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In a controversial selection - voted on by players themselves - the PFA opted for a 3-4-3 formation that included two leftbacks, just one centreback, no defensive midfielder and an aggressive attack.

Harry Kewell only made it onto the bench, while Melbourne Heart skipper Fred was named captain of the PFA select side too.

"It is an incredible honour to not only be selected in the PFA's A-League Team of the Season, but named as its captain as well," Fred said.

"Today's announcement is one of the best individual honours I've received during my career as a professional, and it's fantastic to see my team-mates Aziz Behich, Michael Marrone and Clint Bolton named in the team as well."

Mat Ryan was in goals behind Marrone, Patrick Zwaanswijk and Josh Rose, while  Behich was in midfield alongside Fred, Thomas Broich and Mitch Nicholls.

Archie Thompson was upfront with Besart Berisha and Paul Ifill, while Bolton, Kewell, Nick Carle, Andrew Durante and Carlos Hernandez warm the pine.

No-one from third-placed Perth Glory featured at all in the team.

Arnie's coach's role makes him the fourth A-League coach to win the prestigious honour and he was delighted to follow in the footsteps on Ange Postecoglou, Vitezslav Lavicka and Aurelio Vidmar.

“I’m humbled to win this award," he said after being presented with the award by Mariners skipper and PFA Executive member Alex Wilkinson.

"Being recognised by the players as the top coach this season speaks volumes for what we are doing here.

“I can’t speak highly enough of the players. I think I’ve said many times before that I come to training with a smile on my face, and I turn up to work this these guys who are not only very good footballers, but are wonderful human beings.

“I haven’t had one problem with one player since I’ve been here, it’s definitely a joy.”

Brendan Schwab, PFA Chief Executive added: “The continued success of Central Coast Mariners despite their heartbreaking loss in last year’s Championship decider shows how Graham and his playing squad have been able to overcome many of the obstacles put in their way.

“It is even more to the credit of Graham that the side has continued its success despite coming from the A-League smallest market, and the need to transfer key players out of the club.

"Despite these issues, Graham has successfully developed a number of young players, many of whom should become the mainstay of future Socceroo teams.

“I wish Graham and his club the best in both the forthcoming A-League finals and the Asian Champions League.”

PFA A-League Team of the Season
Goalkeeper: Mathew Ryan (Central Coast Mariners)
Defenders: Michael Marrone (Melbourne Heart), Patrick Zwaanswijk (Central Coast Mariners), Joshua Rose (Central Coast Mariners)
Midfielders: Thomas Broich (Brisbane Roar), Fred (Melbourne Heart), Mitch Nicholls (Brisbane Roar), Aziz Behich (Melbourne Heart)
Forwards: Paul Ifill (Wellington Phoenix), Besart Berisha (Brisbane Roar), Archie Thompson (Melbourne Victory).
Substitutes: Clint Bolton (Melbourne Heart), Andrew Durante (Wellington Phoenix), Nicky Carle (Sydney FC), Carlos Hernandez (Melbourne Victory), Harry Kewell (Melbourne Victory)

Pictures by John Dewberry/Central Coast Mariners

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