Plenty of goals fell over the weekend and as a result, a top heavy Round Six Team of the Week is on offer. The forward line combined for 10 goals, while two defenders made the cut with clean sheets to their name. The bench this week also offers plenty of value, with some marvellous performers amongst them.
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GK: Nikki Cook (Sandringham SC)
Was one of the busiest players on the pitch in Boroondara’s resounding 4-1 victory over Sandringham. Her goal was peppered with shots from all angles, and Cook had the answer for most of the balls that flew her way. Whether it was a palm, a leg or even the face, she kept the deficit from blowing out more than it did.
LB: Alex Gummer (Boroondara Eagles)
A defensive reshuffle due to the injury Amore Martin saw Gummer shift from central defence to left-back. She did her duties well, keeping Steph Tanti quiet, while barely putting a foot wrong in terms of keeping possession.
CB: Jess Pitts (Bundoora United)
The box-to-box midfielder is more accustomed to setting up goals rather than stopping them, but she found herself in the centre of defence after an injury to Claudia Fruscalzo. She shone in centre-half, barely allowing South Melbourne a sniff at goal alongside Gulcan Koca. She may not have been best pleased about having to hang back, but her performance was crucial on the day.
RB: Madelaine Richardson (Box Hill United)
Three defenders, three that played in multiple positions for their team. For Box Hill’s Madelaine Richardson, she moved from right back to holding midfield at the half-time break. She was impressive in both aspects as Heidelberg hardly got a sniff down her flank in the first half before she really got the change to assert herself on the contest with an energetic display in the engine room.
CM: Jesse Kotsikas (Ashburton United)
Was one of Ashburton’s best in their big win over NTC, as her smart runs and tireless endeavour earned the ringing praise of those who watched her game. Was everywhere when she needed to be and finished the game with a goal, but could’ve had a hat-trick.
CM: Madeline Jona (South Yarra)
The South Yarra midfielder ran the show from deep against Casey Comets, as she played a major role in their ground breaking 5-0 win at Fawkner Park. She was absolutely everywhere and popped up with a crucial goal just on half-time to put some real pressure on Casey.
LW: Rachel Alonso (Bundoora United)
Looking ominous right from kick-off in the match-up against Jade Feakes on the left side, it really was no surprise to see her on the scoreboard before half-time, with a delightful finish from the edge of the area. The second may have been a bit more fortuitous, but it was just reward for her efforts all day.
RW: Georgia Cloepfil (Ashburton United)
The best on ground in the 8-1 mauling of NTC, and Cloepfil was at the forefront of the action. She set up Laura Spiranovic and scored two for herself off the flank. Not only that but she contributed with all other facets of the game with some immense build-up play.
ST: Taryne Boudreau (Boroondara Eagles)
The Canadian Under 20 international was an absolute livewire for Boroondara against Sandringham and she could’ve honestly had a haul of five or six. In the end she had to settle for a well worked hat-trick, which came right at the death with a deft flicked header at the near post. Played across the front three and did it to perfection, dropping into pockets of space, or creating the space herself with her dazzling feet.
ST: Beattie Goad (Bulleen Lions)
The Beattie Goad show was alive and running on Monday night as she helped herself to four goals against Caulfield United. She was incisive, clever and ever confident with the ball at feet, and showed a clinical touch when it mattered.
ST: Sara Alberici (South Yarra)
Three strikers, three with a hat-trick – or in Beattie’s case four – as Sara Alberici caps off our attacking options in the starting line-up. Her second half showing put the game against Casey Comets to bed as she struck three times within 45 minutes to put the game well and truly to bed.
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Substitutes:
Jaye Todd (Caulfield United Cobras)
She’s been absolutely outstanding so far this year, and the shot-stopper was once again tested to the max against a fluent moving Bulleen outfit. Whilst nine went in, there’s little doubt the damage could’ve been more, were it not for her efforts between the sticks.
Cristina Cardaci (Box Hill United)
The winger was a livewire down both flanks for Box Hill in their tight win over Heidelberg United, and was dangerous all afternoon. Was always willing to take the game on, and showed strength and determination to match her speed and trickery.
Gulcan Koca (Bundoora United)
It may sound like a broken record, but Koca was again immense on Saturday, commanding the backline and barely put a foot wrong. Won most her one-on-one battles and it’s no surprise that Bundy have kept four clean sheets this season with her presence in the backline
Melina Ayres (Ashburton United)
Showed a clinical touch off the wing to put away four goals from what was basically four chances at goal. That sort of efficiency earned Ashy a massive win at the weekend. Not every day you score four and miss out on a starting XI berth.
Caitlin Friend (Bulleen Lions)
Revelling in her deeper role, Friend had total control of the midfield and played in Tessa Sernio for a well-earned assist. Dictated the tempo and distributed well.