Without actually looking at the history of NPLW TOTW, this may be one of the first times we have every team represented, with many close encounters and worthy contributors all-round.
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GK: Emily Shields (Box Hill United)
The goal Shields conceded may have been a literal freak of nature, with the wind carrying a lob up high into her goals, and there were the usual troubles from both sides in playing out from the back. However, two crucial saves ensured Southern were denied three points deep in the second half.
RB: Stacey Papadopoulos (Calder United)
Yet another sound performance by Papadopoulos. Ensured her wing was avert to the threat posed by Alamein, and her telling contribution was a mazy run that resulted in a late penalty, which Rachel Alonso dispatched.
CB: Anouk Meereboer (Southern United)
A hard working shift at the heart of Southern’s backline alongside captain Antonia Niteros that stemmed the flow of goals which had hampered the side in recent weeks. Did well to mop up any danger with some important challenges and interceptions.
CB: Emily Dolzan (Bulleen Lions)
Shut down pretty much everything that came her way, ensuring Bayside had no easy route on goal. And so it was that the one goal conceded was from a six-yard box scramble.
LB: Liv Ellis (Bulleen Lions)
A usual solid performance at left back from the youngster, who gave very little away defensively while showing her usual penchant for getting forward and contributing to her side’s attack.
CM: Kirstie Shearing (Bayside United)
Having scored three times in two games, Shearing makes the Team of the Week for her efforts in both games. While it didn’t always go her and Bayside’s way, Shearing showed great determination to help her side’s performances in a busy week, and at least a point transpired after she inspired a comeback against NTC.
CM: Jess Tay (Galaxy United)
Another mature performance from Tay, who did her job whenever called upon. Equally adept in midfield and at the back, she was required in both positions and was one of her team’s standout players on the day.
CAM: MelindaJ Barbieri (Senior NTC)
Rated as one her best performances of the season by her coach, Barbieri again showed the potential she possesses in abundance with another game that ended in a cracking goal and a generally fluent attacking display.
RW: Steph Galea (Heidelberg United)
One of the Bergers’ more dangerous players, providing a regular threat and creative outlet on her wing. Kept the Galaxy opposition busy with her ability to run at defenders and put in dangerous deliveries.
ST: Leigh Gray (Heidelberg United)
Her recent blistering form was continued against Galaxy United. It wasn’t quite another a hat-trick, but it was a telling contribution with a goal and another clinical shift in the forward line.
LW: Aneta Komijat (Galaxy United)
Her work rate up front in attacking midfield was as high as ever, buzzing around her wing to get the ball and creating goalscoring opportunities. It paid off with two late goals for the team and a hard earned point.
Substitutes:
Enza Barilla (Calder United)
The bright spark after being subbed on, Barilla’s introduction literally yielded a goal one minute later. The super-sub of the week helped her side turn the one-goal deficit into a late, one-goal win.
Harriet Cordner (Alamein FC)
Earning plaudits from her coach for her performance, with the two goals conceded by the team not entirely reflective of Corner’s efforts at the back to stifle Calder’s attacking options.
Kristina Hall (Box Hill United)
One of the most comfortable players in possession, Hall’s ability to carry the ball, pick a pass and dictate tempo – particularly in the first half – was achieved with her usual confidence and swagger. Scored with a well-taken low effort as well.
Emma Robers (Bayside United)
Noted particularly for her game against Bulleen, Robers came up against the likes of Pollock, Sernio and Friend in midfield and competed with distinction – which hints at her W-League potential in the future. Was very prominent and combative, and while the passing was not always the finished product, the signs are good.
Natasha Dakic (Southern United)
It wasn’t the complete package, but Dakic’s endeavour on the right side of defence saw her make some big challenges and show a dogged determination to win the ball and even get forward a bit.
Isabella Sewards (Senior NTC)
Another in the emerging/encouraging performance section of TOTW, Sewards only played around 65 minutes of the contest, but her impact was telling when Bayside scored twice after her substitution. Her role in defensive midfield was highlighted by a dozen pass interceptions and a rate of about 9/10 success rate when going for 50/50 balls.