GK: Teresa Morrissey (Senior NTC)
Pitted up against one of the league’s in-form strikers in Cortnee Vine, Morrissey had a brilliant game for the NTC to help them secure a first clean sheet of the season. Did her role as a sweeper-keeper to perfection, having to deal with a large number of long balls in behind the defence.
RB: Victoria Argyropoulos (South Melbourne)
The youngster has started the season in fine form, re-adjusting to life in the top-flight of Victorian football, having originally got her break at Caulfield United Cobras. The defender played at centre-half last week but returned to her more accustomed fullback, where she provided ample threat in an attacking sense from her flank.
CB: Amy Jackson (Alamein FC)
Jackson will have a big task ahead of her in replacing the loss of American recruit Amy Marron, who has departed Alamein to take up a coaching role at St. John’s University in her home nation. The midfielder played at the heart of defence and and was one of Alamein’s leading performers as they went on to earn a clean sheet and three points against Bayside.
CB: Antonia Niteros (South Melbourne)
One of the unsung heroes in South Melbourne’s seamless transition into the NPLW, Niteros was one of the best afield in their 3-1 win over former side Southern United. The commanding centre-half provided leadership from the back and was effective in stifling her opponents and keeping their opportunities to a premium.
LB: Dani Gudelj (Calder United)
It was a strong attacking performance from Gudelj, who provided thrust and width from a left wing back role. She also helped her side to a clean sheet by keeping her side of the park relatively quiet, rarely beaten one-on-one across the 90 minutes.
CM: Caitlin Doeglas (Alamein FC)
With the majority of the contest against Bayside United spent in the middle of the park, Doeglas found herself in amongst the thick of things in a hotly-contested tie, which in the end tilted the way of Alamein. The Perth Glory midfielder was instrumental in ensuring they escaped with a snatch-and-grab victory.
CM: Claudia Fruscalzo (Calder United)
With Emma Meckfessel’s season over and MelindaJ Barbieri not yet ready to line-up, Fruscalzo in midfield against Bulleen, where she provided plenty of energy to spark her Calder teammates into action. She shielded the back line as a first form of defence and was solid in her distribution to her more creative teammates.
LW: Caitlin Pickett (Galaxy United)
The first of two Galaxy United players in the starting XI, Pickett continued her brilliant opening month of football with arguably her finest performance of the season. The winger made a nuisance of herself and scored twice in the first half to help set up a fourth win of the season for Galaxy United.
LF: Melina Ayres (South Melbourne)
A fourth-consecutive brace has catapulted Ayres to the top of the Golden Boot standings and South to third on the NPLW ladder. Her impact this time helped account for Southern United, who were no match for her deft finishing. Not only that, but it was perhaps her finest all-round performance of the season, with her link-up play brilliant throughout.
RF: Francesca Iermano (Senior NTC)
The youngster proved a constant thorn in the side of Heidelberg United, with the youngster capitalising with a first goal of the season to put the NTC ahead. Took a wonderful threaded through ball from Kyra Cooney-Cross into her stride before applying a delicate finish below the dive of Katie Neville.
RW: Kariah White (Galaxy United)
White continues to impress for the ladder-leaders and, like Pickett, it was a two-goal haul that helped her side claim the points against Box Hill United. She chipped in with a well-weighted assist for Pickett’s opener before going on to score a goal in each half.
Bench:
Christine Fonua (Southern United)
While her goal was breached three times in a losing side, Fonua put in an assured display of shot-stopping to claim the bench spot over other strong performers this weekend in Molly-May Ramsay, Katie Neville and Ingrid Phillipe.
Rachel Binning (Calder United)
What hasn’t been said about the commanding Calder centre-back? Her aerial dominance helped restrict Bulleen chances with the ball above ground, while on deck, she was equally up to the challenge with a smart display of defending. A well deserved clean sheet was her reward.
Mari Pastor (Alamein FC)
In a game of very few chances, it took a calm head to deliver the visiting Alamein a late winner against Bayside United. Pastor proved the difference at Kingston Heath.
Kristina Hall (Box Hill United)
It was a trademark performance from Box Hill’s blue-chip midfielder, who has been one of the form players in the competition for the month of March. Hall was busy and put herself about to assert her dominance in the engine room, but was unable to prevent the juggernaut of Galaxy United from rolling on.
Natalie Martineau (South Melbourne)
Two assists from midfield marked a good display from South stalwart Nat Martineau, with the Canadian showing her vision to lay on goals for Melina Ayres and Caitlin Greiser. Only the offside flag denied her a goal of her own.
Kirstie Shearing (Bayside United)
Was industrious in a losing side as the luckless Bayside slipped to a fourth defeat of the season. They’ve showed heart and desire this year, with their captain Shearing epitomising this trait in a tireless performance.
Melanie Camilleri (Box Hill United)
Grabbed Box Hill’s first goal and was the outlet they looked to utilise in their chase for a share of the points. Although they went down in the end, Camilleri’s performance was one to stir hope for future fixtures.