DEFENCE

Rhyan Grant, SYDNEY FC

Another integral part of Sydney FC’s defence this season, Grant was incredible for Sydney in both defence and attack. Mirroring the efforts of Michael Zullo on the left side of the defence, Grant was capable of playing the complete length of the field.

His attacking exploits saw him score three goals, including a crucial Grand Final tap in. He was also a major provider of goals for Sydney, bagging five assists throughout the season, second only in his team to Johnny Warren medallist, Milos Ninkovic.

In defence, he had a 77% tackling accuracy and made more interceptions than any other Sydney FC defender. He received a call up to the Australian national team and although he didn’t make an appearance, his call up signalled a recognition by Ange Postecoglou that he was the best right back in the A-League.

He was one of the real engines of the record breaking Sydney FC team and his consistency throughout the season is one of the reasons Sydney were able to achieve what they did.

 

Alex Wilkinson, SYDNEY FC

Wilkinson was one of Sydney’s key signings for the new season and he did not disappoint. First establishing a strong defensive partnership with Matthew Jurman and then Jordy Buijs, Wilkinson didn’t skip a beat. He was the leading man in Sydney’s mighty defence and was arguably the best defender in the league this season.

He somehow missed out on a return to the Socceroos but on the flip side, played every single game for Sydney this season, the only player to do so. No other A-League player played more minutes than he did this season and no other A-League player started more games than he did.

He was one of the key reasons Sydney were able to keep a clean sheet in 17 of their 29 A-League games this season. His composure and confidence in front of goals saw him make several crucial tackles and he received just three yellow cards all season, maintaining his discipline throughout the season.

With a tackling accuracy of 89.5%, he was completely dependable at the back for Sydney and a key factor in Sydney breaking several A-League defensive records.