In a tough round for TOTW picks, Alamein FC’s Jekyll and Hyde results in both of their fixtures (winning one convincingly and losing the other) highlighted the struggles in coming up with an XI for the week. Box Hill were undoubtedly the big winners after knocking Bulleen off the top of the table.
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GK: Emily Shields (Box Hill United)
In a weekend with not many standout goalkeepers nominated, Shields was again her usual solid self to marshal her backline – confident in the air and along the ground, it was the type of commanding performance that would have left Bulleen doubting if they could ever beat her in goals.
RCB: Elly Torre (Heidelberg United)
Commended by her coach for her performance, Torre ensured Bayside for the most while had their opportunities on goal restricted to a minimum, providing a solid outlet down her side amongst the back four.
CB: Maddie Richardson (Box Hill United)
One of her most telling contributions via a goalline block to deny Em Coppock when it was 2-0, and otherwise cut out plenty of attacks and offered a threat at set pieces with some good deliveries into the box, capping another impressive performance for Box Hill.
LCB: Tyla-Jay Vlajnic (Calder United)
Vlajnic defended well against the Southern attack, dealing well for the most part with their potent forward line. Also created lots of opportunity at left back by winning balls and putting in tantalising crosses for her teammates.
CM: Sarah Cain (Senior NTC)
Had the assist for Kyra Cooney-Cross’ goal and put in another impressive shift as a player who continues to grow her profile. After a number of defence-splitting passes in NPLW, Cain took the good form to the NTC Challenge where her eye for the killer through ball played a big role in getting selected in the week-long tournament’s select squad.
CM: Emily Hulbert (Box Hill United)
Hulbert’s outing was epitomised by winning her head-to-head battles in midfield and scoring a goal. She was very busy and industrious by moving the ball out of the defensive half or launching attacks from the middle third.
CM: MelindaJ Barbieri (Senior NTC)
Ran riot against Alamein, covering heaps of ground in midfield and playing a massive role both defensively and going forward. Rewarded with a brace and gave Alamein’s new recruit Kelsey Hodges in Alamein’s defence a tough initiation onto Australian shores.
AM: Annabelle Gibney (Alamein FC)
A chief destroyer against Galaxy United, Gibney was at her devastating best in front of goal, netting twice and providing a constant threat in the front third, especially benefiting from linking with the forwards.
FW: Jaymee Dudley (Bayside United)
It’ll be all about that goal, with Dudley getting her side back in the game with a wonderful effort on the bounce from an angle that left Melissa Barbieri stranded in goals. Worked hard in general to link with the likes of James and the returning Harbis in a different-looking Bayside forward line.
FW: Larissa Crummer (Alamein FC)
Absolutely sliced open Galaxy’s defence with a goal and a couple more assists to highlight her array of talents up front. The Matilda kept her opponents on their toes throughout the contest and barely gave them a moment’s rest with or without possession.
FW: Rachel Alonso (Calder United)
Netted two goals to continue her impressive goalscoring form and toiled hard to create other chances, and could have had another goal or two if it weren’t for some misfiring shots. A typically menacing performance.
Substitutes:
Teresa Morrissey (Senior NTC)
On track for TOTW starting berth but left the game at the hour mark per NTC plans. However, her hour prior to departure saw her maintain a clean sheet, moving well with good hands to keep the likes of Emma Runnalls and Melina Ayres at bay – both of whom regularly tested the shot-stopper.
Hannah Ryan (Heidelberg United)
Unlucky also not to make the starting XI, Ryan formed part of the Heidelberg midfield that was able to turn the pressure on Bayside especially when going in for the kill late in the contest, playing teammates into dangerous areas and maintaining a high level of energy despite the side’s recent taxing run of fixtures.
Enza Barilla (Calder United)
Did lots of work in the midfield, winning balls and moving it quickly – a vintage Barilla performance which provided the key to unlocking her opponents’ defence, and helped Calder back to the top of the ladder.
Brittany Dudley-Smith (Southern United)
One of Southern’s most threatening players, Dudley-Smith again was an attacking outlet that gave her team a lifeline with a goal and proved to be a standout as usual for Southern as the club continues to improve with her inclusion.
Melina Ayres (Alamein FC)
A cumulative pick. Given Gibney and Crummer didn’t play in the week’s second fixture against the NTC, Ayres did score in each fixture, providing a consistent contribution for Alamein.