Team of the Year - Defenders

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 all-important central defensive positions.

Lachlan Jackson (Brisbane Roar FC NYL)

The 19-year-old centre half was a regular performer for Roar’s youth outfit in their debut PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland campaign. Demonstrating poise and leadership beyond his years, Jackson regularly captained Roar and proved adept at shutting down more experienced attackers who have played at the highest levels. His returns have seen him make regular appearances for Roar’s first team as they prepare for the upcoming Hyundai A-League season. Could he make the jump to the next level this summer?

David Salin (Brisbane Strikers FC)

The former AS Cannes man was a standout centre half this season, playing the position with a touch of French flair and passion.  Strong in the air and an adroit reader of situations, Salin was almost disdainfully comfortable with the ball at his feet and was an unhurried and accurate distributor who helped sparked many of Strikers' attacking forays.

Matt Mundy (Olympic FC)

A championship winner at both Hyundai A-League and PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland level, Mundy again proved a constant performer in Olympic's backline this season. Calm under possession and adaptable, he proved crucial to the team’s flexibility as the club oscillated between three and four-man backline formations. Already signed on for 2015, his late season switch to left-back allowed for more options to be examined as Olympic competed qualified for second consecutive Grand Final and turned heads in the Westfield FFA Cup.

Karl Dodd (Palm Beach SC)

Dodd returned to his former junior club half way through the season as Sharks battled a raft of injuries in key positions. The late start to the campaign was noticeable in terms of fitness, but the 33-year-old covered the deficit by using the experience he garnered in the Hyundai A-League. His contributions saw him play a crucial role in the club’s league besst defensive return and fairytale Westfield FFA Cup campaign. 

Luca Perico (Brisbane City FC)

Joining City midway through last year’s campaign, the 23 year old Italian import was a constant in the City line-up in his first full season with the club. Previously a junior at highly regarded Italian club Atalanta, Perico offered an attacking threat from set-pieces both with his head and standing over the ball. His passion for the game and desire to win was evident every time he took the field.

Kristian Rees (Palm Beach SC)

The former Gold Coast United man was a key player in Sharks’ outstanding 2014 campaign, offering experience and guidance to his younger teammates. A true professional, who won the Hyundai A-League Premiership with Adelaide United in 2006, Rees’ composure in defence and distribution going forward proved the 34-year-old still has plenty to offer in the state’s elite club competition.

Matt Byrne (Olympic FC)

Returning from Serbia midway through Olympic’s 2013 championship season, the athletic Byrne wasted no time in establishing his credentials as one of the competition’s finest. Quick and strong, the 22-year-old adapted seamlessly from a more natural right-back position to become an ever-present in central defence for this year's Grand Finalists. Formerly with Brisbane Roar's youth team player, he is back on the radar of Hyundai A-League clubs following a standout season.

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.

 

 

 




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