In a unique month in the NPL2 West, much of the top six had an unproductive time to say the least. It left the door open for Whittlesea to go undefeated, beating Thunder and Kingston in the process, and really stamp their title/promotion credentials. However, most of the movement has come from the lower echelons of the table, with all of Werribee, Sunshine, and Bendigo only losing twice between them this month – Bendigo going undefeated. Regardless of the calibre of opponent, it’s made for an interesting month in the West and the TOTM nominations have reflected that.
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GK: Rob Munday (Bendigo City)
A penalty save along with other good performances has seen Munday been one of the most consistent performers between the sticks in the past month. Has played an important role in his side’s undefeated run.
CB: Naum Sekulovski (Whittlesea Ranges)
It’s not that Whittlesea haven’t been conceding goals – they have, but at the same time they’ve been outscoring most of their opponents. It’s the calmness on the ball under pressure and ability to make a crucial interception from the experienced Sekulovski or clearance that has kept Whittlesea in games and made sure they haven’t conceded more.
CB: Ryan McGuffie (St Albans Saints)
In a time of turbulence, given the turnaround in playing and coaching staff at Dinamo, McGuffie has been one constant who continues to put in an important shift at the club. Despite his centre-back position, three goals in the past month takes him equal third most for the month of any club – seeing the captain play an important role at both ends of the pitch.
CB: Dillon Maikousis (Bendigo City)
Bendigo have enjoyed an undefeated month in June, in the process conceding only five goals, cutting the average from nearly 3.5 goals conceded to almost only one a game. Along with the good form came high profile draws against Dandenong City and Box Hill United, and a clean sheet against Bendigo City – central to this has been Maikousis at centre-back, who has put in regularly solid showings.
DM: Sam McCall (Sunshine George Cross)
A midfield linchpin, McCall has contributed both defensively and going forward in his midfield role. With the ability to intercept a pass and get the ball moving, he has provided a couple of assists as Sunshine enjoyed a good month bar the last game against GVS.
CM: Josh Knight (St Albans Saints)
The former West Brom youth and Richmond SC man has also been another St Albans player to continue to perform at a high standard throughout a time of uncertainty at the club. His contributions in midfield have led to numerous goal assists and a goal against Dandenong City, and kept the points ticking over.
CM: George McHeileh (Bendigo City)
The captain has been an inspirational leader for Bendigo especially in the last month as results have picked up. His commanding presence in the middle of the park has ensured the midfield has kept functioning in bringing together the front and back third. Also scored the winner against Murray.
AM: Atilla Ofli (Whittlesea Ranges)
One of the easiest picks we’ve ever had to make. Hat-tricks against GVS and Kingston, a double against Thunder. Ironically, his lowest tally of the month was a single against Nunawading, meaning just a casual 12 goals for the month. Continues his run of TOTM picks and has almost single-handedly propelled his side to the top of the West table.
FW: Chris Cristaldo (Melbourne City)
Given Phil Petreski’s departure, Cristaldo remains as one of the senior members of the NPL squad and his performances have reflected his status, playing his part in most games as the club overcame defeats against Thunder and GVS to trounce Eastern Lions and also defeat Springvale. Scored in three of those games and provided his usual attacking prowess.
FW: Shaun Weaver (Werribee City)
The mid-season acquisition has hit the ground running at Werribee, adding four goals in as many games in June to be the second highest scorer in the division. His strikes came in pairs, with braces against Werribee and Murray United. A good introduction to the league.
FW: Hernan Arredondo (Sunshine George Cross)
Another mid-season signing, Arredondo has provided a bright spark alongside the forward line for Sunshine, scoring three for the month. While those goals have come against Nunawading and Murray, who aren’t world beaters, his addition has nonetheless helped Sunshine ensure their recent run has seen them pick up 9 of a possible 12 points.
Substitutes
Osman Kose (Moreland City)
One of the busier players for Moreland City in recent times. Having started the month with two defeats, two wins against decent opposition in GVS and Box Hill have followed. Was on the scoresheet in the game against the former and has been a potent threat on the wing.
Zach Ahmad (Werribee City)
Officially promoted in the mid-season, Ahmad has regularly been in the votes recently as nominated by his club. He was one of the players genuinely unlucky to miss out on a starting XI. One of the most consistent performers in midfield despite results, helping his accrue seven points for the month.
Matthew Thorne (North Geelong Warriors)
Singled out most weeks for being a standout during a tough run for NGW, Thorne can hold his head high as one of the club’s best performers. Didn’t feature on the scoresheet during the month, but worked hard to create opportunities from the wing and
Nic Gonzalez (Sunshine George Cross)
Another of Sunshine’s mid-season signings to make a positive impact since joining the club, Gonzalez has been busy in the front third, scoring twice and getting involved in many forays forward, proving to be a handful both on and off the ball for oppositions to cope with.
David Younan (Bendigo City)
A bright spark in Bendigo’s forward line, which isn’t always the most prolific, but nonetheless had a more productive month than usual. Never afraid to take his man on, Younan has been one of his side’s main attacking outlets, and added his goal of the season to his tally.