The matter of the mid-week game and how that skews the TOTW continues to be a point of discussion at TCF, with the mid-week game certainly providing Box Hill with the chance for redemption and they took it well – surprisingly there were not many cumulative picks for the side, and most based on that NTC showing alone.
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GK: Emily Kenshole (Galaxy United)
Promoted from the 18s side, one mistake aside, the youngster continued her progress in seniors. She was lauded for her performance between the sticks, which saw her be solid throughout – couldn’t do much about the second goal either. Her save off Maddie Richardson’s free kick especially was impressive.
RB: Annabel Martin (Galaxy United)
Yet another showing that highlighted why she’s been picked for international honours. Has really seen an attacking side flourish to her game this season, and given free reign to roam forward, her delivery led to the first goal while she also scored the second to send Galaxy on their way against Box Hill.
CB: Maddie Richardson (Box Hill United)
Picked in particular for her showing against the NTC, Richardson was in full flight and ensured the youngsters had no easy route on goal. Also picked up an assist to make for a top individual performance and erase the club’s memories of a disappointing game against Galaxy.
LB: Jaimee Williams (Box Hill United)
While she was deployed only late in the contest against Galaxy, Williams put in a buoyant 90 minutes against the NTC in which she constantly sprinted up and down the touchline all night gave everything for her team.
CM: Jamie Brown (Bayside United)
The chief destroyer against Calder United, Brown scored twice to propel her side to an impressive victory against the league leaders. The first showed good instinct to pounce on a rebound, while the second was a powerful, long range drive from distance that was worthy of the winner.
CM: Keely Lockhart (Bulleen Lions)
While many of her teammates got the plaudits for their destructive attacking displays, Lockhart was an important link in midfield that ensured the ball was won in midifeld countless times and moved forward with purpose. Full of energy and industry, Lockhart’s shift was tireless.
CM: Kelsey Hodges (Alamein FC)
While Alamein had a tough day out against Southern, they got over the line eventually and it was Kelsey Hodges who made the main difference. An assist and goal ensured she was involved in both the equaliser and winner to help Alamein keep the pressure on the top two.
RF: Lia Privitelli (Bulleen Lions)
Privitelli displayed all the array of trickery and precision that has seen renewed calls for a W-League shot. She left her defenders often completely bamboozled on Monday and her delivery led to two goals in a destructive display.
CF: Em Coppock (Bulleen Lions)
It’s a unique skill in the women’s game, but with another two thumping headers, Coppock is the league’s specialist when it comes to aerial goals. Made the most of good service to put Heidelberg to the sword and give them plenty to think about ahead of the Team App Cup final.
CF: Elaina Vatcky (Box Hill United)
The forward scored a double to give her side a commanding victory over the NTC – the first strike especially impressive. Vatcky also added a late assist as well to put the finishing touches on a productive night out.
LF: Melina Ayres (Alamein FC)
Another game, another goal for Ayres, who extended her lead at the top of the Golden Boot race. Did well to score against Southern with a well-timed volley to connect with a long diagonal ball from Hodges.
Substitutes:
Ingrid Philippe (Bayside United)
Coming up against one of the league’s most potent attacking forward lines, Philippe had to up to the occasion, and she certainly was. While there was little the keeper could do about the goal, she did make one particularly crucial save and was generally comfortable and commanding in her area.
Dani Gudelj (Bulleen Lions)
Unlucky to miss on a starting spot, Gudelj got proceedings off to the ideal start against Heidelberg when her cross was put away by Coppock. She then netter early in the second half to add to her goalscoring involvement in the contest.
Lulu Al-Huneidi (Galaxy United)
Another successful game for the mid-season recruit, Lulu Al-Huneidi did well to follow in her initial looped header to score the rebound. A tricky forward to deal with, she showed good awareness and showed she just knows how to score.
Danielle Galluccio (Southern United)
Picked out as one of her side’s best on the day, Galluccio was noted for her endeavour at left back to ensure her wing was protected from the threat of Alamein’s intimidating forward line. Did well to frustrate her opponents for periods of the contest.
Alice Burke (Senior NTC)
Playing at left back for her first senior game, Burke acquitted herself very well against the free-flowing Box Hill forward line. She certainly didn’t look overawed in her stint on the pitch, putting in a solid showing.
Emma Heckenberg (Box Hill United)
A cumulative pick, Heckenberg scored in both games and also provided an assist against the NTC. A couple of very busy outings across the midfield and forward line.