Whether they’re the agile movers with lightning reflexes, part-time sweepers comfortable spraying passes from defence or the strong, uncompromising type that look to dominate their 18-yard-box, the ones in between the sticks have a crucial role in any good side. We pay homage to some of the best and bravest goalkeepers in the NPL.
***
John Honos (Oakleigh Cannons)
There was a time last season when Honos’ Oakleigh career was at a crossroards, with the 35-year-old not featuring in the latter stages of the club’s FFA Cup campaign. But the shot-stopper was recalled by Peter Tsolakis and Con Tangalakis this year and played a pivotal role in the side’s run that ended in the grand final. A reliable outlet between the sticks, one of the lingering memories of the custodian’s campaign was denying Archie Thompson in his Heidelberg debut.
TOTW: 7 (3 starting, 4 bench)
Griffin McMaster (Bulleen Lions)
The former A-League man became almost synonymous with Heidelberg United over the years, so it was a shock to see the keeper depart Olympic Village in 2016. The change of scenery, from a title challenging club to a league newcomer in Bulleen Lions, did no harm to his form, as he played a key role in ensuring the club’s survival in the top tier. Bailed the club out numerous times with match-saving displays that included some vital stops.
TOTW: 6 (3 starting, 3 bench)
Chris Oldfield (Hume City)
A beacon of reliability over what seems like forever in the league, Oldfield departed Hume City this season as the reigning FFV Goalkeeper of the Year. After coming from A-League trials this season the custodian helped his side to another campaign that led to FFA Cup finals and NPL finals appearances. Still in his mid-twenties, Oldfield maintained his reputation as one of the best keepers outside the A-League.
TOTW: 5 (3 starting, 2 bench)
Nikola Roganovic (South Melbourne)
(Feature Image)
In his second full season at South since his footballing comeback, he will go down as one of the club’s most important players in 2016. While South won the championship, there were periods throughout the campaign where the side’s form was glossed over by the man between the sticks, who would produce numerous match-winning displays. A season highlight was the double penalty save against Bentleigh, and his importance was highlighted in the grand final through his saves to deny Goran Zoric on multiple occasions.
TOTW: 6 (5 starting, 1 bench)
Ryan Scott (Bentleigh Greens)
Bentleigh have had a good run of young keepers, with Alastair Bray now followed by Scott to cement their places between the sticks in their early-twenties. It’s not easy for a young keeper to break through at any level, let alone at a club chasing many honors across many competitions. Yet Scott proved himself throughout the campaign, even during tougher periods when some mistakes were made. Given a vote of confidence from John Anastasiadis, he overcame these to finish strongly in the NPL while his season on other fronts is still yet to play out.
TOTW: 3 (3 starting)
Honorable mentions: Rani Dowisha (Green Gully), Fraser Chalmers (Melbourne Knights)
[polldaddy poll=9521835]