GK: Aaron Romein (St Albans Saints)
Made a catalogue of saves to frustrate Bulleen and hold them to a draw (even if it meant top-flight security for 2018). It took a special effort from Templin to beat him on the night.
RCB: Jordan Wilkes (Heidelberg United)
Deployed on the right side of defence, Wilkes was uncompromising in his defending, ensuring an often-dangerous Paco were held to a clean sheet.
CB: Steve Pantelidis (Oakleigh Cannons)
Oakleigh were up against a desperate Knights but Pantelidis at the heart of defence stood tall to keep them scoreless, aiding his side’s cause as they mount a push for a finals place.
LCB: Hamish Millar (Kingston City)
A makeshift centre-back for the night in the absence of Simo Jovanovic, Millar executed his role with assuredness and poise, capping off his night with a clean sheet and the opening goal.
RM: Andy Brennan (Bentleigh Greens)
Continues to play a key role in Bentleigh’s front third with numerous involvements that contribute directly to the scoreboard. Found Dimi Hatzimouratis for the striker’s goal while also sealing the contest with his own in stoppage time.
CM: Nick Stamatiou (Kingston City)
A pick not just for his performance against Port but also a tireless campaign for Nick Tolios’ side, Stamatiou was a constant presence in midfield and notched up an assist for Iaconis’ goal.
CM: Ali Sulemanovski (Kingston City)
The teenager has shone in his two most recent outings in the Kingston midfield, winning plenty of the ball. His delivery for Millar’s goal got proceedings going for his side.
LM: Nick Krousoratis (Green Gully)
Relentless in the front third, Krousoratis added to his assists and goals tally on the night by slicing open the opposition defence and causing all sorts of headaches.
CAM: Dusan Bosnjak (Oakleigh Cannons)
His touch, dribbling and finishing were all characteristics of a quality attacking midfielder. The curling free kick was also a worthy winner.
ST: Wade Dekker (Green Gully)
Five goals in two games has been a great return for Dekker as he continues to build his tally for the season, and hitting momentum as Gully approach the finals. Showcased his instinct in front of goals with aplomb.
ST: Milos Lujic (South Melbourne)
Treacherous weather conditions made it difficult for both sides’ defences, and Lujic was the beneficiary of a penalty call and lax Hume defending to net another brace, giving Chris Taylor the luxury of subbing him early for the FFA Cup clash (in which he also duly delivered).
Bench
Wyatt Chant (Bulleen Lions)
Like his compatriot, Chant was also a force between the sticks and was also only beaten once by a sublime finish as the keepers came out on top in the clash between Bulleen and St Albans.
Daniel Bennett (Kingston City)
In a campaign riddled by injury, this outing will have acted as vindication for Bennett, whose performance and goal highlighted why Tolios brought him over for 2017.
Matthew Breeze (Green Gully)
Not a dull moment when Breeze has the ball, who exemplifies much of why Gully have been called one of the best footballing sides in 2017. Added a brace and plenty of quality in the front third.
Les Doumbalis (Heidelberg United)
Has dealt with injuries this season too but his showing against Pascoe Vale shows why he is the club’s current longest-serving player and a mainstay in George Katsakis’ backline. Solid and reliable as ever.