It was one of the rare weeks where the Corner Flag received a balance of nominations across the pitch, as in there wasn’t a glut of players selected for only a few positions. It meant we could generally fit a player to their natural position on the day, and not have to get creative with the team formation. Without further ado, here is your Round 8 Team of the Week:
GK: Alyse Brusamarello (Casey Comets)
The Casey custodian, stepping in for the departed Marika Kamoda, kept the deficit to a minimum against Box Hill. Especially impressive considering she actually managed a clean sheet in the second half once Casey were down to 10 players, pulling off a number of solid saves to keep the hosts at bay.
RB: Annabel Martin (Senior NTC)
The fullback was both defensively sound whilst marauding all day, getting forward to play teammates through into dangerous positions, also scoring herself to cap off a brilliant performance. A deserved spot in the Team of the Week.
CB: Lucy Kapusta (Sandringham SC)
With Sandringham setting up to stifle Bundoora’s forward supply, Kapusta was leading at the heard of defence alongside central partner Parton, making a number of important tackles and interceptions to frustrate the hosts for as long as possible. While it wasn’t enough in the win, her efforts were duly noted.
CB: Emma Checker (Ashburton United)
The Young Matilda – who only returned from Vietnam on Friday – was solid all afternoon at the back. She was also the key figure in unlocking a stubborn Bergers defence, laying on two wonderful assists for Brit Thomas.
LB: Liv Ellis (Boroondara Eagles)
It was as though Ellis had already been at the Eagles for much longer than a game, such was her understanding with her new teammates in her debut appearance. Thriving in a more advanced role with coach Shaun Ontong adopting a three at the back formation, Ellis controlled her wing with confidence and authority.
CM: Carol Howes (South Melbourne)
The player brought over by new coach Socrates Nicolaidis often flies under the radar in South Melbourne’s side, but the midfielder received deserved praise for her performance against Bulleen Lions, dominating with her vision, passing and energy in South’s engine room.
CM: Sarah Jacobs (Boroondara Eagles)
With a few whispers around the place that some of Boroondara’s imports – including Jacobs and Boudreau – are worthy of a W-League look-in, Jacobs did her reputation no harm with an exquisite display in the middle of the park, yielding goals and plenty of build up involvement. It prompted Yarra coach Danny Hall to quip that the Eagles’ midfield was the best his side had come up against this season.
AM: Brit Thomas (Ashburton United)
While she faded out a bit in the second half, Thomas took her surprise starting berth with both hands, scoring two well-taken goals in the first half. She wasn’t even in her usual position on the wing, playing through the middle with Fede Frew and Christine Pfeiffer. Made a strong case for coach Cohadzic to reward her with another start this weekend.
AM: Enza Barilla (Bundoora United)
A menace for Sandringham in the final third, always troubling with her fancy footwork, close ball control and intricate passing. Involved in the build-up for both of Bundy’s goals, breaking down her opponents’ solid resistance.
ST: Ashleigh Lefevre (Senior NTC)
Directly involved in five of her sides seven goals, providing a hat-trick and two assist. Apart from her three well taken goals, she also set-up Melindaj Barbieri and won a penalty that Emily Harbis converted, despite the ball crossing the line in the aftermath of the tackle.
ST: Brittany Dudley-Smith (South Melbourne)
A real predator around the box all day, Dudley-Smith struck twice to blow the game apart for South. She scored her first with an excellent solo effort after winning the ball herself in Bulleen’s backline, while the second was via Nat Martineau’s delivery.
Bench:
Georgia Koutrouvelis (Box Hill United)
In complete control of the the midfield, Koutrouvelis created numerous chances for Box Hill. Her tenacity resulted in a tackle and pass to Camilleri, who ended with the only goal of the game.
Laura Phillips (Heidelberg United)
There’s a reason Spiranovic had a poor outing. Phillips cleaned up most of the action that came her way, but could do nothing about the goals. Tried to rally her own side into action in the second half, to no avail.
Beattie Goad (Bulleen Lions)
The most impressive player in a losing team, Goad was dangerous up front with her runs, passes and shots on goal. Scored a brilliant individual effort by skinning a few opponents before rounding Lauren Farrugia in goals.
Monique Ianella (Bundoora United)
Was a crucial player in the come from behind win with her constant application up and down the right flank. Her most telling contribution was the overlapping run that resulted in a delivery not fully dealt with by Sandringham that led to Bisby’s goal.
Coby Mcinerney (Senior NTC)
A rock at the back, Mcinerney barely let Caulfield a sniff with a commanding display. She cut out plenty of deliveries her way, also getting play rolling with neat distribution. Earns this spot in equal measure with Jaimee Williams who was also superb in defence.
Tiff Eliadis (South Melbourne)
It takes an already mammoth effort to beat Bulleen, but to put them away 4-1 is all the more impressive. Eliadis was one of the key performers throughout the win, contributing with goals, key passes and constant presence in the front third.