1. Fred (Melbourne Victory, Wellington Phoenix, Melbourne Heart)

Fred was a sensation for the A-League in season two and set the standard for Brazilians, and imports in general, in the competition. He had arrived at Victory alongside two other Brazilians, Alessandro and Claudinho, who both failed to fire. However, Fred was a different story, although he didn't start perfectly after receiving a three-match ban in Round 2 of the 2006-07 season for an off-the-ball elbow on Mark Milligan.

But Fred let his football do the talking to repair his reputation and he proved to be a top-class purchase for Victory with his midfield creativity and vision. Fred finished the 2006-07 regular season on top of the league's goal assist charts with nine as Victory clinched the Premiership.

However, his crowning moment was to come, when Victory routed Adelaide 6-0 in the Grand Final. Archie Thompson got plenty of plaudits for his five-goal haul, but Fred actually provided a staggering four assists in the game. It was indicative of how crucial he was to their success. Soon after the Grand Final he landed a switch to the MLS, but he is back in the A-League now, with Melbourne Heart.

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