What happens when you only have nine teams in the league and three of them pull off mammoth wins? A really condensed side dominated by those select few. And so it was, with Calder putting five past Heidelberg, Alamein beating Box Hill 4-1, and Bulleen seeing off Southern and the NTC by a combined scoreline of 9-1.
***
GK: Beth Mason-Jones (Calder United)
At two crucial junctures of the match, Jones produced two game-winning saves, including a fantastic save to deny Galea. Had a more comfortable outing after the break and commanded her area well to beat away any danger.
RB:Alex Natoli (Bulleen Lions)
While she played in the centre, we’ll have to squeeze her into the team as a right back. Did her job defensively to stifle the NTC, and also continued the good work of her teammates when coming on against Southern.
CB: Rachel Binning (Calder United)
The no-nonsense defender has been an astute pick-up for Calder. Did well to mark Leigh Gray all game. Won balls in the air, giving Calder a bite in defence. Was a rock, and backed up the efforts of the rest of her team well.
CB: Emily Dolzan (Bulleen Lions)
Started both games and provided defensive stability which saw the side only concede once across two fixtures. While the forward play has been free-flowing, the defence has also been tightened up at the Veneto Club.
LB: Anita Les (Alamein FC)
Looking at home in a new defensive role. She was excellent at left back, striding forward with grace. Won tackles efficiently and ensured there was barely any danger down that wing from Box Hill.
CM: Jess Pitts (Calder United)
Was literally everywhere. Won tackles, blocked passes, intercepted passes, and dictated the match from midfield. Pulled all the strings, and keeping a calmness for Calder even when they were reduced to 10 for a 10-minute period. Also happened to score a ripsnorter of a goal from 25 yards, rocketing the ball into the top corner on the half volley.
CM: Liana Iaconis (Bulleen Lions)
Was a fulcrum of Bulleen’s side which put away Southern United. She helped ensure the likes of Eliadis couldn’t have a regular effect on the contest. Also had a half an hour runaround against the NTC as Ricardo Martinez rotated the squad.
CM: Adriana Taranto (Galaxy United)
Taranto breaks the Alamein/Calder/Bulleen dominance in this week’s team, following Geelong’s win over Bayside, which ended up being closer than Galaxy would have liked after a late goal to their opponents. Taranto broke the deadlock and asserted herself on the game throughout the 90 minutes, in the middle of the park.
RF: Hannah Keane (Alamein FC)
An obvious choice for Team of the Week. Was a beast on the wing, marauding around the pitch and scoring three with total aplomb. A thoroughly dominating outing for the American.
CF: Em Coppock (Bulleen Lions)
Four goals in two games says it all, really. Lethal when the opportunity was presented to her, Coppock punished defences who gave her a sniff and propelled herself up the table early in the race for the Golden Boot. A direct free kick past Theresa Morrissey was one of the highlights.
LF: Rachel Alonso (Calder United)
The busy bee up front took her solo goal with confidence, refusing to use the support and taking the ball herself to net a superb solo goal. Also linked well with the midfield to free the likes of Tisocco, Newman, Hussein and Papadopoulos out wide.
Bench
Emily Shields (Box Hill)
Yes, she may have conceded four goals, but if it weren’t for Shields’ work on the day the result could have been worse for Box Hill. Produced a number of quality saves.
Aliesha Newman (Calder United)
Solid performance from start to finish. Whether on the wing or at right back, she was a star and provided an attacking outlet all game. Linked well with Tisocco.
Tessa Sernio (Bulleen Lions)
Ran the game against the NTC, pulling the strings from the middle of the park after being deployed as a substitute against Southern.
Megan Fish (Alamein FC)
Also dictated proceedings for Alamein in midfield, circulating possession efficiently and was unlucky not to score herself, as Shields pulled off a great save to deny her.