“Natalie is outstanding. [She] is probably one of the most disciplined players I have ever coached and it’s a huge credit to her. She’s just a pleasure to have. It really is,” South Melbourne coach Bill Mihaloudis said
He was talking of course about his Canadian midfield star – Natalie Martineau.
One of the most talented players in the division this season, her role in the win over Bulleen was vital for the league leaders.
This performance wasn’t so much about flair and dynamism, but rather about discipline and awareness for the former U20 Canadian International.
With 10 interceptions in the first half alone, it was her presence in front of the back four, reading the play to near perfection that kept the scoreline in South Melbourne’s favour.
The diminutive midfielder also got stuck in, attempting 17 tackles and 7 headers throughout the match, never once shying away from the ball.
What made her stand out in this match was also how she kept the ball moving for South Melbourne. Her pass completion of 87% shows that she more often than not helped maintain pressure on Bulleen by ensuring the ball stayed in South’s possession.
This was particularly evident in the second half, with a near perfect 21 passes completed out of 22, helping South keep the ball on the ground and preventing the play from being end to end like it had been in the first half.
Her most impressive contribution came in the 27th minute though, as she won the ball in her own half and set off on a run into the final third, releasing Spiranovic with a well weighted through ball.
Unfortunately nothing resulted from that particular move, but it certainly put Bulleen on the back foot, as it was one of the few times their defence was truly stretched to breaking point in this game.
Bulleen did have a plan of attack to curb her influence on the game, with Ashleigh Beagley cast with the job of keeping her quiet, away from the danger areas of the pitch.
When Martineau did get to the edge of the box mid-way through the second half, she found her legs taken from under her by Beagley who was subsequently booked for the challenge.
True to form, she just got back up on her feet and kept on with her job of holding the South Melbourne midfield together, an effort which her coach was very pleased with at the end of the match.
“An undisciplined player in that position I guarantee you, the pressure on the centre backs would be phenomenal today, and it could’ve been a totally different score,” said South Melbourne coach Bill Mihaloudis.
Their attention will now no doubt turn to the State Knockout Cup final against Sandringham, and Martineau is sure to play a key role for South Melbourne, whatever task is given to her on the day.