The Corner Flag is back with the Team of the Season, rewarding the most consistent performers over the course of the WPL 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.
Today we present the goalkeepers, those relied upon to protect the goals from being encroached, who can change the course of a game with a single fingertip. They’re strong, vocal and commanding, but also display cat-like reflexes to pounce at the first sign of danger. They sometimes also think they’d make the best outfielder in the team, but if that were the case, they wouldn’t also be allowed to use their hands!
Pick the keeper that you believe has 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!
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In alphabetical order:
Melissa Barbieri (Box Hill United)
One of the saving graces of a tough season at Wembley Park was FFV Hall of Fame inductee Barbieri, who was her usual assured self for Box Hill this season. It was perhaps no surprise the team missed her while on World Cup duty, with her sharp reflexes and leadership to organise her defence both being invaluable assets between the sticks. A return of six clean sheets – and even a goal in a 20 minute stint in the outfield – was fair return for the recently retired Matilda.
Christine Fonua (Heidelberg United)
In a battle for a starting spot at Heidelberg United between the former FFV and current Corner Flag Goalkeeper of the Year, the former prevailed over the latter at Olympic Village. Fonua was in for the injured Kelsey Quinn, but made herself undroppable with a string of impressive performances. Commanding and confident, she was able to pull off clutch saves when called upon.
Melissa Maizels (Ashburton United)
Vocal, commanding and an all-round improved keeper since returning from W-League duties with Canberra United Melissa Maizels monopolised the number one spot at United with a number of assured displays in net. She provided the backline of Ashburton confidence in spades as they combined for the second highest amount of clean sheets in the league.
Bethany Mason-Jones (Bundoora United)
Another young keeper who has come on leaps and bounds in 2015, Mason-Jones has enjoyed the consistency of a full season in the WPL system under the tutelage of Mark Torcaso and Paul Kilpatrick. She’s found a new level to her game and developed fine shot-stopping skills to help her side to a league high 10 clean sheets for the year.
Teresa Morrissey (Senior NTC)
The teenager may just be the find of the 2015 WPL season as the official FFV Goalkeeper of the Year for 2015 Teresa Morrissey stunned spectators across the grounds with her displays of heroic keeping. Having been thrusted into the limelight after an injury to Erin Hudson, Morrissey grasped her opportunity with both hands – apologies – displaying an air of confidence often reserved for the most experienced of keepers. Her razor-sharp reflexes and strong distribution helped her side to six clean sheets for the season.
Select the ONE keeper you believe should make the Team of the Season below:
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