GK: Christopher May (Melbourne Knights):
The Knights escaped with a narrow victory over last years VPL winners and their man in between the sticks certainly had a say in the result. He could hardly be blamed for either of Northcote’s goals, a wonder strike from Gasparis and a penalty, and was especially solid in the second half when the pressure was turned up. Two fantastic saves in the latter part of the match gifted them a pathway to victory.
LB: Johnny Stojcevski (Hume City):
Comfortably takes home goal of the round and a spot in our Team of the Week to boot! Whilst he had quite a peaceful day in defence, with the Pascoe Vale forwards failing to make any real impact on the game, it was that 40-yard pearler that see’s him occupy the left back spot.
CB: Michael Eagar (South Melbourne):
Although used extensively as a central midfielder for Northcote last season, Eagar had a stellar game at centre back for his new club, leading the South Melbourne defence well. He got involved all around the park; it was his blocked shot that set up the first goal of the night, but most importantly took the Heidelberg forwards out of the game, forcing them to shoot from distance for a large majority of the night. The Kiwi helped himself to a clean sheet and three points for his troubles.
CB: Petar Franjic (Hume City):
Two Hume City defenders, two goals. Petar Franjic, of Melbourne Victory fame is a new signing for Hume, having spent last year at the struggling Richmond SC, and he looked at home from the get go in the heart of defence. He helped his side to a clean sheet and scored a well taken goal, a diving header to seal the points at 3-0.
RB: Tim Mala (South Melbourne):
A solid outing at right back for the young man who kept former Melbourne Heart Youth player Andrew Cartanos quiet all night. He showed great composure in front of a packed Olympic Village crowd, contributing heavily to his sides opening round clean sheet.
LM: Osagie Ederaro (Green Gully):
A goal and an assist of sorts for the Green Gully winger, who narrowly ousted South Melbourne’s Nick Epifano for the spot at left mid. Ederaro opened the scoring for his side with a well struck volley from close range before creating his sides third; his shot from distance spilt by Werribee custodian Tommy Dunn leaving teammate Matthew Sanders with an easy finish.
CM: Nick Hegarty (Hume City):
Make that three goal scorers for Hume City, as their captain rounds off a trio of players from the club in Round One’s Team of the Week. The midfielder ran the show all day, and opened the scoring for his club with a sweet strike from the edge of the area.
CM: Tomislav Uskok (Melbourne Knights):
Uskok played a large role in his sides impressive win against Northcote, with the midfielder chiming in with an assist as well as winning a penalty. His cross in particular for the Knights second goal was sublime, showing poise and vision to pick out a moving Covarrubias unmarked. His energetic display shows a lot of promise for the season ahead.
RM: Marino Gasparis (Northcote City):
A constant threat from the wing, Northcote City’s Marino Gasparis continued his form from last year, putting in a lively display in their first round match. He scored his clubs first NPL goal, a fantastic half volley from the right side of the box. He had plenty of chances to double his tally, but much like his side, that clinical touch evaded him.
ST: Rodrigo Covarrubias (Melbourne Knights):
Covarrubias should be sitting atop the leading goal scorers’ table on his own, but the forward wasn’t able to convert a second half penalty for the match ball. His movement for the Knights was first class, making his was to the near post to bundle in his first, before slithering into the box unmarked to score his second.
ST: Kevin Braniff (Port Melbourne):
Joining Covarrubias on two goals for the round is Northern Ireland import Kevin Braniff, whose brace put Port Melbourne 2-0 up within half an hour. Whilst unable to see out the match with their lead intact, Port will no doubt be happy to have discovered a serious goal threat for the season ahead.
Special thanks to Steven Chang (@Gixibyte) and Bill Molloy (@Bill_Molloy94) for their contributions.