Words: Staff Writers

The Supporters’ Team of the Year competition is your chance to reward those PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland players that have shown outstanding skill, leadership and entertainment value over the course of the 2014 season.

Only players nominated by the senior head coaches at the PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland clubs are eligible for selection. However, the choice of the final eleven players is entirely up to you – the supporters.

To assist with selecting your Supporters’ Team of the Year, we profile those players nominated for the two fullback positions.

Riley Dillon (Palm Beach SC)

Dillon was a key component of the Sharks’ highly effective counter-attacking transition this season at right fullback. Proving equally adept at shutting down opposing wingers or getting forward in wide areas himself, Dillon made 25 appearances across both the league and finals series and scored two goals.

Brock Messenger (Sunshine Coast FC Fire)

Messenger proved a stand-out performer at fullback for Fire this season, earning selection to the New Zealand Under 20 national side for his efforts. Blessed with speed and a tireless work rate, Messenger demonstrated all the skills necessary of the modern fullback both defensively and in attack. Still only 19 years old, a big future looms for the fair-haired Fire talent.

Ethan Docherty (FNQ FC Heat)

While Heat’s blistering midfield dominated the headlines, the work of Docherty at fullback couldn’t be ignored by NPL Queensland coaches. Docherty’s energy and fitness provided a regular outlet for Heat in both halves of the pitch, with the 17-year-old demonstrating his attacking wares with two goals in the league campaign. Expect more as the Heat Academy product continues to mature and develop his game.

Kazuya Ito (Olympic FC)

Japanese import Kazuya Ito quickly established himself as one of the most consistent competitors in Queensland last year and only enhanced his reputation this term. While also a force in midfield, Ito’s exceptional stamina and speed allow him to control a flank from fullback.The 27-year-old regularly surged forward and sliced through midfields to help his team to second straight Grand Final appearance.

Chris Maher (Brisbane Strikers FC)

Maher returned to Strikers after one season in the Brisbane Premier League and delivered a year of consistently strong performances.  Primarily used as a right back, where his speed and tenacity were tested by the league’s plethora of talented left-sided wingers, Maher regularly came out on top in his defensive duties and showed his versatility by successfully fill in at centre-half when needed. 

Greg King (Brisbane Strikers FC)

There are many strings to King’s bow and this was never better illustrated than by his successful switch from the wing to fullback this season.  Deceptively quick, King was seldom outsmarted or outpaced by opposition wingers and was a constant threat when venturing forward with his clever pass selection and ability to provide a telling cross. His leadership qualities also saw him take the captain's arm band from Jonti Richter after persistent injury.

How to Vote For Your Team of the Year

To vote for your Supporters' Team of the Year, and be in the running to win a PlayStation 4 console and a copy of EA Sports FIFA 14, simply follow this link to the online voting form.