WPL Team of the Week Round 15

by Sean Ellicott 0

We were gifted this week as 25 goals fell in an action packed weekend that saw two sides claim victory via a five goal margin.

Casey Comets bagged a total of six against Boroondara whilst on Monday night, Bulleen notched up five of their own with both side’s having three players earn selection.

Four Sandy players also find themselves in Round 15’s Team of the Week as they completely dominated through the middle of the park over Ashburton in their 3-0 victory.

Monbulk and Box Hill however fought out a dour affair with two Rangers defenders impressing as well as a trio of South players also grabbing a spot after their 4-2 victory over Heidelberg on Monday night.

Formation 4-4-2

GK: Anna Lanning (Boroondara Eagles)
It wasn’t a great week for the keepers, Lanning included but Boroondara’s shot stopper earns selection after  grabbing some votes against Casey on Sunday evening. She may have been at fault for one of the goals but Lanning literally saved Casey from further embarrassment, reducing a potential cricket score.

RB: Natalie Doolan (Monbulk Ranges)
Was a standout on the right side of defence as her side fought out a goalless draw against Box Hill on Friday night. In a sound defensive display, Doolan put in a solid performance, beating a few right backs for this weeks selection.

CB: Amelia Pegg (Monbulk Rangers)
Pegg was essentially the marshal at the back for Monbulk who contained Box Hill’s attack on Friday night. Dealing with every loose ball, the centre half controlled everything in defence, picking up a few votes along the way.

South Melbourne Women's FC v Sandringham SC; Sportsmart WPL Round 14; 19 July 2014.
South Melbourne Women’s FC v Sandringham SC; Sportsmart WPL Round 14; 19 July 2014.

CB: Alex Cheal (South Melbourne)
The defender was nominated as one of South’s best at the back over the weekend. Cheal was also threatening in the air, particularly via set pieces whilst thwarting a number of Heidelberg’s attacks.

LB: Isabella Scott (FC Bulleen Lions)
Preferably deployed as a right back, the defender nevertheless grabs a spot on the left side of defence, slightly edged out by Doolan for her preferred spot. Reliable and consistent, Scott also did well in her forward half as the full back also attributed a special nomination from coach Bobby McGuinness at full-time.

RM: Eleni Fakos (FC Bulleen Lions)
Was simply outstanding out wide on Monday night as Cairnlea just couldn’t contain the the lively forward. Netting a well taken goal of her own, the teenager teed up plenty of opportunities for her team mates as her pace, control and touch was mesmerising.

CM: Natalie Martineau (South Melbourne)
The infuential midfielder was instrumental in centre of the pitch on Monday evening, tallying a total of three assists for her teammates. It’s staggering to think that it could have been more if it weren’t for some sub-par finishing.

South Melbourne Women's FC v Sandringham SC; Sportsmart WPL Round 14; 19 July 2014.
South Melbourne Women’s FC v Sandringham SC; Sportsmart WPL Round 14; 19 July 2014.

CM: Sienna Fogarty (Sandringham SC)
Best player on the pitch as Sandy wrapped up a comfortable three points over Ashburton. Fogarty broke up the play well, distributed to perfection and was a main reason why Sandy did so well. Pulling the strings deep within the midfield, she also scored a neat header to open the scoring on Monday night.

LM: Elaina Vatcky (Sandringham SC)
Just about on par with Tanti on Monday night, Vatcky was another standout. Industrious on the right flank, matched by a number of deliveries into the box, the winger was best linking up in a series of quick 1-2’s. She at times sat through the middle rather than out wide but all in all contributed heavily to the win with a late goal.

ST: Tayla Vlaeminck (Casey Comets)
The lively forward was nominated for the three votes as Casey smashed Boroondara Eagles 6-1 on Sunday evening. Vlaeminck scored an excellent goal early on in proceedings and applied constant pressure on the Eagles defence as she looked dangerous on the ball during a great performance.

ST: Emily Coppock (FC Bulleen Lions)
Bulleen’s hat-trick hero was simply terrific on Monday night, even grabbing a late assist. The forward also received some special praise from McGuinness, bringing her team mates into the game as well as taking her chances with an air of class.

Ashburton Women's SC v Bulleen Lions Women's FC, Sportsmart WPL Round 2, 6 April 2014.
Ashburton Women’s SC v Bulleen Lions Women’s FC, Sportsmart WPL Round 2, 6 April 2014.

Substitutes: 

Steph Tanti (Sandringham SC)
An exceptional performer for Sandy, Tanti was deployed in an advanced midfield role, most notably playing a few lovely diagonal deliveries. The midfielder also grabbed an assist for the opener, her precise free-kick finding the head of Fogarty.

Laura Spiranovic (South Melbourne)
The forward proved to be a handful all night for Heidelberg’s defence, bagging a brace which could have easily been extended upon with all the opportunities that fell her way.

Angela Durston-Ryan (Casey Comets)
The forward bagged herself two goals and partnered up well with Vlaeminck during Casey’s 6-1 rout of Boroondara. Durston-Ryan additionally created a multiple opportunities and took her chances well.

Annabelle Gibney (Sandringham SC)
The fourth Sandy midfielder to feature in the TOTW. Gibney broke up play well along side Fogarty and scored a magnificent solo goal, dribbling through two defenders on the left wing before hitting home at the near post.

Brittany Dudley-Smith (Casey Comets)
An accomplished perforce up front by Casey’s striker, netting her only goal after 21 minutes as she helped Casey along to a devastating 6-1 victory on Sunday evening.

Thanks to Andrew Bishara (@_andrewbishara), Teo Pellizzeri (@teopellizzeri), Bryce Clayton and our Corner Flag staff for their expert opinions.