With strikers firing this week – four players scoring a brace in Round 24 – we had a plethora of attacking options to choose from, meaning some players have unluckily missed out on a spot in the side. However, goals aren’t the only measure of a team’s worth, and there were plenty of notable defensive performances to shore up this week’s backline.
Formation: 4-2-2-2
GK: Chris Oldfield (Hume City)
Despite letting in two goals, it could have been worse had the Hume City shot-stopper not denied the kitchen sink thrown –or kicked – at him by Heidelberg’s players. But don’t take my word for it.
“Oldfield has been outstanding for us all season and in my opinion he is the best goalkeeper in the league and I think it showed today as he was absolutely brilliant.’’
-Hume City coach Lou Acevski.
“He (Oldfield) was absolutely outstanding today and he made a number of world-class saves to deny us and I do believe he kept them in the game in that second half so credit to him.”
-Heidelberg United coach George Katsakis.
RB: Michael Doyle (Melbourne Knights)
Solid all day, Doyle denied the Suns a way through on his right side. Also got up the other end and nabbed the opener from a corner, capping off a top all-round performance.
CB: John Black (Oakleigh Cannons)
Contributed Oakleigh’s fourth goal against Bentleigh with a scrambled finish. Apart from that, Black was also strong at the back, resolute when Bentleigh were pressing for consolation goals.
CB: Ryan Filipovic (Werribee City)
Had his work cut out, with Ballarat having most of the territory and possession, but excelled in dealing with their waves of attacks. Contributed to a win that may prove crucial in Werribee’s survival.
LB: Kris Kioussis (Dandenong Thunder)
Initially started on bench but replaced an injured Jarryd Barnes in the 5th minute and never looked back. While he was defensively sound, he also possessed silky skills with his feet and made dashing runs down the left wing to set-up teammates, whose finishing lacked on the day.
CM: Dominic D’Angelo (Oakleigh Cannons)
D’Angelo provides the link between attack and defence in this week’s side, and judging by his performance against Bentliegh he’d do a monumental job. Worked hard in midfield, pressing hard to break up Bentleigh’s possession based style and linked well with Oakleigh’s forwards through his accurate distribution.
CM: Tyson Holmes (South Melbourne)
While the contest at times was a scrap, Holmes was a hard worker all game, and his moment of brilliance changed the game. He put the first goal on a plate for Lujic, darting to the byline and hanging in a well-weighted cross for the striker to nod in.
RAM: Kamal Ibrahim (Port Melbourne Sharks)
The former Melbourne Heart youngster turned former Melbourne Victory veteran Roddy Vargas inside out before shooting with precision to open the scoring for the Sharks. Was menacing on the right wing all day and played his part in his side’s victory.
LAM: Nate Foster (Oakleigh Cannons)
Thank goodness for Foster’s versatility along the forward line. Despite playing more centrally against the Greens, a spot on the left will have to suffice for the Canadian, due to the plethora of other strikers claiming a place in the side. Was a constant threat with his pace and strength on ball, holding up the ball to layoff for Oakleigh’s trademark counter-attacks. Scored after some neat interplay with Goran Zoric, and also won a penalty which Dean Piemonte converted.
ST: Milos Lujic (South Melbourne)
Who else but the league’s top scorer? With second-placed Oakleigh trying to gain ground on the ladder leaders with a commanding win over Bentleigh, Lujic provided two classy finishes to put away a spirited Northcote side and place South Melbourne within touching distance of the inaugural NPL Victoria title.
ST: Simon Tolli (Werribee City)
Scored two goals in two minutes on the counter in the first half to effectively wrap up the contest despite Ballarat’s dominance. Was clinical in the front third with the few opportunities presented to him, and also carved up chances for teammates late in the contest, which weren’t converted
Bench:
Michael O’Farrell (Melbourne Knights)
Despite not having much work to do for most of the contest, was serviceable when called upon. Made a number of good saves in the latter stages of the contest, and racked up a clean sheet.
Dan Heffernan (Heidelberg United)
Unlucky not to make the starting XI, Heffernan was able to break through twice on the day, which was no mean feat due to Oldfield’s heroics. Temporarily got himself to equal top on the goalscorer’s chart before Lujic took matters into his own hands/feet. Was dangerous throughout the whole day.
Alvaro Carillo (Pascoe Vale)
Helped his side keep a clean sheet amidst a barrage of attacks from a Dandenong team desperate to avoid relegation. While the visitors carved up many chances – and were profligate on the day – many of those chances were scuppered by Carillo and partner in crime Carl Recchia’s last-ditch efforts.
Andrew Cartanos (Heidelberg)
The attacking midfielder sliced up Hume’s defence with precise vision and passing. It was his ball to Heffernan that finally broke through the Oldfield forcefield.
Shayan Alinejad (Melbourne Knights)
Was busy on the right wing all contest, beating his direct opponents and finding lots of space. Set up Marijan Cvitkovic’s goal with a nice cross.