The Corner Flag is back with the Team of the Season, rewarding the most consistent performers over the course of the Women’s Premier League campaign. In a new format, we’ll publish an article with two teams: our media select, along with a fan voted XI, where you select your standouts in 2015. Every few days we’ll post the shortlist for a particular position.
This time round, we have the fearless few that often put their team and the result ahead of their own physical wellbeing. Of course, we’re talking about the centre-backs who take to the field shouldered with the responsibility of helping keep the ball out of the net. They are for the most part an eclectic mix of strength, defensive nous, leadership ability and organisational skills. Some are elegant ball players, others look to relieve the pressure by adopting a safety first approach, but as long as the ball stays out of the net, they’re doing their job.
Pick the two centre-backs that you believe have stood out most this season via the link at the bottom of the page. You can vote once per day and make sure you share this around to ensure your pick makes the cut!
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In alphabetical order:
Rachel Binning (Casey Comets)
While it was a largely disappointing season down at Comets Stadium, Binning was one the shining lights at centre-back. Despite only two wins this season, most of Casey’s defeats weren’t blowouts, and it was largely in part due to Binning’s solid displays at centre-back. Strong, commanding and good in the air, the youngster can hold her head high for her year.
Emma Checker (Ashburton United)
While Checker was the only defender to win a Player of the Month accolade, it’s hardly fair to say she’s exclusively a defensive-minded player. She showed such a zest to carry the ball out of defence to help out Ashburton’s forwards that coach Sinisa Cohadzic eventually had her play in defensive midfield. The team really missed her deep into finals, lacking that conviction in the centre of the park. A real leader despite her young age.
Sienna Fogarty (Sandringham SC)
Another one that fits the leadership mould, Sienna Fogarty enjoyed a stellar campaign in the unfamiliar position of centre-half for Sandy in what was a relatively tough season for the Bayside based club. She carried herself with distinction and made a number of timely interceptions and showcased her aerial ability, duties she perhaps wasn’t too well known for before this year. Of course, her distribution from the back was first class, as was her set-piece taking when on duties.
Lisa Fonua (Heidelberg United)
The embodiment of consistency, you always knew what you were going to get from Fonua. She hardly put a foot wrong this season, contributing weekly shows of strength and courage. A commanding presence, Fonua had the ability to completely shut her opposing forward out of the game on occasion. A great, uncompromising old-fashioned defender.
Alex Gummer (Boroondara Eagles)
While Gummer played all accross the back four and in midfield this season, we’ve found her a spot at centre-back for the nominations. The recently announced Adelaide United signing was serviceable anywhere when called upon finding the right balance of defensive solidity and attacking prowess, including a penchant for a long shot every now and then, scoring five goals in the WPL.
Sky Jensen (Boroondara Eagles)
While the back four at Boroondara always shifted around due to availability or injury, Jensen was the one constant at centre-back. Often flying under the radar behind some of the team’s attacking stars, Jensen’s contribution was also invaluable, helping her side concede the lowest amount of goals with composed performances at the back every week.
Gulcan Koca (Bundoora United)
The Melbourne Victory mainstay showed all her W-League experience in the WPL. As a player that is just as adept at playing in attack as she is in defence, her primary role at centre-back for Bundoora was underscored by her comfort in playing the ball out of defence. Contributed to one of the league’s most miserly defences that kept the most clean sheets.
Select the TWO defenders you believe should make the Team of the Season below:
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