This week saw a few standout clubs who marked some big wins on the weekend. Port and Hume in particular enjoyed big scorelines while there were also standouts from around the other grounds.
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GK: Ryan Scott (Bentleigh Greens)
Has looked solid in 2017 already and is continuing to develop as one of the state’s emerging keepers. Did well against North Geelong to deny the hosts – including from the penalty spot – to preserve the Greens’ perfect start to the season in a tricky game on the road
CB: Ramazan Tavsancioglu (Avondale)
Coming to Olympic Village was usually guaranteed points for Heidelberg in 2016 but Avondale took the win on the road to break a long undefeated streak. Tavsancioglu was solid at the back against the hosts where his experience played a key role alongside Jamie Cumming, with his fellow defender scoring the winning goal.
CB: Tomislav Milardovic (Pascoe Vale)
A solid presence for Pascoe Vale, despite their attack and midfield making the headlines in their win. Did well to keep the Knights mostly at bay at Somers Street which isn’t always an easy task.
CB: Andrew Mullett (Bulleen)
Oakleigh have an abundance of attacking options and so Mullett had to be on his game, especially when Oliver White was red carded to prevent the Cannons increasing their 2-0 lead. Instead he ended up netting the unlikely equaliser at the other send to send his side into raptures.
DM: Kostas Stratomitros (Oakleigh)
He often flies under the radar but Stratomitros has been a key cog at Oakleigh since moving there mid-season. Netted his first league goal with a well-taken header and was a constant presence for his side.
RM: Nick Hegarty (Hume City)
Ran the show essentially from midfield with the experienced and ever-consistent FFV gold medallist slicing open St Albans’ defence with involvement in all his sides’ goals – and notching up a hat-trick of assists.
CM: Andreas Govas (Port Melbourne)
After an injury-interrupted 2016, Govas showcased what he is capable of with a quality performance for his side, providing goals and scoring one which may prove a goal of the year contender. Having trained with South in the off-season, Govas came back to haunt them.
CM: Ben Litfin (Bentleigh Greens)
His departure from Wellington came at the right time for Bentleigh, who have benefited immensely from his presence. Tapped in a goal but it was also his technical ability and agility in the front third that caused headaches.
LM: Erhan Yalaz (Kingston City)
His transition from being a bit-part at Port Melbourne to a first choice so far at Kingston has seen Yalaz flourish. His cross to Iaconis for the opener was pinpoint, while his late equaliser capped off a busy night for the youngster.
ST: Liam Boland (Hume City)
His introduction at Hume City has been a welcoming first impression, with Boland netting a double against St Albans and enjoying a productive shift for his new club since moving from Gully.
ST: Oleksiy Khrapko (Port Melbourne)
Scored four league goals at Avondale last season but in one night at Port Melbourne is halfway to equalling that tally. His deadline day move looks to have paid dividends as he put South to the sword with a double.
Substitutes
Chris Oldfield (Avondale FC)
A clean sheet marked a good night out for Oldfield in which his command of the area was strong and he was ready when called upon. Contributed to the Bergers’ frustrating night.
Atilla Ofli (Hume City)
It’s been a successful transition for Ofli into the top flight with Hume so far, finishing off a couple of goals against St Albans to pick up where he left off for Whittlesea last season.
Michael McGowan (Port Melbourne)
While the likes of Khrapko, Govas, Stella, Cristaldo were doing the damage at one end, McGowan was the rock at the other who didn’t let South get a clear look-in and denied opportunities for the visitors to peg goals back.
Alex Caniglia (Green Gully)
It was a trademark performance from the winger, who scored one by cutting in and firing past the keeper. He was also involved involved in another goal that was eventually credited to him and overall was dangerous from his wing.
Michael Anderson (North Geelong Warriors)