Round 18 served up one of the more memorable derby with South Melbourne securing redemption after their disappointing exit from the Dockerty Cup only a few weeks ago.
Four players from the entertaining 4-3 goal fest feature in this weeks edition of the Team of the Week, with three South players earning selection.
Goulburn Valley additionally notched up their second win of the season with a strong contingent grabbing a spot in the line-up.
Same goes for Bentligh who defeated Dandenong Thunder on Saturday night. They have a trio representing the Greens’ in the starting eleven.
Ballarat’s Paul Harvey also features this despite his match cut prematurely short after 67 minutes with Pascoe Vale’s Luca Santilli knocked out following a heavy collision, requiring medical attention.
Formation: 3-4-1-2
GK: Alistair Bray (Bentleigh Greens)
Bentleigh’s custodian maintained a clean sheet against Dandenong Thunder on Saturday night when perhaps the hosts should have burried at least two or three. Thunder made the keeper work for his shut out but Bray stood up admirably well, pulling off some fine diving saves.
RB: John Lazaridis (Heidelberg United)
The full-back was Heidelberg’s standout against Port Melbourne on Sunday night, teeing up prime opportunities for both Vasilevski and Sheppard in an accomplished performance.
CB: Simon Colosimo (Goulburn Valley Suns)
The former Socceroos’ leadership and experience was an incredible asset to his side as Goulburn Valley triumphed over Green Gully on Saturday night. In a solid defensively display, the 35-year-old’s positioning and ability to read the game was instrumental towards the Suns’ second win of the season.
LB: Shaun Timmins (South Melbourne)
The full-back scored the opener and his first goal for South on Sunday evening in an entertaining Melbourne Derby. Aside from netting the first, the former Wellington Phoenix defender played a huge role in combining for his side’s second. Resolute in defence, Timmins was also valuable in attack, combining well as he pressed forward.
RM: Shayan Alinejad (Melbourne Knights)
The winger sprung to life in the second half off the Knights’ flank, bagging a brace which kept his side in the contest for the full 90 minutes. Cutting in off the wing, Alinejad’s first rocketed in past Saldaris’ upright completing his brace after following up his own effort on the second attempt.
CM: Wayne Wallace (Bentleigh Greens)
Bentleigh’s talisman was a class above in the Green’s 1-0 victory over Dandenong on the weekend. Displaying his commanding leadership, the midfielder covered a lot of territory, feeding some quality passes to his teammates.
LM: Ben Clarke (Goulburn Valley Suns)
Clarke dominated off the left wing for David Davkovski’s side on Saturday night in the Sun’s 3-2 victory over Green Gully. Providing one tricky assist, Clarke then created the corner for a following goal in a best on ground performance.
CAM: Bryan Vanega (Goulburn Valley Sun)
The forward netted a quality volley and created plenty of opportunities for Goulburn Valley on Saturday night. Instrumental in his side’s victory, notably in an advanced position, Vanega also impressed with his defensive duties.
ST: Wade Dekker (Northcote City)
The young shadow striker put Northcote in front twice in their clash against Werribee City, and lead the charge as his side took all three points. He took his two goals well and looked dangerous throughout.
ST: Milos Lujic (South Melbourne)
The clinical forward was nominated as a standout on Sunday evening, scoring a double as South moved nine points clear at the top. Lujic bagged his first on the stroke of half-time before completing his brace in the 90th minute, eventually burring the Knights in an entertaining Melbourne Derby.
ST: David Stirton (Bentleigh Greens)
The forward scored the winner on Saturday night for his side who comes into the Team of the Week off the back of some blistering form which included a hat-trick last weekend. Troubling Thunder’s defence on many occasions, Stirton grabs a spot up front this week after settling for a place on the pine in Round 17s edition.
Substitutes:
Stjepan Gal (Port Melbourne)
Port’s keeper was force into a few crucial saves to deny Kaine Sheppard in the second half of Port’s clash against Heidelberg. Gal was additionally genuinely solid for the contest earning a well deserved clean sheet.
Kris Kioussis (Dandenong Thunder)
The defender made some notable runs along the left flank but also held his own against the likes of Liam McCormick and Ryan De Vries. In a spirited performance, Kioussis toiled and gave his all for the entire match.
Jamie Reed (South Melbourne)
Another addition from a fantastic derby on Sunday evening. Reed proved threatening in the final third for his side, conjuring up some genuine opportunities for South, not to mention grabbing a goal of his own.
Christopher Cristaldo (Hume City)
The Melbourne Victory forward was nominated for the three votes on Friday night as his side defeated Oakleigh 2-1, the 19-year-old opening the scoring on 68 minutes.
Paul Harvey (Ballarat Red Devils)
Despite the game cut prematurely short after 67 minutes, Harvey was nominated as a best on ground performer with two well taken goals in the second half prior to the matches abandonment.