In the weeks leading up to the conclusion of the WPL regular season, The Corner Flag is taking the opportunity to let you decide who makes up the Team of the Season for 2014. Each week from now we’ll put up a poll in which you can vote for who you think should make the cut as the best performers of the season to date.
For the second week of voting, we’re showcasing the best stoppers in the league. Whether they’re bustling full-backs – running the flank like an elevator with their dazzling pace and energy – or a commanding, brutish centre-back whose aerial ability is second to none, we’ve picked the best of the lot for selection.
Again don’t forget to place your votes via the poll at the end of the article to ensure the defenders you think have stood out get the nod!
Left-back
Angie Rassias (Heidelberg United)
A stoic defender, Rassias does her job for the Bergers with minimal fuss. Winning duels this year against the likes of Padiki Dade and the like, the former South full-back has once again starred in a Heidelberg defence that’s kept eight clean sheets this season. Add to that an astounding five goals for the season and you have an accomplished defender who’s had a fantastic year.
Starting XI selections: 3 (Rd 1, 10, 14)
Olivia Ellis (Bulleen Lions)
“Watching her play, you’d never tell that she was that young,”
– Bulleen coach Bob McGuinness
An experienced head on such young shoulders is Olivia Ellis as the teenager once again failed to disappoint in a wonderful year for Bulleen. She unfortunately missed her side’s cup final win on Sunday – due to her travelling with the NTC squad – but she’s been fantastic nonetheless. It’ll be interesting to see how this rare talent progresses with another year in the system.
Starting XI selections: 3 (Rd 8, 9, 16)
Annabel Martin (FFV U17s)
It must be hard to shine in a team full of so many prestigious talents but Martin has managed to do that. The versatile player has been used on both flanks, both as a defender and as a winger in season 2014 and she’s impressed regardless of position. Just doesn’t want players past her, simple as that. Her work rate and passing – like all the NTC players – is top notch and we’re expecting big things from her.
Starting XI selections: 1 (Rd 2)
Bench selections: 1 (Rd 12)
Kristen Stensholt (Sandringham)
The Sandringham utility has been used as a stopgap in every position along the back four this year. Often moving from one spot to the other within the one game – depending on substitutions – Stensholt has been as dependable as they come for Sandy in a season where defenders have come in and out of the line-up. Coming into the season as more of a centre-back, Stensholt has played most of her football on the left, where she’s utilized her defensive abilities to keep opposition wingers at bay.
Starting XI selections: 2 (Rd 13, 17)
Unlucky to miss out:
Tyla-Jay Vlajnic (Bundoora United)
Having played only the first half of the season, Vlajnic still drew praise from her coaches for the impact she left on the side. A regular for Bundoora for a number of years now, TJ is a silky left back who loves to push up the pitch. Her early season form was scary, had she played out a full season she may well have been favourite for a Team of the Season berth.
Starting XI selections: 3 (Rd 3, 5, 7)
Other LB’s who’ve made TOTW appearances:
- Lauren Farrugia (South Melbourne) Starting XI selections: (Rd 2, 7)
- Marianna Anthony (South Melbourne) Starting XI selections: (Rd 17)
***
Right-back
Ally Gayfer (Boroondara Eagles)
A fantastic reader of the play for someone so young, Gayfer has enjoyed a wonderful start to life in the WPL. She has kept some of the leagues best players at bay on the right wing, and puts her body on the line when she has too, playing her part in eight clean sheets this term. Also adept on the ball, it’ll be interesting to see how the Eagles progress after a promising start to their stint in the league.
Starting XI selections: 2 (Rd 1, 13)
Bella Scott (Bulleen Lions):
Bulleen’s pair of teenage full-back’s both make the cut for the Team of the Season voting process. Scott has been a staple to the success of Bulleen this year, playing her part in their Women’s State Knockout Cup success on Sunday afternoon. Equally adept in her defensive and attacking roles, she’s a classic sort of full-back and we’re excited to see what’s in store for her in the future.
Starting XI selections: 2 (Rd 3, 15)
Aliesha Whetham (Monbulk Rangers):
An experienced head is just what Monbulk needed in their 2014 foray into the WPL. Aliesha Whetham has provided just that with her assured performances down the right flank. She’s shut an avenue for opposition teams on a number of occasions and chips in sporadically at the other end in games as well. All in all a season of promise in one that’s been tough for Monbulk.
Starting XI selections: 1 (Rd 4)
Bench selections: 1 (Rd 10)
Demi Kallianis (Heidelberg United):
The winger come full-back has been one of the first names on the team sheet for Heidelberg United this season in the absence of Tahlia Tisocco. While not playing exclusively as a wide back this year – she’s also had spells out on the wing – Kallianis has impressed enough to earn a spot within our nominees. Technically gifted and sound going forward, she’s also learnt how to position herself well in that more defensive role. Her form has so good that she’s kept the more natural defender Maria Tsolacos on the pine.
Starting XI selections: 1 (Rd 9)
Unlucky to miss out:
Emma Robers (Sandringham):
The gifted 16-year-old comes from a talented football family, full of coaches, referees and players – her younger sister is also making waves and Sandy – but it’s been the midfielder turn full-back Emma that’s earned the plaudits this year. A skilful, deceptively strong force on both flanks for Sandringham this year, Robers is unlucky to earn selection in her first full season, but bookmark a massive 2015 for her in the WPL.
Starting XI selections: 2 (Rd 5, 11)
Other RB’s who’ve made TOTW appearances:
- Emily Thomas (Cairnlea) Starting XI selections: 2 (Rd 2, 8)
- Madeleine Richardson (Box Hill United) Starting XI selections: 1 (Rd 7)
- Natalie Doolan (Monbulk Rangers) Starting XI selections: 1 (Rd 15)
- Demi Mihaloudis (South Melbourne) Bench selections: 1 (Rd 4)
***
Centre-back
Alex Cheal (South Melbourne)
The South Melbourne captain has lead by example this season, with her team currently the tightest defence in the league, conceding on average less than a goal a game. With eight clean sheets and no more than two goals conceded this season, it’s been an incredibly consistent performance from the whole South’s defence. On a personal level, Cheal has excelled, as her never say die attitude has gotten the best out of those around her. Strong in the tackle and a good reader of the game, Cheal has earned herself three Team of the Week selections and a nomination for the Team of the Season.
Starting XI selections: 2 (Rd 2. 15)
Bench selections: 1 (Rd 1)
Leah Barrett (Boroondara Eagles)
A central figure for Boroondara Eagles this year, Barrett is as solid and dependable as they come. A proper goal threat from defence, whether that be in the air or directly from set pieces – think Eddy Bosnar or David Luiz – and a large reason why Boroondara have tasted so much success this campaign. Played her part in eight clean sheets in the third best defence in the league.
Starting XI selections: 4 (Rd 8, 16, 17, 18)
Bench selections: 1 (Rd 13)
Jackie Vogt (Bundoora United)
Surrounded by a young backline, and with Melbourne Victory defender Maika Ruyter-Hooley missing a number of games this season, Jackie Vogt has filled the void with week after week of dominating performances for Bundy. Loves to push up the ground and start attacks, and is a technically gifted centre-half.
Starting XI selections: 3 (Rd 10, 12, 14)
Christine Pfeiffer (Ashburton Womens)
A proper utility player who’s spent ample time in both the midfield and the centre of defence. It’s been the latter where she’s done her best work this year, and the Ashy captain has picked up plenty of plaudits along the way. Her coach heralded her as the best player in the league for her position, and he’s not far off the mark. Great distribution from defence, coupled with a real football brain makes Pfeiffer a dangerous asset for starting attacks from defence.
Starting XI selections: 2 (Rd 9, 16)
Christie Parton (Sandringham SC)
Although she missed a chunk in the middle of the season whilst on holidays, Christie Parton is now back and firing for a born again Sandringham outfit. A bright start saw her gain three selections in our Team of the Week and while not exclusively a centre-back – she’s played at full-back in parts this campaign – she find’s herself among those nominated in the heart of defence.
Starting XI selections: 3 (Rd 3, 10, 13)
Emily Dolzan (FC Bulleen Lions)
Another clever defender, Emily Dolzan has become one of the first names on the team sheet this year. Missing Alex Natoli for big chunks of the season, Dolzan has stood out on her own accord. Very comfortable on the ball, coupled with good work at ground level sees her earn a nomination for Team of the Season.
Starting XI selections: 3 (Rd 12, 14, 19)
Rachel Binning (Casey Comets)
The teenager has been in the system for a couple of years now at Casey and she has once again done her burgeoning reputation no harm. With the more experienced Harriet Cordner alongside her, Binning has flourished in 2014 into a more mature centre-half. The young star has more than held her own in a physical Comets outfit and complements that perfectly with just that extra yard of pace on her compatriots.
Starting XI selections: 1 (Rd 18)
Renee Zairis (Heidelberg United)
Another in the no nonsense defender camp, Zairis has been at her steely best for the Bergers this year. Never fails to impress as she throws her body at everything – leaving nothing on the pitch – she must be a coaches dream! Seems to cut off danger before it even starts with ease and while she hasn’t had a nomination for our Team of the Week, her consistency earns her the nod for our Team of the Season calculations.
No TOTW selections
Other CB’s who’ve made TOTW appearances:
- Emily Thomas (Cairnlea) Starting XI selections: 2 (Rd 2, 8)
- Penny Bakopoulos (Heidelberg United) Starting XI selections: 2 (Rd 1, 5)
- Natalie Brajanovski (South Melbourne) Starting XI selections: 2 (Rd 3, 8)
- Christine Pfeiffer (Ashburton Womens) Starting XI selections: 1 (Rd 16)
- Hannah Ryan (Boroondara Eagles) Starting XI selections: 1 (Rd 13)
- Daniela Digiammarco (Box Hill) Starting XI selections: 1 (Rd 4)
- Alex Natoli (Bulleen Lions) Starting XI selections: 1 (Rd 9)
- Salma Tawfic (Bulleen Lions) Starting XI selections: 1 (Rd 11)
- Melissa Missailidis (Bundoora United) Starting XI selections: 1 (Rd 1)
- Sky Jensen (FFV U17 Girls) Starting XI selections: 1 (Rd 18)
- Jaimee Williams (FFV NTC U17s) Starting XI selections: 1 (Rd 7)
- Amelia Pegg (Monbulk Rangers) Starting XI selections: 1 (Rd 15)
- Alina Kapusta (Sandringham SC) Starting XI selections: 1 (Rd 19)
- Chloe Drinoczky (South Melbourne) Starting XI selections: 1 (Rd 12)