We’re past the halfway point of the women’s National League Championship now – so who have the outstanding performers been so far this season? We’ve dissected the stats, reviewed the footage to find out.

Our team of the month for October boasts a forward line that’s netted over 20 goals, a midfield that’s already seen someone step up to the ranks of the Wellington Phoenix, and a defence that attacks as well as it defends.

Who would your picks be?

Goalkeeper: Una Foyle, Canterbury United Pride

While the Pride may not be at the top end of the table this season like we’re so used to seeing, Una’s been a calming and consistent presence between the sticks to foil many an attempt on the Pride’s goal.

Right back: Arisa Takeda, Western Springs

The Springs right back is influential at both ends of the pitch. In the top 10 players for passes into the final third and third on the progressive passes charts, the marauding right back won last week’s Goal of the Week and boasts a two from two penalty record so far this season.

Centre back: Rebekah Van Dort, Eastern Suburbs

Eastern Suburbs easily has the league’s meanest defence. With an average of 15.52 recoveries per game, making just under 58 passes per game (with an 81% completion rate), it’s clear that Van Dort’s presence at the heart of that defence has something to do with it.

Centreback: Jana Niedermayr, Central Football

Ger past her if you can: Junior Football Fern Niedermayr boasts 2.7 blocks per game, and is a vital part of an often busy Central defence. She’s also lethal in front of goal, scoring a swivelling volley against Auckland United to earn a goal of the week nomination.

Leftback: Erina Wong, Eastern Suburbs

The Eastern Suburbs stalwart is another component of that stonewall Suburbs defence. Like all good  modern leftbacks, she’s a threat down the other end of the pitch, averaging over three crosses per game.

Centre midfield: Michaela Foster, Northern Rovers

Having moved to Auckland this year to play for Rovers after years of playing for Hamilton Wanderers (and helping the team to their first ever Kate Sheppard Cup final at the beginning of the year) has seen the former Junior Football Ferns captain’s game continue to go from strength to strength, with Rovers winning this year’s NRFL. Foster’s continued her form into the National League Championship, with goals and staunch performances from midfield. It’s no surprise that she’s been rewarded with a scholarship deal with the Wellington Phoenix for the upcoming A-League season.

Centre midfield: Rose Morton, Southern United

The Southern United captain has continued to lead by example for the 2021 South-Central Series winners in the middle of the park, leading the recoveries chart with an average of 20.07 per game, and is second on the defensive duels board, engaging in them an average of 14.36 times per game, winning 73% of them. Cross her if you dare.

Right wing: Renee Bacon, Capital Football

Having made the move from Southern United to Capital Football this National League season, the Waterside Karori player and W-League top goal scorer has slotted straight into the Wellington side’s right wing.

Left wing: Rina Hirano, Western Springs

She’s fifth on the golden boot running with six goals and three assists to her name, and has been tearing it up on Western Springs left wing this National League Championship. With an average of 3.4 progressive runs per game, she’s vital for keeping Springs moving forward as they chase a first national title.

Forward: Tayla O’Brien, Eastern Suburbs

Name a better duo than goals and Tayla O’Brien – we’ll wait. With 13 goals so far this season (or an average of 1.6 goals per game) and three second assists for the Lily Whites, the equation is pretty simple: if you want goals, call on Tayla.

Forward: Bree Johnson, Auckland United

Goal involvements have been something of a bree-ze for the Auckland United striker if we’re honest. She’s second in the golden boot race with nine goals (and just one of those goals is from the penalty spot), and has three assists to her name as well. Get in.

Article added: Saturday 05 November 2022