IT'S THE end of the season - and we at FourFourTwo Towers were given the task of naming our team of the year for the Hyundai A-League 2013 Grand Final programme.
The blockbuster finale may have been and gone but there's a long off-season to argue over our selections so get stuck in.
And if you want a copy of the special limited edition collectors' item Grand Final programme, copies are still available to order here with FREE delivery to your door.
OUR TEAM OF THE SEASON
TONY POPOVIC
Coach
Western Sydney Wanderers
For a rookie coach to take a team of discards and mould them into Premiership winners in a matter of months is simply breathtaking. That his players are under-represented in this XI is a tribute to his ethos of team effort over individual brilliance. Inspiring.
EUGENE GALEKOVIC
Goalkeeper
Adelaide United
There was stiff competition but while his rivals hid behind a strong backline, Hugene simply had to work more...and earned every penny of his pay. Showed leadership on and off the field - and defined the term safe pair of hands.
RHYAN GRANT
Rightback
Sydney FC
We’re playing him at fullback but apart from putting on the gloves, he’s appeared in pretty much every position on the park for Sydney this season...and impressed every time. Amazing breakthrough season for the freshly bulked up youngster.
TRENT SAINSBURY
Central defence
Central Coast Mariners
Graham Arnold’s stingy defence is key to their consistency and young Trent had big boots to fill when he came in for Alex Wilkinson - but impressed beyond all expectations and laid claim to the spot for himself. Intelligent, strong and mature.
NIKOLAI TOPOR-STANLEY
Central defence
Western Sydney Wanderers
The first name on FourFourTwo’s teamsheet. Ghandi was leaner, meaner and a commanding brick wall presence in Wanderers’ backline this season. A Socceroos call-up can’t be far away if he can maintain this standard.
CRAIG GOODWIN
Leftback
Newcastle Jets
Criminally underused and undervalued by the Jets this season in our opinion, Goodwin offers blistering pace down the left wing and a no fear attitude to taking on the opposition. May need some extra work on his defensive duties however.
MARK MILLIGAN
Defensive midfield
Melbourne Victory
Another name unanimously agreed on at FourFourTwo HQ. In that defensive midfield role, Milligan excelled and should have been rewarded with far more than just Air Miles by the Qantas Socceroos this year. Cool, calm and mature midfielder.
MICHAEL McGLINCHEY
Central midfield
Central Coast Mariners
The second Kiwi to make it into the line up, McGlinchey stepped up for the Mariners this season as their midfield linchpin, directing play and leading the attack with delightful quick darting runs at the backline. Not bad for a ginger...
ALESSANDRO DEL PIERO
Attacking midfield
Sydney FC
For much of the season, Del Piero carried the Sky Blues on his back, single handedly keeping them competitive under dire circumstances. When he faded out of a game, so did Sydney. Absolutely essential. And as for those freekicks...
MARCO ROJAS
Forward
Melbourne Victory
The ‘Kiwi Messi’ is a big tag to live up to but the former Wellington Phoenix youngster proved up to all his initial promise - and then surpassed it this season. His partnership with Archie was a sensation.
ARCHIE THOMPSON
Forward
Melbourne Victory
A deadset A-League legend, pure and simple. Just when you think he might be past his best, he comes back and has yet another fabulous season. How could you not have him on your side? (Sydney/Adelaide fans need not reply...)
BESART BERISHA
Striker
Brisbane Roar
For all that Roar had a largely disappointing season until their late campaign revival, Berisha quietly notched up yet another astonishing tally in front of goal. Consistently lethal given half a chance, devastating given anything more.
And a final reminder - copies of the Grand Final programme are still available to order here with FREE delivery to your door.
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