The Corner Flag is back with the Team of the Season, rewarding the most consistent performers over the course of the PS4 NPL Victoria campaign. In a new format, we’ll publish an article with two teams: our media select, along with a fan voted XI, where you select your standouts in 2015. Every few days we’ll post the shortlist for a particular position.
Whether on the defensive or attacking end of the midfield spectrum, these are the guys that make up the spine of the team. They either stop opposition attacks before the backline is troubled, get the ball to the forwards, score themselves, or all three! Heavy responsibility rests on the shoulders of a midfielder, and the below have proven themselves time and again this season.
Pick the three centre mids who you believe have stood out most this season via the link at the bottom of the page. You can vote once per day and make sure you share this around to ensure your pick makes the cut!
NPL Team of the Season: Goalkeepers
NPL Team of the Season: Centre-Backs
NPL Team of the Season: Fullbacks
NPL Team of the Season: Wingers
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In alphabetical order:
Jeff Fleming (Avondale FC)
The veteran’s experience was crucial in guiding Avondale through its first season in the top division. The hard nosed midfielder put in a number of assured performances to help his side earn survival with ease. Broke up opposition moves, won territory and possession, and shifted momentum in his side’s favour.
Andreas Govas (Heidelberg United)
The former Australian and Greek youth international was both flashy and solid in Heidelberg’s midfield since making the move from Oakleigh, putting in plenty of eye-catching contributions as Heidelberg embarked on an exciting run in the league and cup competitions. Long shots were his forte, making international headlines with some of his shots from distance.
Nick Hegarty (Hume City)
The inspirational captain has been one of the competition’s standout players for a number of years now, going from strength to strength again this season with a raft of brilliant displays in Hume’s midfield. Capable of doing damage from the centre or the wing, give him time on the ball and he’ll punish you, setting up teammates or scoring exceptional goals himself.
Tyson Holmes (Bentleigh Greens)
Creativity in the front third is Holmes’ modus operandi, and there was plenty of that on display from the attacking midfielder following his move to Kingston Heath from Lakeside. Provided plenty of sumptuous assists in 2015, but he’s just as capable of ghosting in and finishing off a chance as he is of setting up teammates.
Iqi Jawadi (South Melbourne)
If there was perhaps a dimension lacking from Jawadi’s game last season, it was the ability to find the back of the net from midfield. He’s added that to his repertoire this year, scoring six goals to firmly entrench himself as an A-League candidate. Was a crucial part of South’s table-topping and Dockerty Cup winning runs, playing every game of the NPL Victoria season. He’s technical, quick, and always hungry to have the ball at his feet.
Liam McCormick (Bentleigh Greens)
Fought to firstly win a place in the Bentleigh starting XI, then made himself undroppable with a number of stirling performances in the middle of the park and across the backline. It was the hunger and desire to impress John Anastasiadis that saw McCormick put in tireless performances and score some impressive goals. Ultimately rewarded for his endeavour with an NPL Victoria title.
Jack Petrie (Heidelberg United)
Often unheralded, but rarely puts a foot wrong, Petrie may be one of the most underrated players in the pack. He tends to fly under the radar, but his consistency and efficiency in midfield in winning the ball, stopping the opposition attacks and helping maintain the tempo of a game with his passing helped teammates around him perform their roles easier.
Troy Ruthven (Bentleigh Greens)
Don’t be fooled by his blonde, surfer looks, the Queenslander is a tough nut in midfield. Always dangerous with an ability to win challenges, distribute neatly and pop a shot every now and then, he was a crucial cog in John Anastasiadis’ title winning machine. Capped off a stellar season with a wonder goal in the Grand Final to set his side on its way to victory.
Marcus Schroen (Hume City)
The tireless midfielder kept getting better as the season wore on as he returns to regular game time after a number of shocking knee injuries over the years. Was a bright spark in Hume City’s forward third, netting seven times from 22 starts and adding some more dazzling Cup displays.
Joseph Youssef (Pascoe Vale)
The Pascoe Vale captain was a bright spark in Pascoe Vale’s attacking midfield, ending up the club’s top scorer with 11 goals. His intent was matched by his execution, with his piercing passes and clinical finishing causing headaches for many opposition defences. It was perhaps no surprise that Youssef’s career best form coincided with his club’s barnstorming run towards finals.
Select up to THREE midfielders you believe should make the Team of the Season below:
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