GK: Melissa Maizels (Ashburton United)
Ashburton’s custodian helped her side immensely with a fantastic showing between the sticks. While Anisa Guajardo got a goal past the ‘keeper, the likes of Christy Zwolski, Demi Mihaloudis and Elise Mamanu-Gray could not, due to some excellent saves.
LB: Lucy Kapusta (Sandringham SC)
We’ve had to switch Kapusta to the left, but she was very competitive against the imposing De Vanna at right-back, in a rather intriguing tussle. Whilst she was finally beaten by a piece of magic, she certainly held her own against the Matildas captain.
CB: Penny Bakopoulos (Box Hill United)
With Casey determined to pull off a result at home, Bakopoulos frustrated the hosts with a sound defensive display that ended in a clean sheet. Helped thwart the Comets’ momentum with crucial involvements, also confident enough to carry the ball forward herself.
RB: Daniella Galluccio (Bundoora United)
A standout in Bundoora’s defence, Gallucia made a number of important interceptions on the night and kept Nicola Westwood accounted for on the left wing. Did well to then get the ball up the pitch and launch Bundoora’s forays forward.
LM: Briar Palmer (Ashburton United)
The Kiwi has been a handy acquisition for Ashburton late in the season, often running her wing with aplomb. The pace and delivery of the winger was largely on the mark, contributing to Cloepfil’s goal.
CM: Rachel Alonso (Bundoora United)
Finished with two assists at the end of the game, a clinical contribution from attacking midfield. Put in some nice passes, crosses with measure and poise that eventually got the better of Sandringham’s backline.
CM: Georgia Koutrouvelis (Box Hill United)
Koutrouvelis was her usual detirmined self in the middle of the park, seeing plenty of ball in transition as well as breaking up opposition attacks. An all-round performance in the heart of Box Hill’s midfield.
RM: Elise Mamanu-Gray (Heidelberg United)
A contentious choice, seeing as Mamanu-Gray was a substitute on the day. However, her impact was duly noted, as her energy, link-up play and goal sense troubled Ashburton during a classy cameo.
LF: Lisa De Vanna (Bundoora United)
She didn’t always have it her own way, but you’d expect the quality of a player with over 100 games international experience to shine through. And so it did, with De Vanna scoring a classy brace to contribute to Bundoora’s 4-1 over Sandringham.
CF: Joey Cartwright (Senior NTC)
The youngster was instrumental in the NTC’s win, scoring three of the team’s five goals on the day. Was a physical presence all throughout the game against the Cobras, who couldn’t contain her over the 90 minutes.
RF: Cristina Cardaci (Box Hill United)
The final spot in the side was down to Cardaci or Elaina Vatcky, who scored and was a persistent threat up the wing, but Cardaci just pips it for her very positive impact on the pitch, playing as the striker for the bulk of the game until Camilleri took over late in the second half. She was constantly involved in Box Hill’s build-up play, especially for the second goal.