Team of the Week, presented by Bunnings Warehouse – Round 7

Sydney FC stole the show in Round 7, claiming a pair of victories to extend their perfect record and close on the their first Premiership in a decade – but which players made the week's best XI?

The race for Finals Series place was also hotting up these weekend, as Adelaide United dropped points in a 2-2 draw against Western Sydney Wanderers, while Melbourne Victory claimed a 4-2 win against the Newcastle Jets to steal a march on fourth place.

But who made the cut for this edition of the Westfield W-League Team of the Week, presented by Bunnings Warehouse? Read on to find out.

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Goalkeeper

Jada Whyman - Sydney FC

Whyman was an impenetrable force between the sticks for Sydney FC against Melbourne City, pulling off a string of commanding saves to keep her sheet clean, allowing Sydney to win the game down the other end with two second-half goals.

An eye-catching stop in the first half was the pick of Whyman's four saves at AAMI Park. Westfield Matildas ace Alex Chidiac could have put City ahead but the Sydney stopper pulled out a brilliant block, rushing off her line and engulfing the shot as she sprawled at Chidiac's feet.

The former Wanderer had little to do as Sydney cruised past Canberra United 4-0 on Monday but made several commanding claims for the ball as the Sky Blues kept their fourth consecutive clean sheet.

SAVE: Whyman out quickly to deny Chidiac

Defenders

Natalie Tobin - Sydney FC

Tobin's defensive assurance and offensive prowess made her a threat at both ends for Sydney FC in the club's wins over Melbourne City and Canberra United.

She dispatched a thunderous header into the back of the net in the 75th minute of Sydney's win over City before turning in a peerless defensive performance to keep out a red-hot Canberra United side on Monday night and maintain the Sky Blues' record of just one goal conceded from six matches this season. 

GOAL: Tobin rises highest to score Sydney sealer

Charlotte Mclean - Sydney FC

Matches against City and Canberra were sure to test Mclean and Sydney's defensive resolve in Matchweek 7 but it was a test both player and club passed with flying colours. 

It is now four consecutive clean sheets for the Sky Blues, who have not conceded a goal since Tara Andrews scored for Newcastle Jets on January 8. The 20-year-old has barely put a step wrong when called upon in her three appearances this season.

Angela Beard - Melbourne Victory

Although Beard's Victory did switch off twice to allow two Newcastle goals in Sunday's 4-2 win, the Victory defender was still one of the best on ground and arguably the most influential player for Jeff Hopkins' side.

Beard made a game-high 77 touches and created three chances, including picking up the assist for a corner that left Newcastle defenders in a daze and allowed Claudia Bunge to head home. At the back, Beard made four interceptions and three clearances. 

Midfielders

Cortnee Vine - Sydney FC

Sydney's energetic winger ran rings around the defenders of City and Canberra in two non-stop displays of forward pressure.

Vine won nine duels, completed five tackles and created three chances against City, including an assist created through Vine's pure determination to outmuscle Emma Checker and send Remy Siemsen in on goal.

And against Canberra, the Sydney speed machine was close to unstoppable for the visiting defence and got a deserved goal.


Sarah Hunter - Western Sydney Wanderers

Hunter's first two Westfield W-League goals came in the same game as the 17-year-old arrived in the box from midfield to score twice past Adelaide United 'keeper Sian Fryer-McLaren and seal a point for the Red and Black.

The midfielder showcased impressive positioning to find herself in the right place at the right time on two occasions to sweep home two cut-back crosses from either flank to equalise twice for the Wanderers.

GOAL: Hunter on hand again to secure her brace

Teresa Polias - Sydney FC

The competition's all-time appearance holder is really winding back the clock this season. Polias turned in two more vintage displays of midfield mastery for Sydney in their victories over City and Canberra.

Polias continues to wreak havoc among opposition defences with the quality of her distribution, particularly from set-pieces. Her sense of positioning has been outstanding, constantly mopping up danger in front of the back four and helping Sydney spring forward. 
 


Dylan Holmes - Adelaide United 

A goal to remember highlighted the performance of Adelaide United midfielder Dylan Holmes, who played a major role in the Reds' 2-2 draw with the Wanderers.

Holmes created two chances and enjoyed a 100% tackle rate throughout the contest, venturing into attack from midfield to score a delightful chest and volley which gave her side a 2-1 lead in the second half.

GOAL: Holmes chest and volley put reds back in front

Kyra Cooney-Cross - Melbourne Victory

Another impressive display from the talented young Australian international, who continues to be the driving force in Victory's bid for Westfield W-League silverware.

Cooney-Cross tallied her second goal of the campaign thanks to an expert finish across the keeper and created four goal-scoring chances on an afternoon the Navy Blue underlined their top four ambitions.

Forwards

Remy Siemsen - Sydney FC 

Four goals in three games have Remy Siemsen firing on all cylinders once more after a frustrating start to the 2020/21 Westfield W-League campaign.

She scored the sealer against Newcastle Jets in Round 6 before putting the Sky Blues ahead against City in Round 7, coolly slotting home a neat pass from Vine to send Sydney on their way to a statement win over the Champions.

Against Canberra, Siemsen fired in two poacher's goals to fire Sydney seven points clear atop the ladder. 

GOAL: Siemsen nets two in two to put Sydney ahead of City

Melina Ayres - Melbourne Victory

Two excellent goals from Ayres spearheaded Victory's 4-2 win over the Jets and helped the Melbourne club back in the top four. 

The young forward's all-round game against Newcastle was to be savoured – tidy in possession, creative with the ball and deadly accurate when the visiting Jets gave Ayres the opportunity to unleash her very handy left foot.
 


ROUND 7: Westfield W-League Save of Round 7 – Jada Whyman 
ROUND 7:
Westfield W-League Goal of Round 7 – Rhianna Pollicina 

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This article was originally published on the Westfield W-League website.
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