The modern day fullback is ever evolving, with a lot of structures now shaped around the marauding, bombing runs from the wide defenders. Often the fittest players in a team, these players are tasked with the often unheralded task of sprinting up and down their respective flank to not only nullify any threat from their attacking counterpart, but to also contribute in their own attack on the overlap. These are some of the best of 2016, and you can vote below for your favourite via the polls below and also using the hashtag #NPLTOTS.
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Right Back
Nick Glavan (Melbourne Knights)
(Feature Image)
Glavan notched up a season of senior consolidation at Melbourne Knights after being released from Melbourne Victory’s youth side. One of the standouts in the side’s league and FFA Cup campaigns, he was recognised for his efforts by being called up to the player pathway award trials run by the FFA.
TOTW appearances: 3 (2 starts, 1 bench)
Jeremy Walker (Hume City)
The Tasmanian returned to Hume City after a stint in England’s lower leagues and proved why he has A-League pedigree with Melbourne Heart. His dynamic performances via combined defensive and attacking efforts made him an important asset for the Broadmeadows-based outfit.
TOTW appearances: 3 (1 start, 2 bench)
Josh Wilkins (Heidelberg United)
Not really a known quantity in Victoria prior to his arrival, but Josh Wilkins became highly rated by Heidelberg for his dependable performances at right back. Certainly caught the attention of many and was a mainstay of Heidelberg’s back four that all received plaudits throughout the 2016 campaign.
TOTW appearances: 4 (2 starts, 2 bench)
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Left Back
Les Doumbalis (Heidelberg United)
The longest serving current Heidelberg player notched up another full season at left back for his club. The loyal servant with over 100 caps for the Bergers popped up with a couple of goals to aid his side’s cause and was also voted in as TCF’s Player of the Month for August, a rare feat for a fullback.
TOTW appearances: 3 (3 starts)
Brad Norton (South Melbourne)
The left-back consolidated his reputation as one of the most talented attacking fullbacks in the league. An ability to push high and whip in a dangerous cross led to numerous assists and attacking opportunities for teammates. His efforts contributed towards another championship for South.
TOTW appearances: 4 (1 start, 3 bench)
Luke Pilkington (Bentleigh Greens)
One of the most solid defenders in the league, the former Football Superstar winner highlighted his worth for John Anastasiadis with a number of performances at centre-back in the absence of Ross Archibald due to injury. Played a key role in many of the club’s successes in 2016.
TOTW appearances: 3 (1 start, 2 bench)
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Honourable Mentions: Gonzalo Munoz (Pascoe Vale), Nick Symeoy (Avondale FC), Adrian Talarico (Pascoe Vale), Christian Cavallo (Melbourne Victory & Bulleen Lions)