GK: Lewis Italiano (Bulleen Lions)
Frustrated the hell out of Gully with some of his saves to deny the hosts despite their advances to peg back a deficit against Bulleen. Particularly notable was his save to deny Jay Davies from the penalty spot and the follow-up after that.
RCB: Matt Hennessey (Pascoe Vale)
The mid-season acquisition from Victory has made a good impact and was instrumental in Paco’s clean sheet against Hume, especially with Tomi Milardovic out. Was strong in the air and kept winning the ball back, keeping Hume’s forward line in check.
CB: Simo Jovanovic (Kingston City)
A solid presence at the back in what isn’t always the easiest assignment to travel to Elcho Park and perform well. But never really gave the hosts much of a sniff and helped keep Kingston’s second clean sheet of the season in what could be a crucial win.
LCB: Josh Brindell-South (Green Gully)
His forward runs down the wing were impressive, especially late in the game. Helped put pressure on his opposition defence. Getting back to the form he was reaching before his long injury layoff.
RM: Andy Brennan (Bentleigh Greens)
One of busiest players on the park for Bentleigh who constantly got forward and caused the Knights headaches. The final touch wasn’t as clinical as always but nonetheless one of the standouts on the night.
CM: Paul O’Brien (Heidelberg United)
Credit to O’Brien who has bided his time in Heidelberg’s squad since joining from interstate. Was given an opportunity to impress with Harry Noon and Jack Petrie unavailable and has given George Katsakis a new selection headache with a fantastic showing. His run and cross assist in particular highlighted why he was pursued by the Bergers as a pre-season signing.
CM: Alan Mulcahy (Port Melbourne)
Returned to Port after a stint at Richmond and it was like he never left. The experienced campaigner working well with Zane Sole and Andreas Govas in the Sharks midfield, taking control of possession and directing traffic in front of him.
LM: Nick Krousoratis (Green Gully)
Dangerous and direct, Krousoratis put in a classy attacking shift. Didn’t score but came close, rattling the woodwork in the first half. Also won the penalty that ultimately wasn’t converted.
ST: Giuseppe Marafioti (Oakleigh Cannons)
His stocks continue to rise at Oakleigh, to the point where the likes of Hatzimouratis and Foster departed as he tightened his grip on regular XI selection. Added another to his tally with a neat finish against Port and looked constantly dangerous all night.
ST: Kenny Athiu (Heidelberg United)
St Albans struggled to deal with his presence up top and Athiu profited by being involved in the Bergers’ goalscoring action on the day. Was played through on goal for the third which was eventually credited an own goal, and tapped in the fourth, in a strong 4-1 win.
ST: Damian Iaconis (Kingston City)
Netted an important goal in Kingston’s travels to Geelong to help earn an important three points on the road in the battle for survival. Should probably have converted a couple more of his chances but nonetheless continues to stay in the mix in the golden boot race.
Bench
Marko Stevanja (North Geelong Warriors)
Not for the first time this season Stevanja has been called upon for damage control purposes rather than match-winning performances. Again he kept his opposition at bay as often as possible and was one of North Geelong’s best on a disappointing day.
Zane Sole (Port Melbourne Sharks)
He’s no stranger to Victorian football and Sole has settled well at Port, slotting straight into the XI. Was impressive against Oakleigh, active in the attacking half, and unlocked the Cannons’ defence with a clever dinked assist to Alex Khrapko for his goal.
Mouad Zwed (Kingston City)
A havoc on the wing, Zwed gave his opposite number plenty of troubles, creating opportunity after opportunity that could have led to much more than the 2-0 scoreline.
Michael Trigger (Heidelberg United)
Another mid-season recruit to have made a positive first impression at their new club. Was a bright creative spark against St Albans, with his cross leading to Zahra’s goal, and was also involved with Alusine Fofanah for Athiu’s goal.
Luke Pilkington (Bentleigh Greens)
Another game, another goal for Luke Pilkington whose rocket of a volley was one of the highlights of the round. Other than that was also solid defensively.