2016 brings with it a few new teams and lots of new faces in TOTW contention. For once we weren’t flooded with striker nominations, with a good balance of most other positions on the pitch, including those which don’t always get a lot of love – the defenders.
***
GK: Ryan Scott (Bentleigh Greens)
The young custodian carried over his Community Shield form, where he kept South Melbourne scoreless 90 minutes with a number of clutch saves. This time he did the same against Bulleen, keeping his second consecutive clean sheet by repelling everything that came his way, especially as the Lions came roaring for an equaliser.
RB: Matthew Reid (Green Gully)
Reid put in a confident against a Knights at Somers Street – often an intimidating away trip for visitors. Described as one of the side’s most improved players, the Gully youth product has so far grasped the opportunity handed to him by Arthur Papas.
CB: Matt Hennessey (Melbourne Victory)
The youngster impressed upon his competitive debut for Victory since his move from Hume City, and did well at the heart of the defence. Worked hard to ensure Northcote were kept at bay and was rewarded with a clean sheet, along with acknowledgement from teammates.
CB: Jacob Eliopoulos (Port Melbourne)
It was the kind of low-key contest that occurs early in the season with both sides unwilling to give away an inch, but it’s testament in part to Eliopoulos’ efforts that an Oakleigh side containing all the usual suspects in the front third had barely a sniff on target.
LB: Shaun Timmins (Hume City)
From Timmins’ perspective, a clean sheet and a goal for the fullback marks a highly successful night out. He ensured the home side’s first hitout against a promoted side wasn’t a potential banana peel fixture with an assured display at both ends.
CM: Jason Hicks (Melbourne Knights)
While South Melbourne may not be ruing the New Zealand international’s departure just yet after their 6-0 rout of Heidelberg, if he keeps up his form there may just be some regret in the future. He was class in the heart of Knights’ midfield, forming a promising partnership with youngster Nikola Jurkovic to trouble their opposition.
CM: Iqi Jawadi (South Melbourne)
Jawadi helped his side take control of the game and never looked back, as South ran out comprehensive 6-0 winners. He kept knocking on the door right to the end of the contest, hitting the woodwork before tapping in the final goal.
RAM: Hernan Espindola (Hume City)
The 21-year-old made an emphatic statement upon his release from A-League club Melbourne City, nabbing a goal and assist on debut for Hume City. A late acquisition for the club, he has made an immediate impact as City look to improve on their impressive 2015.
CAM: Joseph Youssef (Pascoe Vale)
The captain took up where he left off in 2015, backing up a stellar year with another goal to kickstart his and Pascoe Vale’s 2016 campaign. He was an ever present danger up front and was involved in a number of forward thrusts.
LAM: Nick Epifano (South Melbourne)
The first hat-trick hero of 2016, Epifano showed great instinct to pounce on opportunities in the box and finish them with aplomb. The winger secured the match ball from the penalty spot with a cool finish into the bottom left corner.
ST: Joey Katebian (Melbourne Victory)
It was a surprisingly lean week for strikers, with the majority of the weekend’s goals falling to midfielders. No such issue for Katebian, who made the step up to the top division of NPL Victoria with a well-taken header from Kieran Dover’s cross, the winner in Victory’s triumph over Northcote City.
***
Substitutes:
Chris May (Avondale FC)
The switch to Avondale sees May continue his form in the NPL. While he conceded two goals on the night – one from the penalty spot – May ensured the scoreline remained low and kept his side in the contest for as long as he could with a string of saves.
Luka Prelevic (Pascoe Vale)
The former Melbourne City youngster proved himself a handy addition for Paco, assisting Youssef’s goal, and on another day his numerous crosses would’ve been converted. A constant threat on the wing.
Jeremy Walker (Hume City)
Like his fullback teammate Timmins, Walker had an excellent game at the club where he previously had a stint in 2014. The Tasmanian did well defensively and sought to get forward when the chance presented itself.
Matt Millar (South Melbourne)
A late acquisition on deadline day, Millar showed the ability that earned him senior minutes at Melbourne City. Was positive going forward and won the penalty that ultimately led to Theodoridis’ controversial dismissal, while also playing Jawadi in for his goal.
Sami Nour (Bulleen Lions)
Had some decent breaks which Bentleigh struggled to contain, and had chances to score. One of Bulleen’s standouts on a night in which the newcomers to the league did well against the reigning champions.
Troy Ruthven (Bentleigh Greens)
Neither Ruthven nor Bentleigh Greens could stand being apart from each other for very long following his departure from the club back to the Gold Coast. But both accepted each other with open arms upon his return, and he repaid the faith with a commanding presence on the pitch, constantly involved in the play and ensuring Bentleigh would have the upper hand in midfield.
Graphics: Michael Alesich (Alesich – Graphic Design)