The NPLW Victoria was rolled out to much fan-fare in 2016 and in it’s inaugural season, has delivered in its promise to foster a more competitive womens top-flight competition. Nine teams slogged it out for 24 games plus finals as Calder United claimed a league double to establish themselves as the powerhouse of the competition. In full retrospect of the 2016 season, we honour some of the best performers of 2016 in The Corner Flag’s Team of the Season, which you can have your say in by voting via the polls below and using the hashtag #NPLWTOTS.
The modern day fullback is ever evolving, with a lot of structures now shaped around the marauding, bombing runs from the wide defenders. Often the fittest players in a team, these players are tasked with the often unheralded task of sprinting up and down their respective flank to not only nullify any threat from their attacking counterpart, but to also contribute in their own attack on the overlap. These are some of the best of 2016.
NPLW Victoria Team of the Season: Goalkeepers
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Right Back
Annabel Martin (Galaxy United)
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Martin’s whirlwind year continued following her W-League selection, as a full season there was followed by a Grand Final run at Galaxy in the NPLW, culminating in a best on ground performance despite the loss. Her improvement continues, having further sharpened the attacking element to her game from fullback this state season which led to numerous goals and assists by bombing forward from defence. Her bravery is second to none in the league and covers considerably more ground than most.
Stacey Papadopoulos (Calder United)
“At the start of the season on a pre-season trip to Tasmania, Stace came up to me and asked honestly, how am I going to fit into this team?” Told Calder coach Mark Torcaso.
A string of injuries before the start of the season just so happened to open up a berth at full-back. One practice game later, and Papadopoulos had the answer to her question as she was converted from the front third to the back third to dazzling effect. Transitioning seamlessly into a wing-back role, her forays forward were still the hallmark of her season and the the cornerstone of Calder’s title success.
Hayley Richmond (Senior NTC)
Richmond continued her development in her second year in the Senior NTC system with another solid campaign, proving to be adept on both sides of defence. Handled herself with aplomb when coming up against big-name opponents, which should bode well for the future.
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Left Back
Liv Ellis (Bulleen Lions)
The young fullback’s stocks continue to rise after a year in which a W-League berth with Melbourne City was followed by Young Matildas selection based on her form with the Bulleen Lions. Rarely beatable on the left side, her all-round ability was also highlighted by a wonder-goal against Calder United.
Anita Les (Alamein FC)
Similar to Papadopoulos, Les was utilised as a fullback after previously featuring higher up the pitch for Caulfield United Cobras in the 2015 WPL campaign. Stepping up to a higher-calibre of standard, Les cemented her place in the side and contributed on all fronts for Alamein.
Tyla-Jay Vlajnic (Calder United)
The ever-reliable and calm Vlajnic provided more of the form that has led to her being one of the premier left-footers in the league. Comfortable with the ball at her feet and able to whip in a wicked set-piece, she again showed why she has had W-League experience in the past.
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Honourable Mentions: Emma Littlewood (Box Hill United), Holly Richardson (Alamein FC), Sadie Murphy (Galaxy United), Molly Burke (Senior NTC)