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.
They’ve held their own and distributed to perfection, created goals with attacking flair and dazzled right up and down the wing – Yes, it’s time to see who the best performing midfielders & wingers of 2014 have been.
Don’t forget to vote for your favourites via the poll below!
Right Wing
Elaina Vatcky (Sandringham SC)
The Sandringham winger has been superb in her second season at the club, where she’s flourished under the stewardship of Shaun Parton and Deb Nichols. She has a fantastic touch and has a knack of ghosting into the far post unmarked, which has seen her contribute a whopping seven goals from a wide position. The teenager has made seven total appearances in the Team of the Week, the most out of any winger in the competition.
Starting XI selections: 5 (Rd 4, 5, 15, 17, 18)
Bench selections: 2 (Rd 7, 9)
Tayla Vlaeminck (Casey Comets)
It’s been a tough season out Casey way but this young star has managed to make a breakthrough. There’s a lot of potential surrounding the 15-year-old who has attracted plenty of praise from coach Ian Williamson. Developing a good mind for the game, her pace is a huge asset, capable of unlocking defences and leaving opponents in her wake. The girl from Bendigo also has a handy cross in her repertoire and an eye for goal with seven so far this season.
Starting XI selections: 1 (Rd 15)
Lia Privitelli (Bulleen Lions)
It’s a real shame the attacker was struck down by injury in the second half of the season, bursting out of the blocks as one of the competitions standouts. Privitelli was constantly earning selections in our Team of the Week, thanks to her damaging pace and ability to find the back of the net. A fan favourite down at the Veneto Club, #PrivitelliForPresident has been trending on Twitter, no doubt helped by a Player of the Month accolade following her blistering start to the season.
Starting XI selections: 6 (Rd 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 13)
Padiki Dade (Bundoora United)
The Ghanaian has had an eye catching season after signing with Bundoora United, marauding down the right flank. Not only cementing a spot in Bundy’s star studded line-up, Dade has shone out wide, earning Round 9-12’s Player of the Month prize. Equipped with a fantastic right peg, her pace and power are a huge asset in breaching and stretching opposition defenders.
Starting XI selections: 2 (Rd 10, 16)
Bench selections: 4 (Rd 8, 9, 12, 20)
***
Left Wing
Melina Ayres (Ashburton)
Ayres has seriously impressed us all in her first senior season at the age of 14…just let that sink in. The winger is a thrill to watch, showing off her brilliant control and dribbling. Her pace is a great asset too, often finding herself opening up or in behind the opposition’s defence. She recently starred in Canberra for NTC, scoring for fun. Definitely one to watch for the future.
Starting XI selections: 2 (Rd 18, 20)
Bench selections: 2 (Rd 2, 12)
Kendra Jones (Heidelberg United)
Speed, strength, awareness, control, composure and a devastating ball, everything you’d want and more in a winger. The American has delivered time and time again for John Kyrgios and his side as a real consistent performer throughout the season. Jones too has come into form towards the back end of the campaign, earning four consecutive TOTW selections and topping Heidelberg’s goal scoring charts with nine to date.
Starting XI selections: 5 (Rd 4, 7, 17, 18, 19)
Bench selections: 1 (Rd 20)
Ellen Turner (Boroondara Eagles)
Does a lot of damage in the final third, either setting up and finishing her own goals. With seven so far this season, Turner has thrived under Fil Simao and life in the Premier League. She never fails to catch the eye of our match reporters as an exciting and entertaining sight on the ball. Better yet, she definitely knows what do to when it’s at her feet and isn’t afraid of taking on an opponent or two.
Starting XI selections: 3 (Rd 4, 16, 17)
Jessica Au (South Melbourne)
Au enters our list as a real dark horse for contention on either side of the wing. Capable of playing on the left or right, the teenager hasn’t necessarily received the plaudits she deserves in South Melbourne’s title winning side. Her ability is undoubted, creative, pacey and lively, she only trails the likes of Eliadis and Spiranovic in South’s goalscorers tally with a total of nine. A genuinely dangerous and entertaining player.
Starting XI selections: 2 (Rd 7, 8)
Unlucky to miss out:
Janna Lawson (FFV U17 Girls)
Another NTC product who has really made her mark on the competition, Lawson has had a superb season to date. Going from strength to strength, the teenager is a joy to watch pressing forward and accommodates her side’s set up and combines well with her team mates off the flank.
Other top performing wingers:
- Natalie Exon (Box Hill United) Starting XI: 2 (Rd 2, 3), Bench: 1 (Rd 7)
- Angela Durston-Ryan (Casey Comets) Starting XI: 2 (Rd 5, 11), Bench: 1 (Rd 15)
- Christine Cardaci (South Melbourne, Box Hill) Starting XI: 2 (Rd 11, 14)
- Britt Thomas (Ashburton Women’s) Starting XI: 1 (Rd 18), Bench: 1 (Rd 20)
***
Central Midfielders
Ellie Brush (Box Hill United, Defensive Midfielder)
A genuine talisman if there ever was one, Brush has shown once again why she is so highly regarded at W-League level with another outstanding campaign. It’s no surprise Box Hill struggle in the midfielder’s absence at times, as the 26-year-old dictates play and controls possession. Superb when moving forward and just as astute in her defensive capabilities, an all round complete midfielder.
Starting XI selections: 3 (Rd, 1, 3, 14)
Bench selections: 5 (Rd, 4, 4, 9, 12, 13)
Nikki Ceeney (Monbulk Rangers, Defensive Midfielder)
A standout in the centre of the park for the relegated Monbulk Rangers. Ceeney’s influence has been instrumental on the young side – definately what you need from your captain when facing a relegation battle. Equipped with a fantastic strike and undoubted resilience, Ceeney distribution has been vital for across the pitch.
Starting XI selections: 2 (Rd, 3, 19)
Bench selections: 1 (Rd 16)
Emily Thomas (Cairnlea FC, Defensive Midfielder)
The word talisman may get thrown around a bit as we wrap up the season, but Cairnlea have their own in Emily Thomas. Capable of playing in defence or in front of the back four, Thomas has been known roam forward and across the pitch in support of her team mates. Possessing a great understanding of the game, her link up between defence and midfielder is a great asset for Riccardo Marchioli’s side.
Starting XI selections: 2 (Rd 2, 8)
Bench selections: 1 (Rd 14)
Natalie Martineau (South Melbourne, Central Midfielder)
We couldn’t keep the Canadian out of the Team of the Week towards the back end of this season, pulling votes in six consecutive games. The midfielder will surely go close to claiming the prize as the player of the season after an excellent campaign in which she’s grown into a more forward thinking role. Renown for her work rate and influence through the middle, Martineau’s support to the attackers has been a real hallmark of South’s season.
Starting XI selections: 5 (Rd 4, 14, 15, 17, 18)
Bench selections: 2 (Rd 16, 19)
Cindy Lay (Bulleen Lions, Central Midfielder)
A real unlucky omission from Joe Montemurro’s W-League squad, Lay has proven herself to be one of the competitions premier midfielders. The 19-year-old has been a valuable asset for Bobby McGuinness’s side, shining in the absence of Tay as genuine playmaker. Graceful on the ball, possessing a deft touch and great control, it’s a delight watching the midfielder in action.
Starting XI selections: 2 (Rd 2, 8)
Bench selections: 3 (Rd 14, 16, 19)
Sienna Fogarty (Sandringham SC, Central Midfielder)
When the influential Hannah Stuart went down with a season ending injury midway through Sandringham’s campaign, it looked for all money that their chances of finals had gone with it. But the loss of a good player can sometimes bring the best out of those around her and that’s exactly what’s happened. Fogarty – along with Annabelle Gibeny and Steph Tanti – all stepped up to the plate of filling the sizeable void and they’ve started a Sandy revival with it. Breaks up the play with ease and rarely loses it, Fogarty has also shown her shooting prowess, netting a beauty last weekend.
Starting XI selections: 2 (Rd 9, 15)
Adriana Taranto (FFV U17 Girls, Central Midfielder)
Firstly, apologies to sister Melissa, it was hard to split the pair but Adriana just edged out her twin in the TOTW selections. Technically outstanding and a well rounded midfielder, it was a dazzling campaign from the young NTC product. Her telepathic passing with her sister is a joy to behold.
Bench selections: 1 (Rd 7)
Gulcan Koca (Bundoora United, Utility)
Considered as one of the most versatile players in the competition, the Turkish international just simply gets the job done wherever she is positioned. The WPL superstar consistently performs throughout the midfield and always delivers when asked to play deep or wide. A real asset on the pitch for Mark Torcaso and Paul Kilpatrick.
Starting XI selections: 2 (Rd 5, 11)
Bench selections: 1 (Rd 3)
Alex Gummer (Boroondara Eagles, Utility)
Does the job in what ever position she is asked to play, the 21-year-old grabs a nomination as utility. It was a huge coup for Fil Simao as his side picked up Gummer at the beginning of the season and it’s hard to think the newly promoted outfit could have finished in the top five without her. Devestating with the ball at her feet and and orchestrator in front or alongside the back four, Gummer’s bursts forward have become a trademark of her game this season. Ten goals from the back is something that cannot be looked over.
Starting XI selections: 4 (Rd 4, 5, 9, 19)
Bench selections: 2 (Rd 4, 17)
Enza Barilla (Bundoora United, Attacking Midfielder)
Deployed out wide and central this season, the 23-year-old has added page in her already impressive catalogue. An exciting and dangerous player, Barilla is an all round entertainer with the ball at her feet. She also sits second on the WPL’s goal scorers list, bagging 15 goals thus far as a potent and clinical finisher.
Starting XI selections: 5 (Rd 7, 8, 10, 19, 20)
Bench selections: 1 (Rd 12)
Michelle Verzi (Heidelberg United, Attacking Midfielder)
Predominately deployed as number ten this season, the American has been a fantastic role model and captain in a yellow shirt. An intelligent and explosive footballer, Verzi has turner provider numerous times throughout the campaign and constantly finds herself in goal scoring positions. One of the more versatile players running around too, capable of playing all over the pitch.
Starting XI selections: 2 (Rd 10, 13)
Bench selections: 2 (Rd 8, 19)
Racheal Quigley (Boroondara Eagles, Attacking Midfielder)
Adelaide’s record games holder is simply at times a class above the competition. An excellent season with Boroondara has seen the 23-year-old rewarded with a contract at Melbourne Victory. Her sublime ability is there to see in the final third, capped off by an eye for goal with currently 12 to her name. One of the more all round accomplished players to grace the WPL.
Starting XI selections: 3 (Rd 3, 9, 11)
Bench selections: 1 (Rd 1)
Tiffany Eliadis (South Melbourne, Attacking Midfielder)
The 18-year-old has set the competition alight this year with total of 26 goals and an unassailable lead at the top of the goal scorers table. Technically gifted and clinical with the ball at her feet, Eliadis has been the star of the show for South Melbourne this season, scorring 40% of her side’s goals. A huge reason why South are perched so comfortably on top of the WPL ladder.
Starting XI selections: 5 (Rd 10, 12, 14, 17, 19)
Bench selections: 2 (13, 18)
Unlucky to miss out:
Aisling Callaghan (Boroondara Eagles)
A year ago we knew next to nothing about the diminutive Irish midfielder. Ash Callaghan was absolutely dominating the lower leagues of Women’s football and has proved to be one of the season’s best signings for Fil Simao. The versatile midfielder has continued her sensational form in the Premier League, consistently performing for the Eagles through the middle.
Starting XI selections: 5 (Rd 8, 9, 14, 16, 17)
Laura Croft (Casey Comets, Utility)
Willing to play wherever for the benefit of the team, Croft has proven herself to be one of the best leaders in the competition. She bullies and dominates the midfield for Casey and is no stranger to holding her own in the centre of defence. So much so, the skipper has performed admirably well in goals for the Comets throughout the second half of the season.
Starting XI selections: 1 (Rd 11)
Bench selections: 2 (14, 17)
Other top performing midfielders:
- Jess Pitts (FFV U17 Girls) Starting XI: 3 (Rd 12, 17, 20)
- Jessica Tay (Bulleen Lions) Starting XI: 1 (Rd 4), Bench: 2 (Rd 1, 10)
- Annabelle Gibney (Sandringham SC) Starting XI: 1 (Rd 19), Bench: 1 (Rd 19)
- Eleni Fakos (Bulleen Lions) Starting XI: 1 (Rd 15), Bench: 1 (Rd 19)
- Stephanie Tanti (Sandringham SC) Starting XI: 1 (Rd 13), Bench: 1 (Rd 15)