As Melbourne City and Perth Glory prepare to do battle at AAMI Park on Sunday, Brayden May chooses his combined XI from the two squads, with some big names missing out.
Did we miss anyone?
Thomas Sorensen – Goalkeeper – Melbourne City
The great Dane gets the edge over Ante Covic after single-handedly winning games on numerous occasions for City, most notably the 2-1 win in the Melbourne Derby. The former English Premier League shot-stopper has consistently shown why the club elected to bring him in at the start of the season leading the league with saves made.
Josh Risdon – Right Full Back – Perth Glory
Risdon has gone from promising youngster to Socceroo, and is a big reason behind Glory’s resurgence in the second half of this season. The defender, who signed a one-year contract extension earlier this season has been important part of a disciplined Glory defence whilst having an impact in attack with a number of overlapping runs to support attacks.
Alex Wilkinson – Central Defence – Melbourne City
When Wilkinson returned home back in the January transfer window many thought he may be the missing puzzle to City’s title hopes. The veteran Socceroo certainly has been a major plus point as he has added stability alongside skipper Patrick Kisnorbo.
Alex Grant – Central Defence – Perth Glory
The youngster just edges out team-mate Shane Lowry for a spot in this side after what has been a solid and consistent season. The 22-year-old has been a rock at the back for Kenny Lowe and his side never failing to miss a beat and always remaining committed to the cause.
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Marc Warren – Left Full Back – Perth Glory
Surprised? You shouldn’t be. The much-maligned full-back has been transformed from being the subject of ridicule from opposition fans, to rise like a phoenix and into our combined XI. Kenny Lowe loves him, as do the Glory fans, and for vastly improving in the face of adversity, you should, too.
Aaron Mooy – Central Midfield – Melbourne City
Arguably the best season by an Australian midfielder in the A-League’s history as Mooy dominated opposition teams all season long. Even when he may not be having the greatest of games, the Socceroo has the talent to produce a moment of brilliance that swings the entire match. A player of his talent is exactly what any side would want at their disposal heading into the finals.
Krisztian Vadocz – Central Defensive Midfield – Perth Glory
The Hungarians in the middle of the park for the Glory are the unsung heroes and Vadocz just gets the nod ahead of Gyorgy Sandor. Vadocz has been solid in the middle of the park since signing for the help as he has helped to make the Glory much more resolute in defence, and as they say, defence wins championships.
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Chris Harold – Right Wing – Melbourne City
The speedy Harold has added a goal-threat to his game in season 2015/16, and adds a different dimension to Glory’s attack to complement the skill and poise of Castro, as well as the attacking instincts of Keogh.
Diego Castro – Left Wing – Perth Glory
During the week he was the recipient of Fox Sports’ Alex Tobin award, and while it was met with some criticism, there is no doubt the Spaniard has been a revelation this season. The 33-year-old has been producing top class performances as he and his side stormed home in the back half of the season.
Bruno Fornaroli – Striker- Melbourne City
What hasn’t this man done this season? Fornaroli has been a great addition to the league as he won the Golden Boot by scoring the most goals ever in an A-League regular season with 23 goals, ironically the number he wears on his back. The Uruguayan has created some absolutely sublime moments which will long live in the memory.
Andy Keogh – Striker – Perth Glory
When the Glory lost Keogh at the end of last season many thought they would struggle to score and this is what happened early in the season until the Irishman returned. The Glory fought hard to get him back to the club, and Keogh repaid this faith, recently breaking an Australian football record by finding the back of the net in eight consecutive games.
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