After an eventful 2015-16 A-League season, we pick our best team of the campaign.
Did we get it right? Who should have made the cut?
Mark Birighitti – Goalkeeper – Newcastle Jets
Birighitti earns a spot in the starting side following a stunning season for the Jets in which he produced a number of top-draw performances, going from strength to strength. Following his sickening injury in the early of stages of the season, the 25-year-old did not take a backwards step upon his return, finishing with the second-most saves of any goalkeeper all season. Despite finishing with only the three clean sheets for the season, his development may see him earn a move overseas in the off-season.
Josh Risdon – Right-back – Perth Glory
The full-back enjoyed quite possibly the best season of his career at the Glory, rewarded with his first Socceroos call-up earlier in the campaign. Risdon, who was stand-in captain throughout the season, never took a backwards step when he took to the pitch, tackling the challenge presented in front of him on each and every week. The 23-year-old was a constant danger whenever he overlapped supporting his wingers and as a result finished with five assists for the season.
Dylan McGowan – Centre-back – Adelaide United
McGowan was a mainstay in the champions’ back four throughout the season and his partnership with Iacopo La Rocca in the back half of the campaign helped the Reds go as far as they did. The 24-year-old performed on a consistent basis every week, never letting his coach or team mates down and ensuring some of the best forwards in the league had a limited impact on games. His ability to pass out from the back showed as he completed the second-most passes for his side, behind only midfielder Isaias.
Matthieu Delpierre – Centre-back – Melbourne Victory
The big Frenchman leaves the Victory with a big hole to fill next season following his decision to retire after two seasons at the club. The veteran was arguably the Victory’s key player over the past two seasons, but yet again he proved his worth following a number of strong performances at the back. The former Bundesliga winner’s composure on the ball when playing out from the back was a key to the Victory’s style.
Scott Jamieson – Left-back – Western Sydney Wanderers
Jamieson joined the Wanderers from Perth Glory at the start of the season and quickly became a key member of the squad. His ability in both defence and attack was a constant as he featured for this season’s runners-up on a regular basis. The 27-year-old worked tirelessly in defence, completing 80% of tackles he attempted throughout the season. At the other end of the pitch, the full-back finished the year with four assists and 37 chances created.
Corona – Central-midfield – Brisbane Roar
The Spaniard hit the ground running from the opening rounds and despite a lean patch during the mid-point of the season, his ability to control a game in the middle of the park was outstanding. The veteran midfielder controlled the tempo of games throughout the season on many occasions and this went a long way to securing Brisbane three points. The former Almeria man finished second in chances created in the league with 63 as well as leading the league in passes completed, a reflection of how important he was to the Roar.
Aaron Mooy – Central-midfield – Melbourne City
What a season this man had, arguably the player of the season across the league. The Socceroo really could do it all this season for Melbourne City whether it be scoring himself or setting up his team mates. Mooy set the league alight from the outset which saw him linked with a move overseas in the January transfer window. The midfielder ended in double figures for both goals and assists, scoring 11 and producing 20. The 25-year-old also led the league in terms of chances created with 104.
Diego Castro – Central-midfield – Perth Glory
Yet another Spanish import to have an impact on the league and what an influence Castro did have as he claimed the Johnny Warren Medal. The former Getafe man was arguably the most important player for the Glory this season, finishing as their top top goalscorer with 13 goals, the highlight his volley from the edge of the 18-yard-box against Melbourne City.
Harry Novillo – Forward – Melbourne City
Novillo formed part of a front three for Melbourne City that continued to score freely throughout the season, helping to set the record of the most goals scored in a single season by any club. The 24-year-old’s ability on the ball made him a constant danger for any opposition defence as he could play a deadly final ball or burst past defenders. Despite both on-field and off-field troubles in the latter stages of the season, the Frenchman finished with 10 goals and five assists for the campaign.
Bruno Fornaroli – Forward – Melbourne City
Questions were asked during the season as to whether Fornaroli is the best import we have seen in the league – it is a difficult question to answer, that is for sure, but one where the answer could easily be ‘yes’. The Uruguayan produced a simply stunning season as he continued to find the back of the net for City, claiming the Golden Boot with 25 goals (regular season and finals), a new league record. The 28-year-old showed he had a knack for setting up his team mates as he finished the season with five assists.
Jamie Maclaren – Forward – Brisbane Roar
Yet another player lost by Perth at the start of the season and what a loss it turned out to be as Maclaren played the best football of his career. The 22-year-old enjoyed a superb season for the Roar as he finished with 20 goals for the year. He was a constant danger for opposition defences with his blistering pace, allowing him to chase balls in behind the defenders.
Substitutes
Eugene Galekovic – Goalkeeper – Adelaide United
The Adelaide skipper gets the nod ahead of Thomas Sorensen for his role in Adelaide’s title-winning season. From the 22 games that he played, Galekovic only conceded 14 goals to go along with 12 clean sheets, the most of any goalkeeper in the league. His leadership was key in Adelaide’s run to the championship.
Jade North – Centre-back – Brisbane Roar
The 35-year-old enjoyed a solid season at the back for the Roar, a key figure in their run to the semi-finals. His ability to cut out a pass and stop an opposition attack was a highlight of his game, as the skipper finished the season with 90 interceptions.
Roly Bonevacia – Central-midfield – Wellington Phoenix
The midfielder is the sole member in the side following what was a disappointing campaign from the Phoenix. He finished the season with six goals and four assists, with some of the former Roda JC man’s goals right out of the top draw.
Isaias – Central-midfield – Adelaide United
Very much Adelaide United’s unsung hero. The Spaniard’s ability to pick a pass is top draw and he continued to show this right throughout the season before he saved his best performance of the season for the grand final, where he claimed the Joe Marston Medal. His free kick was simply world class and was the highlight of Adelaide’s performance.
Kosta Barbarouses – Winger – Melbourne Victory
Another man who is set to leave the Victory and Barbarouses was arguably their player of the season alongside Matthieu Delpierre in a stuttery season. Barbarouses enjoyed a consistent campaign for the Victory as he finished with six goals and eight assists.
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