We had nominations from left, right and centre for Round 17, resulting in a seven player extended bench.
Three Boroondara players make the cut after they brushed aside Box Hill 3-0, whilst a hat-trick from Tiffany Eliadis leads a trio of South girls who put five past Bundoora.
Monbulk’s draw with Bulleen was the surprise pack of the round as Rangers keeper Marika Kamoda grabs a spot in goals after a man-of-the-match performance, falling agonisingly short of victory and a clean sheet.
Jess Pitts and Kendra Jones both earned lone nominations for their side in a weekend full of stellar individual performances.
Formation 3-5-2
GK: Marika Kamoda (Monbulk Rangers)
It was an incredible display between the posts from the Monbulk keeper, saving shots with her hands, feet and even head. Kamoda was fast off her line, commanded the back four, distributed in fantastic fashion as she almost single-handedly maintained a point for her side.
RB: Kristin Stensholt (Sandringham SC)
While she’s played most of her football at right-back this year, Stensholt played most of her night on the left side of defence before moving central. The defender fits the bill perfectly as a full back in our flat back three. Just missing out on left back, the defender read play well as Cairnlea never looked dangerous.
CB: Leah Barrett (Boroondara Eagles)
Technically sound with a great ability to read the play, Barrett edges out fellow centre back Alex Gummer in our Team of the Week. Deployed as a more traditional centre half, Barrett’s strength, tackling, intercepting and distribution was all on show as her side maintained a clean sheet in a 3-0 victory over Box Hill.
LB: Marianna Anthony (South Melbourne)
The quiet achiever for South on the weekend, you only realise how solid she was at left back when you try to remember just how effective Padiki Dade was. She limited Dade to hopeful crosses, and made sure the winger had a road block to bypass.
RM: Elaina Vatcky (Sandringham SC)
Covered a lot of territory out wide and then central on Monday night. The winger by trade provided an assist with a well executed corner as she was amongst the thick of the action for majority of the night. Had a number of strikes on goal, but was unable to find one for herself.
CM: Natalie Martineau (South Melbourne)
A great performance in the centre of the park, Martineau completed her brace just after the hour mark with two clinical finishes. Her work rate was phenomenal admits Bundoora’s possession, preventing the hosts from breaking down their opponents.
CM: Ash Callaghan (Boroondara Eagles)
Backing up Team of the Week selection for consecutive weeks now, Callaghan’s contribution was immense in winning the midfield battle. Always presenting and option and rarely missing the target, she’s proven to be a valuable asset for Fil Simao’s side. Also knows how to put in a decent cross.
LM: Ellen Turner (Boroondara Eagles)
The third Boroondara representative to feature in the first eleven. With back-to-back selection in the Team of the Week, the winger is in some fine form, finding the back of the net and had Box Hill looking over their shoulders for most of the afternoon.
CAM: Jess Pitts (FFV U17 Girls)
A rampant first half performance earned the youngster the votes on Saturday afternoon. Two goals – either side of the break – not to mention a cracking strike to hit the woodwork, the attacker had a huge impact as NTC wrapped up the three points.
ST: Kendra Jones (Heidelberg United)
Described as “unbelievable” up front her Heidelberg on Sunday afternoon. Contributing with her side’s first after 15 minutes with a host of chances following, the American could have had a hat-trick, only matched by some impressive shot stopping.
ST: Tiffany Eliadis (South Melbourne)
The forward bagged a hat-trick and also provided and assist as South put five past Bundoora on Saturday afternoon. Three deadly and quality finishes coupled by a great cross for Martineau to bury in her side’s fourth, it was top notch performance by the 18-year-old.
Substitutes:
Laura Croft (Casey Comets)
The midfielder turned goalkeeper literally kept (pardon the pun) the scoreline respectable for Casey, even to the extent of keeping them in the game as Heidelberg were well on top. A series of fine saves right up until the dying stages proved to be an impressive feat by Casey’s skipper.
Alex Gummer (Boroondara Eagles)
Defensively can be compared to David Luiz minus a certain World Cup semi-final performance. Defends on the front foot, quick to close defenders down and surges forward at any given opportunity. A valuable signing for PSG… I mean Boroondara.
Tessa Sernio (Bulleen Lions)
Bulleen’s skipper rallied her team and was vocal throughout as she never yielded to the pressure. The midfielder pushed forward, dropped back and finally broke down Monbulk’s defence when it looked as if it wouldn’t give way.
Jesse Kotsikas (Ashburton SC)
Grabbed some votes despite her team falling short on the weekend. It was an all round complete performance by Kotsikas as a standout for Ashy.
Emily Coppock (Bulleen Lions)
The number ten was only on for an hour but demonstrated her worth with some promising runs. The forward’s work rate was superb as she ran herself into the ground!
Emma Runnalls (Sandringham SC)
Perhaps the unluckiest omission from the starting line up, Runnalls bagged three votes which included a brace from two well taken headers, displaying her aerial threat.
Elly Curo (Bundoora United)
A focal point for Bundy having scored an opportunistic tap in following an error on behalf of the keeper, Curo toiled hard up front for her side and tried her best to ensure Bundy were maintaining their game plan. Enza Barilla was the other standout for Bundoora and is unlucky to make the cut.
Thank you as always from Andrew Bishara (@_andrewbishara), Bryce Clayton, Shaun Moran (@moranshaun) and The Corner Flag’s Jordan Lim (@JordanLim24) for their recommendations.