On the eve of the 2019 W-League Grand Final, Professional Footballers Australia (the PFA) has announced the 2018/19 PFA W-League Team of the Season.
Finalists Perth Glory, who challenge Sydney FC for the Championship at Jubilee Stadium from 4.30pm tomorrow afternoon, dominate the team, with no less than five players represented in this season’s starting eleven.
Glory’s Grand Final opponents, Sydney FC, have three players in the squad, while further representation comprises players from Brisbane Roar (3 players), Adelaide United (2), Melbourne City FC and Melbourne Victory in the 15-player squad.
Despite missing out on the Premiers’ Plate to Melbourne Victory, Glory have been superb this season. Semi-final hat-trick hero and Golden Boot winner Sam Kerrhas been at her devastating best, while Eliza Campbell has been brilliant in goals, and Nikki Stanton, Katie Naughton and Rachel Hill’s appearances in the Team of the Year confirm why the West Australian’s are on the big stage.
Kerr, who scored 13 goals during the regular season to claim this season’s Golden Boot, was named captain of the team upon receiving the highest number of votes from her peers.
“It’s an honour to be recognised by my peers, particularly among an incredible list of players,” Kerr said. “But it has been an amazing collective effort from my teammates, coaches and Glory this season.
“All we want to do now is go out there and win our first W-League Grand Final. To do that would mean so much more to me than any personal recognition – and that is what we are 100 per cent focused on now.”
The team is littered with a host of global stars and Australian international talent, including Matildas Caitlin Foord, Alanna Kennedy (Sydney FC) – who will take the field against Kerr’s Glory – Steph Catley (Melbourne City FC) and Clare Polkinghorne (Brisbane Roar).
American imports Stanton, Hill (Perth Glory), Christine Nairn(Melbourne Victory), and Danielle Colaprico(Sydney FC), Japanese international Yuki Nagasatoand Campbellcomprise the remaining positions within the starting XI.
Nairn was also today revealed as the Player of the Month for January, beating out teammate Emily Gielnikand Glory’s Campbellto be named by her peers as the top performer in January.
Head Coach of Premiers Melbourne Victory, Jeff Hopkins, who led his team to its maiden Premiership, was voted by the players as Coach.
Proudly supported by PFA Major Partner LUCRF Super, the 2018/19 PFA W-League Team of the Season, as chosen by the players, is as follows:
PFA President Alex Wilkinson said the players selected in the team demonstrated the significant world class quality of the players competing in the W-League.
“On behalf of the PFA Executive I would like to congratulate each of the players selected in the 2018/19 PFA W-League Team of the Season,” Wilkinson, who is also a member of the inaugural Women’s Football Council, said.
“Within this squad there are players that are among the best in world football which demonstrates the strength of the W-League as an elite domestic competition. The high standard of football produced both individually and collectively this season indicates the limitless potential of the league.
“We congratulate all the players and wish Perth and Sydney all the very best for what will no doubt be a fantastic Grand Final played at the highest quality.”
The W-League Team of the Season is voted on by the players of the W-League clubs at the conclusion of the regular season.F
