Five NPL Victoria stars have earned recognition in the Football Federation Australia’s official ‘Team of the FFA Cup Round of 32’, making the squad off the back of some standout performances in the nation’s premier knockout competition.
Hume City pair Marcus Schroen and Nick Hegarty were selected in the squad for their heroics against the Brisbane Strikers, while there was also love for South Melbourne’s attacking fullback Brad Norton, Heidelberg United striker Dan Heffernan and Oakleigh Cannons youngster Jake McLean.
Marcus Schroen fills the number 10 role for his goal scoring exploits against the Queensland based team, where he scored twice to equalise for Hume on two separate occasions.
Also on the scoresheet was his skipper Nick Hegarty, selected in the holding midfield role for his wonderful array of passing and classy opening goal.
READ MORE > In numbers: How Hegarty helped Hume triumph
The pair exchanged their time in the two midfield roles, with Schroen starting deeper of the pair, before being unleashed further up the field in the second half.
South Melbourne’s vice-captain Brad Norton was selected in a left wing position due to his dominant display in their attacking half, despite falling in penalties to Palm Beach Sharks.
One of the most accomplished crossers of a ball in the league, Norton put an array of clever deliveries into the box, and helped South apply the stops on a Sharks outfit that looked second best for much of the contest.
The next Victorian representative selected in the squad was Dan Heffernan who was a constant threat in Heidelberg’s 3-1 win over the Broadmeadows Magic.
His night’s work was called short after just over an hour as he was substituted for Kenny Athiu, but that wasn’t before scoring his side’s third goal, which ultimately sealed the contest for the Bergers.
After progressing through to the Round of 16 on penalties, Jake McLean was the Oakleigh Cannons player selected on the FFA Cup All Stars bench for his shift in midfield.