Sometimes compiling a Team of the Week can be more difficult than trying to gather evidence to indict Sepp Blatter, especially if there’s a shortage of players for a position or some good performances but no standouts. This week, however, was one of the most balanced teams ever, with adequate cover for every position, no need to shift players around, and a good ratio of newbies and usual suspects in the team. It was as satisfying as seeing Sepp Blatter resign.
GK: Teresa Morissey (Senior NTC)
Probably too young to get the reference, but just because her name just reminds me of the musician, Morissey to the NTC is like near-namesake Morrissey to the Smiths – a vocal leader (despite being one of the program’s youngest players), commanding presence and a real talent. Cringeworthy and needless metaphor aside, Morissey showed off her array of talents on Saturday, helping prevent Heidelberg from gaining too big a foothold on the game with a string of top saves.
RB: Monique Ianella (Bundoora United)
Defended from the front so to speak, with Bundoora playing a high line and Ianella given free reign to overlap up front. However, she was also astute in her defensive duties, scuppering South’s attempts at counter-attacks high up the pitch with her awareness and read of the play.
CB: Emma Checker (Ashburton United)
Effectively played like a central defensive midfielder against Casey, cleaning up deliveries that came her way while carrying the ball forward with confidence and launching passages of attacking play with precise distribution. A standout performance from a top player.
CB: Carol Howes (South Melbourne)
“Carol Howes at centre-back?” you may ask. Yes, Carol Howes at CB is the answer. And she certainly was the answer for South Melbourne on Sunday, as despite the side conceding two goals, without her numerous crucial interventions at the back it could well have been more for a Caulfield side that put on their best performance of the season.
LB: Isabella Scott (Bulleen Lions)
Ellis had the left back spot stitched up before Scott popped up on Monday with a scintillating performance. Her barnstorming runs, resulting in one penalty won and a delivery that was eventually bundled over for another goal, were the hallmarks of a tireless night out both in going forward and in defence, with some of her teammates in the back four – namely Maddie Stockdale – just missing out on a spot.
CM: Alison Baker (South Melbourne)
Without regular partner in crime Carol Howes alongside her in the engine room, Baker assumed the role of chief midfield marshall, controlling and passing the ball well in torrential conditions. Was also deadly on set-pieces, constantly troubling the Cobras with her delivery, leading to a couple of goals.
CM: Enza Barilla (Bundoora United)
The team sorely missed her creativity and vision against Boroondara, but Barilla came back with a vengeance against South Yarra, unlocking a side defending for their lives. Whilst her one direct goal involvement may have been winning the penalty for the fourth goal, it was moreso her constant danger, vision and passing range that gets her a Team of the Week nod this round.
RAM: Elise Mamanu-Gray (Heidelberg United)
Mamanu-Gray may have been awarded a contentious goal, but it was nothing less than the winger deserved for her efforts against the NTC, putting in an exceptional shift. She was noted for her chance creation, denied a second goal by Morissey, but also her vision in teeing up opportunities for teammates.
CAM: Irena Malliaras (Caulfield United Cobras)
A bright attacking spark for Caulfield, Malliaras assisted one goal, almost scored another if not for the crossbar, and was a constant threat on the night in conditions that made it difficult to play free-flowing football. Did well playing the #10 role, often feeding Jackson and Kane into dangerous positions.
LAM: Aliesha Newman (Boroondara Eagles)
Often flies under the radar in a side containing the likes of Jacobs and Boudreau, but Newman once again proved her worth to the Eagles with a dazzling display in the front third, setting up the first goal and scoring one of her own with a delightful lob over Southwell.
ST: Laura Spiranovic (Ashburton United)
The striker was in devastating form against the Comets, notching up at least two goals and two assists by our count. She was involved in everything going forward, proving too much for the Casey defence to handle.
Bench:
Liv Ellis (Boroondara Eagles)
Ellis may well be wondering how she didn’t make the starting XI, but it just so happened we had two distinguished performers at left-back this week. The youngster notched up another sound defensive performance and a wonder goal to boot, having really impressed under Shaun Ontong since coming into the side.
Jamiee Williams (Senior NTC)
Handy in the centre or right side of defence, Williams helped keep the NTC in the game against Heidelberg with a clinical defensive display that included a number of important tackles and interceptions. Never stopped trying in a determined performance.
Beattie Goad (Bulleen Lions)
A menace up and down the flank, Goad set up Lay for the second goal, and could have had a couple of her own if not for Cook in goals. A trademark performance on the wing from the youngster.
Holly Tsalikidis (Heidelberg United)
A great performance throughout the midfield, Tsalikidis just never stopped running, constantly winning the ball and finding her teammates with neat passes. An uplifting presence on the park for the Bergers.
Victoria Argyropoulos (Caulfield United Cobras)
The 15-year-old, yes, 15, announced herself as a talent to look out for in the future with an assured display against the might of South Melbourne. Didn’t look overwhelmed by the occasion or the weather and did well at right back to nullify attacking threats that came her way.
Caitlin Greiser (South Melbourne)
When you get a run in the team ahead of Brittany Dudley-Smith up front, you best grasp your opportunity with both hands. Greiser took it all in her stride during the half and a bit she was on the pitch, scoring the all important first goal and denied a few more times by the ‘keeper. A constant menace up front with her height and physicality, but also pretty tidy with the ball at her feet.