Five NPL Victoria representatives were recognised for their performances during the FFA Cup with selection in the competition’s All Stars team.
The side was unsurprisingly dominated by Hume City players, with four representatives – Marcus Schroen, Theo Markelis, Chris Oldfield and Nick Hegarty – selected in the side, while Oakleigh Cannons had one representative – Matthew Foschini.
Only one other NPL player, Toufic Alameddine from Rockdale City Suns, made the side, highlighting Victoria’s supremacy in the competition.
Foschini – in defence – along with Schroen and Markelis – in attack – were selected as starters in the side.
Schroen made headlines with a late strike that helped Hume City seal a come-from-behind triumph in its Round of 32 fixture against Brisbane Strikers.
His last contribution for the club came in the defeat in against A-League Champions Melbourne Victory, with his move to former national heavyweight South Melbourne now recently confirmed.
Teammate Theo Markelis also made the starting line-up in attack, having contributed five goals throughout City’s campaign as a wide forward.
Another former Victory player, Matthew Foschini also made the squad as a defender, albeit his most telling contributions came in defensive midfield, where he marshalled his side’s engine room to a run that ended in agonising defeat against Hume City.
On the bench, Chris Oldfield – who has previously attracted A-League interest – stamped his potential to play at a higher level with an outstanding display against Victory, where he produced a number of top saved to deny his opponents early.
He then fell victim to a Berisha penalty, with the two late goals in the 3-0 defeat coming about moreso due to the side’s lack of condition through being two months into a league off-season.
At the heart of his club’s barnstorming run was Nick Hegarty, with the inspirational captain contributing a number of consistent and dangerous performances throughout the tournament.
With four squad members in the side, Hume City had the equal highest representation alongside Perth Glory (four players) and Melbourne Victory (three players and coach).
Full squad can be viewed here.