They carry the weight of expectation on their shoulders, but it doesn’t phase the very best forwards, who must count mental strength as a huge part of their respective game styles. Tasked with the biggest responsibility in football – sticking the ball in the back of the net – the forwards are smart, cunning and can manipulate the space in front of them to create openings for themselves and teammates to get on the score sheet. We praise the goal scoring exploits of some of the NPL’s finest.
***
Kenny Athiu (Heidelberg United)
(Feature image)
Athiu’s breakout season in the top flight saw him emerge in the shadows of Dan Heffernan to cement his starting spot and score goals regularly. His pace, athleticism, height and killer instinct made him unstoppable at times. Was his side’s talisman up front to great effect.
Liam Boland (Green Gully)
Continued with his good form since signing mid-season in 2015 and making a brilliant first impression at Green Gully. Tall and imposing but with a technical ability that isn’t often associated with an out-and-out striker, he netted every other game while also providing assists. Had a penchant for scoring the incredible, including from set pieces.
Braedyn Crowley (Northcote City)
The former Newcastle Jet arrived before the mid-season window at Northcote but it seemed as though he had been there for ages, settling in seamlessly and hitting the ground running. The undoubted highlight was a five-goal haul against Melbourne Knights on his way to 13 goals. His form earned him another A-League gig, signing with Melbourne City.
Dimi Hatzimouratis (Oakleigh Cannons)
Oakleigh went into the 2016 season with a mostly back-to-the-future front third, alongside the addition of Hazimouratis who replaced the enigmatic Mirjan Pavlovic. Hatzimouratis linked well with the likes of Bosnjak, Piemonte and Zoric to take his tally to 15 while also providing plenty for his teammates. All that from a player who still in 2013 featured at right-back for South Melbourne.
Chris Lucas (Bentleigh Greens)
On track for a bigger tally before struck down by injury, Lucas’ absence in the run home was telling as Bentleigh lacked that spark up front. His pace and ability to get in behind defences caused chaos for oppositions which still couldn’t figure him out in his second season at the club.
Milos Lujic (South Melbourne)
Another Golden Boot for Lujic made him the league’s top goalscorer for the fourth consecutive time, a truly remarkable feat. With 27 goals to his name, Lujic consistently popped up to put away crucial strikes to help South on their way to the title. He even scored from outside the 18-yard box!
[polldaddy poll=9533487]