Caroline Springs George Cross defender, Michael Tzoutzidis has been named the New Balance NPLM Victoria Player of the Month for July after receiving the most votes from the commentary team following an undefeated run of form in Rounds 19-22.
Currently sitting in seventh and pushing hard for a spot in the finals, the Georgies enjoyed a big 1-0 home win over Melbourne City. As well as three draws against St Albans Saints Dinamo, Heidelberg United, and league leaders Oakleigh Cannons. This unbeaten run was in no doubt inspired by Tzoutzidis stand out performances.
To be recognised, as the player of the month is “quite humbling” said Tzoutzidis, speaking to Football Victoria.
“It’s a privilege to be able to win this award, this league is stacked with so many players of the highest calibre and the league is as competitive as it’s ever been.
“There have been quite a few players that have been in some amazing form over the past month as well who could definitely consider themselves unlucky to not win it.”
Tzoutzidis gave credit to both his Caroline Springs coaches and teammates for his recent strong performances.
“It would come down to the surroundings and the platform the club have provided to not only myself, but the entire playing group. The coaches have given us the confidence and backing to go out and be the best versions of ourselves, they have done a great job of getting the maximum out of each player.
“Playing alongside some of your best mates off the field has gone a really long way as well; we’ve been able to build a special environment and a culture around the club in which we can thrive.”
Tzoutzidis has been in excellent form, helping his side stay unbeaten throughout July despite tough fixtures both home and away.
“It would definitely have to be down to the work rate from the entire squad. Over the past month we have had some extremely difficult fixtures that have each presented unique challenges for us to overcome.
“Playing against very direct and aggressive playstyles and some of the best ball playing sides in the competition we had to endure large spells without possession, but as long as we kept our discipline and were prepared to work hard for one another we were able to get a result out of all of these fixtures.”
As a centre back, Tzoutzidis prides himself on the defensive aspects of the game and is without a doubt satisfied with the incredible defensive work from both himself and his team.
Most notably keeping back-to-back clean sheets these past two rounds against Heidelberg and Melbourne City.
“To see the way the entire team has been defending is something that I have been incredibly proud of. We’ve done such a great job of defending our 18 yard box, especially the last two weeks keeping clean sheets against two sides of the highest quality.
“Hopefully we are able to maintain the same levels of energy as we approach what will be a season defining final month for us.”
Looking ahead to the rest of the season, Tzoutzidis has made it clear he has one goal in mind.
“We have put ourselves in a tremendous position after 22 rounds. The playing group and the coaching staff have worked tirelessly to get to where we are now.” He said.
“Our last four fixtures don’t get any easier, however if we keep following our principles and sticking to the way we play, we will give ourselves the best possible opportunity to achieve our target of playing finals football.”
Tzoutzidis is adamant, “irrespective of how the results play out” wherever the Georgies find themselves after Round 26, “[they] gave everything [they] had.”
Caroline Springs have a tough run home for the last fixtures of the Senol NPLM season, playing two of the current top three in Avondale and Hume City, as well as Altona Magic before finishing the season at home against South Melbourne.
It won’t be easy to secure a finals spot, but The Georgies will have their best chance if Michael Tzoutzidis can keep up his excellent run of form.