With the 10th edition of the A-League Finals series just days away, it is still important to highlight the individual efforts from the sides that missed out on the top six.
Outside90’s Jake O’Brien runs the ruler over the standout names of the campaign who will be unlucky not feature in the finals.
Perth Glory dominated the starting XI as you would expect, however the Central Coast Mariners, Western Sydney Wanderers and even the wooden spoon recipients Newcastle Jets all had players squeeze into a very competitive team.
GK: Danny Vukovic – Perth Glory
The Perth custodian was in the best form of his career this season and is regarded as the top goalkeeper in the A-League by many. Although Danny Vukovic only managed to keep four clean sheets, his shot-stopping ability was second to none, coupled with his precise distribution and you have a complete package. Overall he faced 132 shots and from that he made 98 saves – the second best in the competition only behind Liam Reddy. In terms of his passing the completion rate is not world class, but considering he managed to hit the mark 55% of the time from the 741 passes attempted it is impressive for a goalkeeper nonetheless, doubly so when 72% of those were long balls.
LB: Scott Jamieson – Perth Glory
Arguably the best fullback in the A-League currently, Scott Jamieson redefined the positon this season and brought it into the realms that European leagues have called the standard over the past three years. That means ridding the old school play style of defence over attack and becoming more of a second winger rather than a wide centre-back, and the Perth speedster was an exceptionally hard worker constantly overlapping down the flank and hunting down opposition when the ball was turned over. What was more impressive was his talent at delivering either a cross or set piece, in total Jamieson created 30 chances on goal and managed to find the net himself against the Western Sydney Wanderers in November.
CB: Michael Thwaite – Perth Glory
An A-League journeyman who brought a fresh look to an old school philosophy. On the way to recording the third least goals conceded, Perth coach Kenny Lowe employed a no nonsense ideology among his backline and it worked a treat, having only been scored against 35 times. Thwaite embraced this strategy and added a modern touch with his ability to pass out from the back or break through the first challenge and embark on a barnstorming run. He maintained a pass accuracy of 84%, however, his defensive numbers is what earned him the label as one of the A-League’s best defenders – 166 clearances, 66 interceptions, 29 successful tackles and 20 blocks, just to highlight a few.
CB: Dino Djulbic – Perth Glory
The second piece to the Perth duet that caused so much frustration to opposition attackers, Dino Djulbic turned out to be the perfect partner for his counterpart Thwaite, so there was no doubt about these two making the XI. While his teammate introduced a modern taste, Djulbic stuck to his old school values that can be summed up as aggressive, organised precision. The Glory veteran was superb in flight and on the deck having won more than half of all duels, along with 170 clearances, 55 interceptions and 19 blocks, we also cannot disregard the three goals to his name.
RB: Josh Risdon – Perth Glory
The final piece to the purple quartet and perhaps the weakest link on paper alongside his brethren, however, Josh Risdon clearly had the backing of Lowe and developed immensely throughout the season into one of the better fullbacks in the A-League. Like Jamieson, he consistently worked up and down the touchline and showed a powerful bite when going into challenges. Although he does not possess a lethal free kick Risdon still managed to find the scoresheet with a screamer that rocketed past the Wanderers’ Ante Covic and into contention for goal of the season.
CDM – Rostyn Griffiths – Perth Glory
Undoubtedly the best defensive minded midfielder in the A-League, was untouchable during the Glory’s purple patch throughout the first-half of the year and overall made the Perth team when present on the field. A ruthlessness and precise passing ability catapulted his excellent form, the 27-year-old won 61 of 79 tackles and stole possession back 67 times before transitioning the Glory into attack, with an 82% pass completion rate leading to 16 chances on goal and two assists, plus the three headed goals Griffiths’ tall figure muscled home.
CDM – Anthony Caceres – Central Coast Mariners
The Central Coast midfielder came of age this season and orchestrated the Mariners midfield into a cohesive unit week in week out. In his 25 starts, the Australian held an 88% pass completion rate, one of the highest in the A-League and that consistency created 30 opportunities for teammates and resulted in two goal assists. His defensive work rates match his efforts on the front foot, most notably his tackling, where he was successful in 52 of 68 challenges. In a disappointing season for the Mariners they have unearthed a real gem that they can build a squad around for the future.
CAM – Nebosja Marinkovic – Perth Glory
The Perth Glory theme continues with Nebosja Marinkovic and his unique quality of hiding in plain view. What is meant by this, is that the Serbian can be invisible for the majority of a match and then pop up and blast the ball into the top corner or split a defence open with a pinpoint pass before going back into his shell. The Perth maestro scored five goals throughout the campaign and created a further eight, whilst also completing his fair share of defensive duties having made 28 successful tackles from 31 and pinched the ball from the opposition 25 times.
RW – Andrew Hoole – Newcastle Jets
The only addition in the starting eleven from the troublesome Newcastle Jets, and a warranted one at that, as Andrew Hoole was easily their best player and will be sorely missed when he moves to Sydney FC next season. Although the Olyroo only scored once, his trickery and deception when in possession caused opponents to blunder, allowing for his teammates to reap the rewards. All-in-all, Hoole created 41 chances in his 19 starts and if he had a better side around him, one could only imagine the type of player he could have developed into. Graham Arnold will be the perfect mentor for him at this stage of his career.
LW – Nikita Rukavytsya – Western Sydney Wanderers
Perhaps a surprising selection considering the likes of Chris Harold and Youssouf Hersi at the Glory, but let us be honest there are already enough Perth players present and Rukavytsya was inches away from being the whole package for Western Sydney. Like Hoole, the Wanderers winger stuttered in front of goal having only netted three times and that was the problem, it simply was not enough given the amount of chances he was given. 31 shots and 18 on target, while his dribbling danced him and his side into 31 chances on goal, and the majority of his 40 crosses caused headaches for opposition defenders. A whole season of playing time was integral for Rukavytsya who spent the past three years warming the bench in Germany, it provides a strong foundation for the next campaign where he will look to get back in the Socceroos picture.
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ST – Andy Keogh – Perth Glory
You knew he was coming, the Irishman had to have a place in the team due to the blistering start of his A-League career where he scored four goals in two games and eventually went on to net 12 in his debut season. Andy Keogh loves to shoot and that is no secret as the former Wolverhampton Wolves striker tried his luck 59 times, 33 of which were on target, and he created 30 chances for teammates through the persistent pressure he applied to defenders and lackadaisical midfielders. With the Perth salary cap saga shrouding the club, there is no telling if there will be a mass player exodus, but one certainty is the fact the A-League needs a man like Keogh.
SUB – Liam Reddy – Central Coast Mariners
Unlucky not to be in the side ahead of Vukovic seeing as he made 106 saves, eight more than that of the Perth custodian but it came down to goals conceded and Reddy had to pick the ball out of his net 50 times. The Central Coast shot stopper kept seven clean sheets and maintained a shot to save ratio of 70%.
SUB – Josh Rose – Central Coast Mariners
Always a consistent individual for the Gosford club and the fullback was no different in the A-League’s tenth season. Rose completed 41 from 52 attempted tackles, 53 interceptions, 20 blocks and scored twice, while maintaining a pass accuracy of 80%.
SUB – Jamie Maclaren – Perth Glory
The super sub that waited for his chance to rubbish that tag and become one of the A-League’s most wanted players, with both Melbourne Victory and Newcastle Jets rumoured to be interested if Perth decide Maclaren is surplus to requirements. After his hat-trick against Melbourne City and another goal last week in Sydney’s west, it would be a huge mistake for the Glory to relinquish such a promising talent who went close to pipping Andy Keogh at the line for top scorer with nine goals in significantly less games.
SUB – Kerem Bulut – Western Sydney Wanderers
The Wanderers pocket rocket exploded onto the scene with a brace in the Sydney Derby and he did not slow down, scoring in the Asian Champions League and bagging a bunch more in the A-League ending with a total of five goals in nine league games. It was tough to select him ahead of Maclaren due his short time in the competition, but if he continues at this rate Bulut will have a massive future.
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It’s an interesting formation. Not sure they’ll let you play with 12 players though.