Oakleigh Cannons winger Lebib Lebib has been named the New Balance NPLM Victoria Player of the Month for April after receiving the most votes from the commentary team across Rounds 8–10.
The 22-year-old said he was humbled by the recognition and is beginning to feel at home in Victoria following his off-season move from Kingsway in Western Australia.
“It really is a privilege, it feels really good,” he said.
“Coming from WA, I’m just trying to make everyone back home proud. For the commentators to recognise that I have the capability to go out there and perform means a lot.”
Lebib’s standout performance came last weekend against Bentleigh Greens, where he was judged best afield and scored his first goal for the club.
“In that game, Alex Salmon was ruled out with injury and then Cam McGilp went down, so there was a lot going on,” he said.
“I’ve been wanting to play on the wing, so I was really happy to get that opportunity and show I’m more effective there for the team. Scoring my first goal made it even more special.
“That game definitely stood out the most. If not that one, then the Hume game as well, because we came from behind to win and it put us in a really good position on the table.”
Since arriving at Oakleigh, Lebib has quickly settled into life at the club and is enjoying working under senior coach Chris Taylor.
“The transition to the Cannons has been super easy,” he said.
“CT’s football is a bit old school, it’s about suffocating the opposition, being patient and creating chances when they come.
“The club has been very welcoming since I arrived. It was a bit tough at the start, but once the season began, everyone really brought me in.
“It’s a great mix of older and younger players. It’s a very family-oriented club, everyone looks after each other.
“People around the club are starting to recognise me and take care of me, which is really nice, especially not being from here.”
Oakleigh now turn their attention to an away clash against bottom-placed Green Gully, who are still searching for their first win of the 2026 season.
“I think it’s going to be a very tough game,” Lebib said.
“We’re second on the table and coming up against a team at the bottom, and those are always tricky.
“You can’t go into it thinking it’ll be easy because you don’t want to be the team they get their first win against.
“There’s a lot to play for with how tight the table is. It’s away from home as well, so it won’t be easy, but I back us to get the job done.”