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 this week of voting, we have the excitement machines, the ones that are judged on their ability to stick the ball in the back of the net. Whether they’re the bustling, aerial bullies or the expert marksmen, capable of picking their spot to perfection, they’re the players that fill the supporters with the most joy, the strikers
Don’t forget to vote for your favourites via the poll below!
Laura Spiranovic (South Melbourne)
It was another fantastic season in South colours for Spiranovic, finishing only second to Eliadis in her club’s standings. A deadly finisher, capped off by her great technical ability, the 22-year-old has proved herself to be one of the competitions best and most clinical strikers. Not only does she score though, but she’s also an incredibly selfless player who looks to bring her teammates into the contest.
Goals Scored: 11
Starting XI selections: 4 (Rd 7, 10, 16, 19)
Bench selections: 3 (Rd1, 14, 15)
Emily Coppock (FC Bulleen Lions)
The Premier League’s third highest goal scorer had a season to remember at the Veneto Club. Coach Bobby McGuinness described his star striker as a “revelation” after she bagged 15 goals throughout the campaign. Her strength and power are a huge asset for the number ten as she often finds herself scoring at pivotal moments. Fits Bulleen’s formation and style to a tee.
Goals Scored: 15
Starting XI selections: 2 (Rd 15, 20)
Bench selections: 1 (Rd 17)
Beattie Goad (FFV U17 Girls)
It’s safe to say the 17-year-old has flown well under the radar this year but what an exceptional season it was. Goad topped her clubs goalscoring charts for 2014 and dazzled in the final third for the NTC side, which evidently saw her rewarded with another Melbourne Victory contract. Her awareness, composure and ability in the final third is as good as anyone’s in the league. An exciting emerging talent.
Goals Scored: 7
Starting XI selections: 3 (Rd 3, 14, 20)
Bench selections: 5 (Rd 2, 8, 9, 13, 16)
Emma Runnalls (Sandringham SC)
Arguably the leagues deadliest striker in the air, Runnalls has added work rate to her undoubted talent in 2014. A strong figure leading the lines for Sandringham, the striker looks to bring those around her into the play and uses her directness with the ball to barge into advanced positions. A good return this season saw her top Sandy’s scorers charts.
Goals Scored: 13
Starting XI selections: 2 (Rd 2, 20)
Bench selections: 3 (Rd 10, 17, 18)
Rachel Alonso (Bundoora United)
The 20-year-old pocket rocket has wreaked havoc in front of goal this season as one of the most valuable assets in Mark Torcaso and Paul Kilpatrick’s side. Nine goals to date with plenty more assist to her name, Alonso’s form didn’t go unnoticed, signing on for Adelaide United ahead of the 2014 W-League season. Her pace, control and ability to run with the ball has seen her unlock defences and bag plenty of goals this season.
Goals Scored: 9
Starting XI selections: 3 (Rd 5, 7, 10)
Emma Hubbard (Boroondara Eagles)
A hard worker in front of goal for Fil Simao’s side, Hubbard finds her self in all the right positions which has seen her tally up a total of ten goals this season. Lively and dangerous when moving forward, she always presents an option and has a decent shot on her too. A coaches favourite!
Goals Scored: 10
Starting selections: 3 (Rd 9, 13, 21)
Unlucky to miss out:
Brittany Dudley-Smith (Casey Comets)
Not quite back to her best yet since returning to Casey following a stint in the States’ but there’s no questioning the Kiwi’s ability. One of the first names on the team sheet for Ian Williamson’s side, Dudley-Smith has a genuine knack of finding the back of the net.
Goals Scored: 7
Starting selections: 2 (Rd 12, 18)
Bench selections: 1 (Rd 15)
Elly Curo (Bundoora United)
Has really rejuvenated her career at Bundy following a successful second half of the 2014 season. The nine time capped Albanian has since found the back of the net eight times and has become the focal point Bundoora’s attacks. Her height is a huge aspect in her game, rarely pushed off the ball and strong target in front of goal.
Goals Scored: 8
Starting selections: 1 (Rd 16)
Bench selections: 1 (Rd 17)
Other top performing forwards:
- Ruby Foottit (Box Hill United): Starting XI: 2 (Rd12, 13)
- Nicola Prins (Sandringham SC): Starting XI: (Rd 1, 11, 13)
- Jasmina Pedic (Box Hill United): Starting XI: 1 (Rd 1), Bench 1 (Rd 7)
- Melanie Camilleri (Heidelberg United): Starting XI: 1 (Rd 7)
- Laura Di Clemente (Heidelberg United): Starting XI: 1 (Rd 12)
- Tijen Hussein (South Melbourne): Starting XI: 1 (Rd 18)