A shorter month of fixtures in August but still enough time to see plenty of quality in the final regular season rounds as clubs wrapped up their campaigns. For some there was the heartbreak of relegation, while others now prepare for finals. On the playing front there were plenty of staunch defensive performances as teams tightened up to reach their objectives.
***
Bryan Bran (Richmond SC)
With Richmond’s hopes of survival improved after finishing 12th, a lot of that can be attributed to their tightness at the back, something that couldn’t be said for their earlier season. One goal conceded in the last three rounds compared to the 57 for the 23 rounds preceding that gives a good indication. Bran’s contribution as mainstay of the defence was immense as he kept Port Melbourne out in a scoreless draw at home, restricted Bulleen in a 1-0 win away on the unfamiliar surrounds of the Veneto Club, and then helped Richmond in a competitive 1-1 showing against Avondale FC, who up to that point were a winning streak with Jonatan Germano in blistering form.
Adrian Chiappetta (Oakleigh Cannons)
After a horrendous run of injuries, this will act as vindication for Chiappetta, who will hope Oakleigh’s season extends game by game in finals as he reaches somewhere near his peak as he gets a regular run of games. Two clean sheets were held and only one goal conceded for the month. Chiappetta was good against Gully, restricting their chances to a minimum despite eventually losing 1-0. He then put in a top shift against Heidelberg, a game noted for being Archie Thompson’s debut in which Heidelberg spoiled the party by keeping a clean sheet at Olympic Village. Finally he played his part against the dangerous Braedyn Crowley-led Northcote City on the final day to consign Northcote to relegation.
Les Doumbalis (Heidelberg United)
Often goes flying under the radar when both centre-backs Luke Byles and Steven Pace get lots of credit for Heidelberg’s solid defensive showings, but there’s a reason Les Doumbalis is currently leading the appearance tally at Olympic Village amongst the current crop. Well over 100 for the Bergers was exemplified this month with an array of abilities. Notably he kept his side of defence tidy against Bentleigh Greens away, also holding his own against a competent Oakleigh side – that’s two clean sheets against two finals-bound opposition, and then he got on the scoresheet against Victory.
Matthew Lazarides (Pascoe Vale)
This is the first month we’ve had more defenders than attackers, but Lazarides certainly stood out for his forward potency as Pascoe Vale enjoyed a positive end to the season. Wasn’t actually on the scoresheet in a 6-0 rout of Victory, but was involved in goalscoring opportunities. He was one of his team’s best despite going down 4-1 in a result that didn’t always reflect the balance of play, and once more featured on the scoresheet as Pascoe Vale notched a final day win over Melbourne Knights to solidify their mid-table finish.
Milos Lujic (South Melbourne)
Millsy was mentioned by Chris Taylor for not having a strong showing against Pascoe Vale – and yet he scored a hat-trick. That’s Milos Lujic, a player who is almost taken for granted at times as he roared to his fourth consecutive golden boot in the state. Another 25 goals for the season with six coming in the last three rounds. This includes a derby goal against the Knights, and two more in the final game against Green Gully as he continued his goal-a-game ratio in 2016.
[polldaddy poll=9505291]