-collar work we know him for as well as his ability to push forward.
LM: Jonathan Munoz (Northcote City)
Nominated as the best on ground, Jonathan Munoz provided plenty of drive on the flank for City. His performance was typified by his hard running which allowed him to get into advanced positions. His distribution was good all night and he also proved a threat from the set-piece.
RM: Daniel Visevic (Melbourne Knights)
Visevic had a stellar game playing in behind the strikers after playing a part in every goal of the club’s 4-1 rout of the Thunder. He slotted home from the penalty spot as well as laying on three assists; one from a pin point free-kick, one from a corner and the last a squaring delivery for Stipo Andrijasevic. He squeezes onto the wing this week due to the weight of options through the middle.
CAM: Jakob Williams (Heidelberg United)
Hasn’t played a lot of games this season but Heidelberg’s Jakob Williams definitely had a stand out one. He played a part in three of his sides goals, laying on a marvellous assist for Dan Heffernan whilst also nabbing a brace – his first goals for the year – one of which was a spectacular half-volley from range.
ST: Paul Harvey (Ballarat Red Devils)
Another mid-season transfer to make the Team of the Week, Paul Harvey made a seamless transition from NPL 1 to the NPL after netting two goals for the Red Devils. He provided plenty of running, and always looked busy for the hosts. Little wonder coach James Robinson singled the striker out for praise post game.
ST: Dean Piemonte (Oakleigh Cannons)
Dean Piemonte netted a marvellous hat trick as he set the tone for the Cannon’s 5-1 win over the Cavaliers. He netted early before adding to his tally late in the match, with his third goal the standout, a neat lob over the head of an onrushing Kieran Gonzalez.
Substitutes:
James Riccobene (Port Melbourne)
Riccobene put in a best on ground performance as he worked the flank well all game, putting in a number of dangerous crosses on his left. He was the key for Port and he came so close to unlocking the Suns defence on a number of occasions.
Dusan Bosnjak (Oakleigh Cannons)
Bosnjak put in yet another outstanding display, scoring in the dying moments of the first half before later laying on the touch for Piemonte’s hat trick goal. The attacking mid had a number of other chances to score but ultimately couldn’t break through.
Ryan De Vries (Bentleigh Greens)
The Kiwi signing stepped up to replace the attacking potency left vacant by the departure of Brent McGrath and he provided it in spades. He earned an assist and provided quality delivery from set-pieces.
Dan Heffernan (Heidelberg United)
Unlucky to miss the cut this week, the leagues leading goal scorer netted a late brace for United as he contributed to the madness that was the 5-5 result up at Morshead. He was seemingly involved in everything and just knew where the back of the net was.
Dave Stirton (Bentleigh Greens)
Another unlucky to miss the cut, Bentleigh’s hat trick hero finds himself on the bench this week. He hammered home two penalties before tapping home to earn the match ball.
Thank you to all who contributed with nominations; Rory Flanagan (@Rory_Flanagan), Brad Hutchings (@BradHutchings_), Shaun Moran (@MoranShaun) and our Corner Flag staff.