With no draws and each game coming out with some form of result in March, whether it be a late and great winner, or a thrashing. It meant some tough choices to make, given the really fluctuating form of most sides, with only Whittlesea claiming the full nine points in three games. It also meant plenty of attackers caught the eye, with defences suffering as a consequence.
***
GK: Luke Gallo (Whittlesea Ranges)
A second consecutive appearance in a month where keepers were a bit harder to come by. Only conceded the two goals in three games and was tidy when called upon.
RCB: Nathan Long (North Geelong Warriors)
The North Geelong defender has been solid in defence, but also full of energy in contributing a lot in attack, getting up and down the right flank with aplomb.
CB: Naum Sekulovski (Whittlesea Ranges)
The veteran has hit the ground running this season and was part of each of his side’s three wins in March. Provides that leadership at the back which has been missing in the club’s early seasons of the NPL.
LCB: Daniel Tinker (Ballarat Red Devils)
While it’s been a topst-turvy three games for Ballarat in March, Tinker himself has had a great few games. Has been dangerous in attack and very solid defensively.
CM: Corey Thomas (Moreland City)
For one reason or another, Moreland have had a number of senior players missing from their squad throughout March, which has affected their results on the pitch. One constant has been Welshman Corey Thomas, who has provided a booming box-to-box presence in midfield. Played at right back against Brunswick City in a display of his versatility.
CM: Michael Anderson (North Geelong Warriors)
It’s been a fruitful month for the central midfielder, who not only has netted twice in the last two games, but has provided a strong link between defence and attack with his running and passing.
CM: Phil Petreski (Melbourne City)
As one of the most senior players in the side, Petreski’s performances come with the reliability and consistency that one would expect of him. Therefore, his second TOTM appearance comes as no surprise. Added a second goal of the season in a big win against Moreland Zebras.
RAM: Matthew Cundari (Whittlesea Ranges)
Dangerous on the right side of midfield, Cundari scored against Bendigo and has provided plenty of attacking threat to help the Ranges on their way to amassing 10 goals in three games.
LAM: James Papadimitriou (Moreland Zebras)
The young forward picked up where he left off last season, adding three goals in three games, including a brace against Murray United and another goal against Werribee in Round 3. Is now the joint top scorer at the Zebras.
ST: Atilla Ofli (Whittlesea Ranges)
While most of the attention has been on Osmancevic’s hauls at Dandenong Thunder, Ofli’s own tally of five makes him one of the standouts players of the month, and takes his overall tally to eight for the season. Has been continualy banging in the goals to help propel Whittlesea to the top of the West.
ST: Barry Devlin (St Albans Saints)
Fancy seeing Devlin feature as a centre forward, but that’s where the defender-turned-midfielder-turned-striker does his damage for St Albans nowadays. The team needed his trademark header to bail them out against Nunawading, and he also scored against Ballarat, taking his tally to three for the month.
Substitutes:
Apai Ukuno (Moreland City)
Was in similar mould to Ofli with two braces in two games, before international duty came calling, ruling him out of the Round 5 contest against Brunswick. His absence was telling as Moreland City lost that clash. Sits on seven goals and has scored in every game he’s played.
Chris Cristaldo (Melbourne City)
Two goals in his last month have taken the attacking midfielder for three to the season. Provides that constant spark in his side’s front third.
Stefan Baricevic (Whittlesea Ranges)
A goal against Sunshine and overall tidy and efficient displays in middle of the park saw Baricevic noted for his contribution towards his side’s form.
Joey Monek (St Albans Saints)
Another solid month which yielded a goal and many involvements in goalscoring opportunities, helping St Albans to two wins and a narrow defeat.
Matthew Thorne (North Geelong Warriors)
Has provided a regular attacking outlet in North Geelong Warriors’ front third, able to tee up a teammate or beat the keeper himself.