- dem12345
- Youth Academy
- Joined: 24 Nov 2006
- Posts: 591
- Location: Melbourne, Aus
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 Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2007 10:26 am |
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Goalkeeper: Michael Theoklitos, Victory
Eight clean sheets in 17 games is a stat that tells its own story – even though
he was helped by a fine defence in front
of him. Cool and assured, at 25 he could yet return to Europe, and put pressure on the contenders ahead of him for a Socceroo spot.
Right-back: Jade North, Jets
I prefer North as a centre back, but he’s equally adept at full back. North has been a calming influence in a Jets defence that, at times, has looked flimsy. Like Theoklitos, he’s just 25, and could fulfil his dream of playing overseas and securing a more regular international place.
Left-back: Alex Wilkinson, Mariners
Like North, more adept at centre-back, but I didn’t want to leave him out. Rarely misses a game through injury or suspension – and rarely misses a tackle either. He can play too – and footballing defenders are always good to have. What price him being the next Mariner to go to Europe, following in the footsteps of Messrs Beauchamp and Heffernan?
Centre-back: Rodrigo Vargas, Victory
A gem unearthed by Ernie Merrick in the VPL, Vargas has pace, can tackle, and his distribution isn’t bad either. The understanding between him, Leijer and Piorkowski – forged at the Melbourne Knights – was formidable. Mark Rudan and David Tarka had good seasons too for their clubs, but none were as good, week-in week-out as Vargas… the round 21 game against Newcastle excepted!
Centre-back: Mark Milligan, Sydney
All class, all season for Sydney FC – apart from his late brainstorm against Adelaide. Millsy is developing into a fine centre-half who could serve the Socceroos well for years to come. His reading of the game is superb. His partnership with Mark Rudan was a standout in a difficult season for the champions.
Defensive midfield: Kevin Muscat, Victory (Captain)
The hard man of Australia still struck fear into the opposition with his biting tackles and constant backchat – but also for his sublime passing. One journalist labelled him the “Picasso of the Perceptive Pass”. A natural choice for skipper of this side. I’d have liked to have put his team-mate Grant Brebner alongside him for an outstanding year, but that would have meant leaving out my next choice…
Attacking midfield: Nicky Carle, Jets
Simply the most gifted player in the competition. In the early part of Version Two, Carle was over-elaborate in his play, and in danger of sinking in a Jets team that couldn’t win a chook raffle. But under Gary van Egmond, Carle and the Jets lifted their game, and the fans purred over his tricks, flicks and wonderful link-up play with Milton Rodriguez.
Right midfield: Fred, Melbourne
Fred was the best of Victory’s Brazilians by a mile, and formed – along with Allsopp and Thompson – a much-feared attacking line. His capoeira celebrations allied with his talents made him a very welcome addition to the league. Has anyone checked his passport? Isn’t Fred an Australian name?!
Left midfield: Jason Spagnuolo, Adelaide
“Spags” was just sensational in his debut season. There aren’t many rookies who have the confidence to dribble and beat experienced defenders, but Spagnuolo did, again and again. He set up many a goal, and if he could take a few chances himself he’d be the complete package. Not sure about the mullet though!
Striker: Danny Allsopp, Victory
In his first season, Allsopp looked ponderous and short of confidence – but wise old Ernie saw something we didn’t, stuck with him, and boy was he right! As powerful as a cruiserweight boxer and lightning quick, Danny boy banged in the goals as frequently as Shane Warne took wickets. However, unlike Shane, Danny – who didn’t pick up a booking all season – is the kind of nice boy any girl could take home to her mum.
Striker: Archie Thompson, Victory
The perfect foil for Allsopp. Thompson didn’t grab as many headlines as he did in version one, but he scored more goals. The only criticism of Archie I have is that I’m not sure even he knows just how good he could be. His razor sharp instinct for goal was rekindled after his disappointing spell in the Netherlands. Maybe Archie is just a home boy - and I’m sure Melbourne fans will be glad about that.
Subs:
Danny Vukovic (Mariners), Matt McKay (Roar), Leo Bertos (Perth), Dario Vidosic (Roar), Nathan Burns (Adelaide)
Coach: Gary Van Egmond, Jets
A bit harsh on Ernie perhaps, but what “Dutchy” achieved in a few short months was nothing short of phenomenal. The Jets as a team – and a club – are virtually unrecognisable from what seemed to be a hopeless case in early season. |
Good team
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