GK: Wyatt Chant (Bulleen Lions)
Had been thrust into the XI following a long-term injury to Shane Viitakangas, and after a tough initiation has started to flourish between the sticks. Was solid against Kingston but stood out against St Albans, thwarting the hosts on numerous occasions which allowed his side to go up the other end and pip the win.
RB: Josh Wilkins (Heidelberg United)
The fullback was as reliable as ever at the back for Heidelberg as Pascoe Vale struggled to be as prolific as usual this season. One particular goalsaving challenge on the unusually scoreless Davey van ‘t Schip was a particular standout moment.
CB: Tomislav Milardovic (Pascoe Vale)
Another nomination for Milardovic who again was a keg cog of the backbone. Managed to stand strong against the potent Heidelberg forward line, in particular making sure Kenny Athiu was well-covered.
CB: Michael Eagar (South Melbourne)
Has enjoyed a strong run in the XI of late and is returning to the form that many remember fondly. A second TOTW appearance in recent weeks for Eagar highlights this and was again a solid presence against Hume City, contributing to the clean sheet and made sure service to Boland was kept to a minimum..
CB: Brad Norton (South Melbourne)
It wasn’t an easy start to the season at South but both club and captain alike have enjoyed a three-game winning run. Norton was a big defensive contributor against Hume with his runs down the wing adding another dimension to the attack.
CM: Matt Cundari (St Albans Saints)
It’s an unusual situation in that we had no box-to-box/holding mids to choose from, rather more attacking mids, but nonetheless Cundari was one of the best in a losing side – he played his part however with a super goal (three of the team’s four goals this season) and a busy performance in the attacking half linking well with teammates.
CM: Dusan Bosnjak (Oakleigh Cannons)
This selection picks itself, really, with Bosnjak starring against 10-man Melbourne Knights with a hat-trick and a few assists to boot. Reminiscent of his 2016 form, the late onslaught was a massive result for Oakleigh in a congested mid-table.
RAM: Goran Zoric (Oakleigh Cannons)
Another contributor up front for his side in a match that eventually all went Oakleigh’s way. Added a goal and assist to the tally and was an able deputy for the all-dominant Bosnjak on the night.
LAM: Nick Krousoratis (Green Gully)
A prominent attacking display for Krousoratis who showcased some of his best work for Gully in the 3-1 win over North Geelong. Had a goal, assist and plenty of tricks up his sleeve.
RF: Wade Dekker (Green Gully)
We can use the ‘Double Dekker’ line again for the forward who added to his season tally with an early brace. Just missed out on a hat-trick after hitting the woodwork.
LF: Andy Brennan (Bentleigh Greens)
Brennan pounced on a loose ball in attack for his goal and also assisted Thurtell to unlock Avondale’s defence and propel Bentleigh back to the top of the table.
Substitutes:
Ryan Scott (Bentleigh Greens)
Bentleigh may have got the 2-0 win but Scott certainly had to earn his clean sheet with a number of important saves and involvements throughout the 90 minutes.
Stelios Konstantinidis (Kingston City)
Might have gotten lucky for his goal which went through the keeper essentially but it was just reward for Konstantinidis’ effort on the night – his speed and dribbling on the wing opened up opportunities for his side. Though we’re sure Kingston folk would also be calling for an ironic refereeing nomination.
Chris Cristaldo (Port Melbourne)
It was honestly tough to pick standouts in Port’s match against Kingston in a match that ebbed and flowed, but Cristaldo’s classy finish was characteristic of his ability and threat on the wing.
Leigh Minopoulos (South Melbourne)
A bright spark for South in his 70 minutes on the pitch, Minopoulos continues to prove his value to the South line-up with a cutting edge up front to create openings up front for his side.
Tom Matthews (Oakleigh Cannons)
A clean sheet – made easier with Knights having 10 men but they still showed plenty of attacking intent – plus an assist from right back sealed a solid night out for Matthews in Oakleigh’s backline.
Alex Caniglia (Green Gully)
One of Gully’s brightest sparks for Gully this season, Caniglia was involved in his team’s attacking build-up, which his teammates profited from, and was menacing on the ball.