Media Select Team of the Season
Discussion – read, heated discussion – flowed between a number of the reporters across the NPL Victoria as we tried to flesh out what we believed was an XI that most fairly represented the league season gone by. In saying that, we rewarded teams who had a good season as 17 of our 18 selections played in a top-six side. Minor Premiers South Melbourne were well represented with five selections, as were NPL Victoria Champions Bentleigh Greens, who grabbed four.
Read More > 2015 NPL Victoria Fan-Voted Team of the Season
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GK: Chris May (Melbourne Knights)
Another fantastic season for the Knights’ Englishman custodian. Won a pile of league points off his own gloves and developed a handy knack of stopping spot-kicks. As dependable as they come between the sticks.
LB: Jake Halliday (Pascoe Vale)
The FFV’s Young Player of the Year impressed us with his balanced play down the wing which saw him link well with Matthew Lazarides and Luca Santilli down his flank for surprise packets Pascoe Vale. A top season for the Adelaide local.
CB: Jack Webster (Bentleigh Greens)
An absolute man mountain at the back for Bentleigh, he was arguably the most influential defender in season 2015 as he helped steer his side to a maiden NPL Victoria title with a number of commanding displays in defence.
CB: Tomislav Uskok (Melbourne Knights)
No matter where he played, you knew what you were getting with the Knights’ skipper. Brave, mobile but still quality in the air, Uskok did his defensive duties with no fuss, while his talent with ball at feet is also elite for this level.
RB: Tim Mala (South Melbourne)
One of the stronger defensive fullbacks in the league, Mala rarely is beaten in a one-on-one and contributed heavily to a stringent South Melbourne defence. Patrolled his flank with distinction and showed plenty of ability in more advanced positions also. We also thank you for your banter in 2015.
LM: Nick Epifano (South Melbourne)
The livewire winger lit up Lakeside for yet another season as he helped his A-League cause with a Players’ Player of the Year award on Gold Medal Night. Scored a number of stunning goals and continuously hurt opposition with his blistering turn of pace and rapid feet.
CM: Iqi Jawadi (South Melbourne)
The star midfielder can do it all, a crisp passer, great mover both on and off the ball and now a genuine goal threat, as he contributed a personal best six goals in a top-flight season. Lays strong claim to the title of league’s best midfielder.
CM: Nick Hegarty (Hume City)
That title however would be hotly contested by Hume’s ever-consistent Englishman Nick Hegarty, who shone in 2015 with his technical brilliance underpinning his sides success both locally and on the national stage. Elite user of the ball and has a penchant for beautiful goals.
RM: Joseph Youssef (Pascoe Vale)
Pascoe Vale’s influential captain and best-and-fairest winner Joseph Youssef squeezes in at right midfield in this media team, despite splitting duties in a free attacking role in the middle of the park. Strong on the ball, hard working and a classy finisher and crosser, Youssef’s contribution – including 12 league goals – went along way towards their sixth place finish.
ST: Milos Lujic (South Melbourne)
It’s difficult not to include a striker who claimed his third successive golden boot. Lujic did it without a regular strike partner as well and battled a rough patch following Andy Brennan’s departure, but managed to finish his chances when provided consistently throughout the season, finishing the year extremely strong.
ST: Daniel Heffernan (Heidelberg United)
After a start to the season curtailed by injury, Heffernan recovered to continue with the form that eventually earned him an A-League partnership. His partnership with Kaine Sheppard was the league’s most potent.
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Bench:
Chris Oldfield (Hume City)
Oldfield was his usual commanding self in another stellar season, vocally leading his backline to assure his side. While one game doesn’t make a season, those four consecutive penalty saves will undoubtedly go down in Hume folklore.
Luke Byles (Heidelberg United)
At times this season the Bergers’ defence looked unpenetrable and it was in no small part down to the commanding presence of skipper Luke Byles at the back, who consistently put in a number of solid showings. While Heidelberg looked tired towards the end of a long season, conceding a few more goals in the process, it shouldn’t take away from Byles’ fantastic season overall.
Michael Eagar (South Melbourne)
As part of Chris Taylor’s plans, Eagar started in holding midfield before injuries forced him to return to centre-back, where he performed his duties with minimal fuss. Even developed a knack for scoring vital goals towards the end of South’s season.
Luke Pilkington (Bentleigh Greens)
A sweet left peg, immense technical prowess and strong one-on-one defender, Luke Pilkington had a great season for Bentleigh Greens where he often went under the radar in regards to his importance on the team. Was a massive loss in the Grand Final despite their victory and narrowly ousted Brad Norton for the final defensive bench spot.
Tyson Holmes (Bentleigh Greens)
The ultimate proof of Holmes’ importance in a team is his ability to win the NPL with South last season, before going to Bentleigh and doing the same thing. One of the few genuine #10’s in the league to make an impact as profound as his, Holmes’ tally of assists and goals contributed immensely to his side’s success this season.
Liam McCormick (Bentleigh Greens)
Makes the list because of his persistence to first force his way into Bentleigh’s starting XI, then play so well to make himself undroppable. Whether in midfield or fullback, McCormick always put in a determined and tireless showing.
Matthew Breeze (Green Gully)
In a topsy turvy season for Gully, Breeze was perhaps the most regular contributor, providing goals and assists in abundance from his 21 appearances for the Cavaliers. Seven goals and a number of captivating performances in the final third sees him secure the final bench spot in the line-up.