A grand total of 8991 votes came through across all four components of out Team of the Season voting, which spanned across a month towards the end of the WPL season. In the end, it was a team largely represented by Bulleen Lions – who finished second on the ladder – and Grand Finalists Heidelberg United. Boroondara, South Melbourne and Sandringham were also represented in the starting XI, with the NTC girls grabbing a nomination on the bench. A lot of fantastic players missed out on the public vote, but to take a look at The Corner Flag’s personal Team of the Season, check it out here. Without further ado, here’s the WPL FAN VOTED Team of the Season!
“Personally, the season has been amazing. It was everything I had envisioned. When I came to Heidelberg we were in the middle of the ladder and battled our way to the 5th spot to make finals. We fought hard each and every game from 5th place to reach the grand final. I will never forget that amazing run! It has been an amazing journey and an accomplishment for me personally and for the team. Although we fell just short of the cup, I am still so proud of what we have accomplished and the work we put into pursuing our goal. It has been so much fun for me that I have decided to return next year and will do everything I can to help the team win the cup next year.” –Kelsey Quinn
South Melbourne Women’s FC v Heidelberg United FC, Sportsmart WPL Grand Final, Lakeside Stadium, 12 October 2014.
RB: Bella Scott (Bulleen Lions)
“Bella’s a unique and bubbly character whose personality brings a spark to our team. She’s dedicated, versatile and consistent; traits that all coaches aspire for in their team. She’s an amazing young player with a lot of potential to succeed with her football career and I can only imagine what the future holds for her.” -Liana Iaconis, Bulleen Lions
South Melbourne Women’s FC v Bulleen Lions FC; Women’s State Knockout Cup Final; 31 Aug 2014.
CB: Emily Dolzan (Bulleen Lions)
“Dolly has shown great leadership and has stood up strong this year when we gave needed her. She’s super versatile, even filling in as a goalkeeper for a stint, kept a clean sheet too. Strong and agile she loves getting forward.” –Bobby McGuinness, Bulleen Lions coach
Ashburton Women’s SC v Bulleen Lions Women’s FC, Sportsmart WPL Round 2, 6 April 2014.
CB: Leah Barrett (Boroondara Eagles)
“Leah Barrett had a fantastic WPL season in 2014. In her first year in WPL, Leah controlled the back line – fourth best defence in the league – and was a great leader for the younger players around her. A real threat from corners and free-kicks, Leah was also able to do damage up front, especially with her shots .A great distributor of the ball and reads the game as well as any other player in the league. A fantastic player to have in the team.” -Fil Simao, Boroondara Eagles coach
South Melbourne Women’s FC v Boroondara Eagles FC, Sportsmart WPL Round 2, 5 April 2014.
LB: Olivia Ellis (Bulleen Lions)
“Liv and Bella [Scott] are the future. They’re both strong and fearless and so keen to learn and develop. I believe both are future W-League players, Liv is the next Steph Catley on the left.” -Bobby McGuinness, Bulleen Lions coach
Ashburton Women’s SC v Bulleen Lions Women’s FC, Sportsmart WPL Round 2, 6 April 2014.
RM: Lia Privitelli (Bulleen Lions)
“The half season I ended up playing [injury permitting] was still a road of development, in terms of goals and bringing my confidence back up. For the first time in ages, I had a style I was sticking to, and it felt comfortable. I just loved being out there again so being struck with injury half-way through was annoying, but I’ve been there, done that so I know I can build myself up again for a better 2015.” -Lia Privitelli
Ashburton Women’s SC v Bulleen Lions Women’s FC, Sportsmart WPL Round 2, 6 April 2014.
CM: Michelle Verzi (Heidelberg United)
“I just try and have a positive impact on the game to help my team no matter what my role is. The most important thing to me is how the team does, and we ended up having a pretty good year considering how we started.” –Michelle Verzi
South Melbourne Women’s FC v Heidelberg United FC, Sportsmart WPL Grand Final, Lakeside Stadium, 12 October 2014.
LM: Kendra Jones (Heidelberg United)
“This season at Heidelberg I wanted to focus on continuing to develop as a player and using my experience playing college soccer in the Unites States to help the team in any role that I could. It was great to play on a team that really encouraged me to attack down the flank and cross balls in with my left foot. Going into each game I tried to focus on getting involved early and always putting in dangerous crosses for my teammates to finish. I felt that I really started to come into form in the second half of the season once I had learned the tendencies of my teammates. Overall, I was pleased with how our team battled all season and made a run in playoffs from the fifth position. Next year the goal is to build upon the successes of this year and win the cup!”-Kendra Jones
South Melbourne Women’s FC v Heidelberg United FC, Sportsmart WPL Grand Final, Lakeside Stadium, 12 October 2014.
CAM: Tiffany Eliadis (South Melbourne)
“So sad that we lost Tiff [in the latter stages of the WPL season] but I’m happy for her that she’s made Melbourne Victory, she deserves it. She’s very strong up top, very confident and she’s a really positive player to play with.” –Natalie Martineau, South Melbourne
South Melbourne Women’s FC v Sandringham SC; Sportsmart WPL Round 14; 19 July 2014.
ST: Emily Coppock (Bulleen Lions)
“At the start of the year I knew I was going to struggle for a position in midfield so Bob gave me a crack up front. It’s worked out very well! Didn’t score at all last year either so proud of [my goals this term]. I thought it was a breakout season for me and credit goes to the coach for teaching me how to play up front and get into goal scoring positions and obviously the girls for helping and supporting me along the season.” -Emily Coppock
South Melbourne Women’s FC v Bulleen Lions FC; Women’s State Knockout Cup Final; 31 Aug 2014.
ST: Emma Runnalls (Sandringham SC)
“I’ve had one of my better seasons this year and have been more consistent. I’ve also [personally] scored the most goals for a season in the Premier League as far as I know so that’s a bonus. We’ve had a tough season this year as a team with up’s and down’s, however we came out fighting towards the end. The Sandy girls have been great and there’s a lot of talent throughout the squad.” – Emma Runnalls
South Melbourne Women’s FC v Sandringham SC; Sportsmart WPL Round 14; 19 July 2014.
