3. Tony Popovic (Western Sydney Wanderers)

Despite the stellar and unprecedented success of 2014 when Popovic and the backroom staff at Western Sydney gave birth to a club that would conquer Asia, there were some questions being quietly whispered the season following.

A slip all the way to second last on the A-League standings had some wondering whether it was all too good to be true and there was great scrutiny on the club heading into the recently completed domestic season.

Not only did the Wanderers rebound, despite again being rebuilt with a host of new faces, but they did so in impressive fashion, finishing the regular season second, just a point adrift of premiers Adelaide. They then lost the grand final 3-1 to the same opponents back in May.

The constant evolution of this club has been a hallmark of Popovic’s tenure and while the recruitment of some foreign players for the upcoming season has been eye-raising, not many would bet against the 43-year-old manager being able to squeeze the very best out of his squad once again. 

2. Ange Postecoglou (Australia)

Perhaps slightly unfortunate to have fallen from the top perch he occupied last year, Postecoglou remains amongst the elite coaches throughout Southeast Asia and beyond.

It’s worth pointing out that the quality of the opponents Australia have faced over the past 12 months is certainly higher than any other national team in the region, so the team’s three losses over that period have to be weighted accordingly.

Jordan in Amman, England in Sunderland and a friendly loss to Greece in Melbourne were the only defeats the team suffered.

With the FIFA Confederations Cup – as well as the next cycle of World Cup qualifiers – on the horizon, Postecoglou is finally starting to realise his goal when he assumed control of assembling a new-look, dynamic squad that plays with respect, but without fear.

Hamstrung somewhat by a generation lacking the elite talent of that which preceded it, the work the 50-year-old has already done looks all the brighter when seen in this light.