MIDFIELD

Milos Ninkovic, SYDNEY FC

With so many great performances this season, the race for the Johnny Warren Medal was always going to be tough but almost everyone agreed with the decision to award it to Milos Ninkovic. Last season he only showed glimpses of what he was capable of, but the Serb turned it on bigly this time round, becoming a key part of Sydney’s winning team.

With 11 assists for the campaign, Ninkovic was Sydney’s big impact player. He knew how to control the pace of the game and set up key chances with his quick thinking. Often the focal point of Sydney’s counter-attacks, he worked fluidly linking Sydney’s midfield to its forward line.

He epitomises what the role of a foreign player is, lifting the standards not only of his team, but Sydney’s opponents too. Most of them were left scrambling to defend against Ninkovic who could out-pass and out-run even the best of them.

He covered more ground than any of his team mates, running 12km in a single game, and he has played in almost every single game this season, showcasing his impeccable fitness for a man of his age.

His excellent form this season has seen him upgraded to a marquee contract for next season and Sydney may be hoping he sticks around for a few more seasons to come. Although the entire Sydney FC team has been remarkable this year, Ninkovic was a cut above the rest and that is undoubtedly what saw him receive so much praise.

Diego Castro, Perth Glory

Fresh off his Johnny Warren Medal last season, Castro was out to defend his title and if it wasn’t for the incredible form of Milos Ninkovic, he probably would have received the award two years in a row.

A stand out in a Perth Glory side that would often lack consistency, Castro was the game changer, making the left wing his own and outsmarting almost all his opponents.

He often appeared in a league of his own, leaving defenders in his wake and scoring goals that left many gasping. His tight control is the envy of every player in the league and his experience in La Liga shines in every effortless move he makes.

He created a whopping 63 chances for Perth, giving Adam Taggart and Andy Keogh service up front other teams could only dream of. He was fouled 79 times with most teams unable to contain the Spanish forward.

It was a season to remember for Spaniard and he is set to sign on for another season with the club. Despite being 34 years old, Castro shows no sign of slowing down and he has been one of the best imports the A-League has ever had.