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 Tommi TOMICH (Western Knights) |
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 Craig SURTEES (Fremantle City) |
 Adrian SUTTON (Floreat Athena) |
 Aaron COLE (Perth S.C.) |
 Leon RUSSELL (Western Knights) |
 Michael MIRCO (Cockburn City) |
 Claus NIELSEN (Western Knights) |
 Glen THOMAS (Sorrento) |
 Todd HOWARTH (Perth S.C.) |
 Shane CRAMPTON (Perth S.C.) |
 Louis PARKINSON (Inglewood United) |
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"The selection of this squad is purely subjective and has been made going on those performances that I witnessed over the course of the 2003 W.A. State League season." - Brett Klucznik
Tommi TOMICH (Goalkeeper) - Years of hard work have finally paid off for Tommi Tomich who recently earned a National Soccer League call-up from Melbourne Knights. A product of Western Knights youth system, the big goalkeeper rose up through the ranks to help the club capture the Premier League and Champion of Champions double in 1998. A twelve-month stay with Perth Glory allowed Tomich to sharpen his skills before returning to local ranks with Cockburn City then Bassendean Caledonian before returning to the Knights camp last year. The reliable 23-year old provided the club with some much-needed stability over the recent winter with his razor sharp reflexes and superb reading of the game coming to the Knights rescue on numerous occasions. With a command of the 18-yard box that is second to none Tomich, a Knights ever-present in 2003, represented West Australia in the end of season Charity Shield clash with Perth Glory.
Craig SURTEES (Right Back) - Former Australian Schoolboys representative Craig Surtees continues to play a pivotal role for Fremantle City whose focus is on building for future on-field success. A Fremantle veteran of twelve seasons, which includes the 2000 Premier League championship, Surtees’ experience and leadership abilities proved invaluable in a relatively youthful Fremantle side who started brightly only to tail off over the second half of the season. A superb reader of the game and a calming influence on those around him, the 32-year old defender book-ended his season with stand-out performances against Bassendean Caledonian (R5) and E.C.U. Joondalup (R21). A firm favourite with the fans and respected by teammates and opponents alike, Surtees’ confidence on the ball and excellent distribution earned him the Coaches Award at club level, and State honours for September’s Charity Shield clash with Perth Glory along with the two-game peace series against Iraq.
Adrian SUTTON (Centre Back) - Named Floreat Athena’s Most Valuable Player for the fourth successive time, former New Zealand international Adrian Sutton is widely recognised as the best defender on the local scene. A commanding presence in the air and confident with the ball at his feet, the 30-year old was a constant at the heart of the Athena defence alongside rising star Anthony Jones with whom he forged an understanding that is sure to serve the club well in future seasons. As the home-and-away campaign came to a close Athena made a late dash for the finals and, not surprisingly, it was Sutton that lead the way with inspiring displays against Swan I.C. (R15), Perth S.C. (R17) and Stirling Lions (R20) which saw the club narrowly miss out on a play-offs berth. A formidable opponent for even the best of attackers, Sutton’s leadership skills, ability to quickly size up a situation and influence on those around him made him the natural choice to captain the Western Australia in the friendly series with Iraq.
Aaron COLE (Centre Back) - Aaron Cole has been a mainstay of the Perth S.C. side which has re-claimed their mantle as Western Australia’s premier club by winning an amazing ten trophies in the past four years. The tall defender has gone from strength to strength since his dual Gold Medal-Rookie of the Year win in 1999 to become an automatic choice at the back whether wearing club colours or representing the State. Displaying a maturity well beyond his 23 years, it was his performances against Inglewood United (R11) and the championship deciding victory over Cockburn City (R21) that stand out in what was another strong winter for Cole. An athletic defender who has an uncanny knack for getting himself on the scoresheet, Cole recently took up a three-month loan deal with National Soccer League side Perth Glory which could result in him joining the professional ranks over the summer months.
Leon RUSSELL (Left Back) - Leon Russell’s rugged, no-nonsense approach has deservedly earned him the reputation as being one of the toughest defenders in the state. Following several seasons at Sorrento the nuggetty defender joined Western Knights in 1999 and quickly set about establishing himself as a regular feature of starting eleven. Strong in the tackle and possessing a never-say-die attitude, the 27-year old has become a vital piece of the Knights armoury which started out 2003 by claiming the Night Series trophy and ended the season with a historic sixth successive finals appearance. A tireless defender who never fails to impress, Russell’s explosive pace is put to great effect with his trademark runs providing the Knights with a added avenue to goal down the right. Runner-up to Claus Nielsen in the clubs Fairest and Best award, Russell’s strong work ethic and dedication saw him earn a long-awaited State debut in the friendly series against Iraq.
Michael MIRCO (Right Midfield) - The mid-May arrival of Michael Mirco was exactly what Cockburn City needed to revitalise what had been a disappointing start to the home-and-away series. With Mirco strengthening the midfield and providing attacking drive to the Cockburn line-up the team embarked upon an amazing thirteen match unbeaten streak which saw them emerge as the only serious challengers to Perth S.C. for the title. Whether playing a creative role in midfield or honing in on goal from wide on the right Mirco always proves troublesome for opposing defences. He was the architect of the mid-season demolition of the then undefeated Perth, a performance he followed in subsequent weeks with shining displays against E.C.U. Joondalup (R12) and Fremantle City (R14). Although he didn’t feature until week seven Mirco ended the season as Cockburn’s joint leading goalscorer and polled strongly in the Golden Medal count in which he shared second place with Richard Watson and Gareth Naven.
Claus NIELSEN (Midfield) - Since joining Western Knights a couple of seasons back Claus Nielsen has carved out a reputation as one of the most exciting players on the local scene. Whether operating as the teams’ play-maker from the centre of midfield, playing a more attacking role on either flank, or as part of the back four, Nielsen’s contribution is always great. Runner-up in the Gold Medal count last season, the elegant Danish import continued his superb form into the new year by playing a leading hand in his club’s successful Night Series campaign. In a season where consistency was his trademark Nielsen’s glittering performances against Inglewood United (R14) and E.C.U. Joondalup (R19) stand-out as definite highlights for the cool midfielder who never fails to give his all for the club. Joint third in the Gold Medal count, it surprised no one when Nielsen collected both the Fairest and Best and Players’ Player of the Year awards at the Knights annual trophy night.
Glen THOMAS (Midfield) - Sorrento captain and ever-present Glen Thomas produced the best form of his career in 2003 to land the club’s Best Player trophy at their annual awards ceremony. Prevented from playing professionally in England by a visa technicality at the start of last year, Thomas returned to Perth to establish himself as one of the local games’ most dependable central midfielders. The 24-year old lead by example from the centre of the park where his strong work ethic and excellent distribution laid the foundations for many of the Seagulls attacking forays. In a season that saw him consistently produce the goods, it is generally considered Thomas was at his brilliant best in the mid-season defeat of Swan I.C. (R9) as well as the three-all draw with northern suburbs rival E.C.U. Joondalup (R14). Senior State honours were a just reward for a player who would not be out of his depth in the National Soccer League.
Todd HOWARTH (Left Midfield) - Anyone that saw Perth S.C. this year will know just why Todd Howarth is regarded as the best left-sided player in the State League. Having first come to prominence at Bayswater City, whom he represented Australia at Schoolboys level, Howarth moved to Dorrien Gardens for the winter of 2000. His silky skills and penetrating runs down the left have been a key ingredient for Perth as they’ve established themselves as the state’s premier club under coach Graham Normanton. With starring roles in the defeats of Swan I.C. (R8), Bassendean Caledonian (R9), Stirling Lions (R14), E.C.U. Joondalup (R15) and Cockburn City (R20), the talented 20-year old finished joint sixth in the Gold Medal and added to his already impressive resume with State honours against Perth Glory and Iraq. Totally dominant on the left flank, strong in the air and the architect of many an opponents downfall, Howarth’s brilliant season was made complete when named Perth’s Fairest and Best player for 2003.
Louis PARKINSON (Forward) - Exciting young striker Louis Parkinson has every reason to look back on 2003 with great fondness. The 19-year old began his third season at Inglewood United operating down the left flank where his commitment and hard-running were rewarded by best on grounds against Western Knights (R3) and Cockburn City (R9). The mid-season appointment of Eddy Hodgkinson resulted in a change of role for Parkinson who reverted to his natural position in attack. The move paid immediate dividends for Inglewood as the former Australian Under-17 international not only found the net with regularity but also turned in some classy performances such as those on home soil against Stirling Lions (R17) and Sorrento (R19). Runner-up in the Golden Boot and a worthy recipient of the Gold Medal as the state’s best and fairest player, one gets the distinct impression Parkinson’s time in the local competition is fast drawing to a close with several National Soccer League clubs having already expressed their interest.
Shane CRAMPTON (Forward) - Striker Shane Crampton kicked off his debut season with Perth S.C. in sensational form. A hat-trick in April’s Boral Cup defeat of Queens Park was followed less than a week later by another three-goal haul in the 6-1 mauling of E.C.U. Joondalup (R4) saw Crampton emerge as the games’ form attacker with nine goals in six weeks. The goals continued to flow freely for Crampton as the year progressed with his best performance coming in the championship deciding clash with Cockburn City (R21) against whom the 27-year old bagged his third hat-trick of the year. Strong on the ball and lethal in and around the 18-yard box, Crampton was the runaway winner of the Golden Boot in a season that saw him find the back of the net on 32 occasions (in all competitions) and take out the "Sunday Times" Player of the Year. Having made an impressive State debut in the friendly meeting with Perth Glory, Crampton helped Perth to the Champion of Champions trophy before taking up a three-month loan arrangement with the National Soccer League champions.
Corey HUGO (Goalkeeper) - Cory Hugo’s abilities between the posts have long been held in high regard. At the age of 13 he won State representative honours for the first time and over the preceding years has enhanced his reputation with some fine displays to become Western Australia’s regular first choice goalkeeper. Spells with Swan I.C. and Kingsway Olympic were followed by a successful stint at the W.A. Institute of Sport that included time as a trainee with Perth Glory. After a couple of seasons at Inglewood United Hugo returned to Swan for the start of 2001 having developed into a superb shot-stopper with a strong command of his area. Possessing great agility and lightning reflexes, Hugo keeps his best for big occasions such as this years’ Boral Cup Final when he continually thwarted the Perth S.C. attackers in a man-of-the-match display. A nominee for the Goalkeeper of the Year award, Hugo got the nod in the shadow squad ahead of Cockburn City’s Dino Pacella.
Peter ROBERTS (Right Back) - It was a memorable debut season for former Swansea Schoolboys representative Peter Roberts. Following the off-season departure of the bulk of E.C.U. Joondalup’s first team, the 22-year old found himself thrown in at the deep end when handed the captaincy of a young and largely inexperienced squad. Roberts enthusiastically stepped up to meet the challenge and admirably lead Joondalup by providing the side with some much needed stability at the back. His on-field leadership combined with an ability to thoughtfully play the side out of danger quickly earned Roberts the respect of his teammates which culminated in the defender collecting the Joondalup’s highest individual honour - the Players’ Player of the Year - at their annual awards ceremony. Roberts narrowly edged out Floreat Athena and State defender Anthony Jones for a place in the shadow squad.
Evan WALLACE (Centre Back) - Experienced campaigner Evan Wallace was a key figure at the back in his second season with Western Knights. The hard-working defender started the year by playing a leading hand in the clubs successful Night Series campaign, then carried his superb form over into the opening weeks of the regular season with commanding performances against Inglewood United (R3), Cockburn City (R4) and Sorrento (R6). A mid-season hamstring injury forced the 31-year old on to the sidelines for a month as the Knights season stumbled. The return of Wallace revived their fortunes, his best on ground display in the home defeat of Perth S.C. (R16) proving to be the catalyst for the Knights to return to winning ways and storm their way to a deserved spot in the play-offs. Despite his mid-season absence Wallace impressed enough to finished as runner-up to Shane Crampton in the "Sunday Times" Player of the Year award and come in joint fourth in the Gold Medal.
Richard WATSON (Centre Back) - There is no doubting the calibre of towering Sorrento defender Richard Watson. Having come up through the local ranks, Watson spent time as a national league player at Heidelburg United and Canberra Cosmos before heading back to Perth to turn out for E.C.U. Joondalup with whom he won the 1998 Gold Medal. Further seasons with the northern suburbs sides were punctuated by a season with Scottish club Ayr United before, over the summer, he switched camps to neighbouring Sorrento. The solidly built 28-year old wasted no time in establishing himself as a regular fixture of the first eleven thanks to a sterling performances in the opening weeks of the season against Floreat Athena (R1), Fremantle City (R2) and Joondalup (R3). The industrious defender ended the year with first-class displays against Perth S.C. (R18), Swan I.C. (R20) and Cockburn City (R22) that enabled him to share the runners-up position in the Gold Medal for the second successive year.
Tony CUMACE (Left Back) - Sorrento’s Tony Cumace would have to be one of the states most under-rated players. Regularly utilised at left back but also effective operating on the right side of defence or down either flank, the 23-year old has been one of the local scenes most consistent performers of recent times. A product of the successful Perth S.C. juniors program, Cumace joined Sorrento in 1998 and immediately set about carving out a reputation as a reliable defender with strong attacking instincts. Since breaking into the starting eleven Cumace’s consistency, attitude and tremendous work rate have made him an important member of the Seagulls line-up. Not one to grab the headlines, he quietly goes about the job of negating the opposing strikers with a confidence few other defenders possess, more often than not emerging from the tackle with the ball at his feet to quickly turn defence into attack. While where he plays next season is still to be decided, the one thing that you can be sure of is that Cumace will be a key player for his club.
Paul COOKE (Right Midfield) - Although he missed a sizeable portion of the year through injury right-sided midfielder Paul Cooke had a fine debut season with Western Knights. Having made his State league debut as a teenager with Perth S.C., Cooke spent five years honing his considerable skills at Cockburn City whom he represented the State at senior level. The lively 24-year old keeps opposing teams on his alert thanks to some top-shelf ball control in combination with an explosive turn of pace that gets him in behind the defence to deliver the ball into the heart of the penalty area. As the regular season came to a close Cooke found his measure with a string of inspirational performances that culminated in a best on ground in the 3-0 away win over Stirling Lions (R22) and a starring role in the 2-0 play-off victory over Cockburn. A player that often dominates his flank through his inventive footwork, Cooke will use the summer to get over any niggling injuries which remain and is bound to be a vital part of the Knights line-up in 2004.
Adam BUNCE (Midfield) - Over the couple of seasons dynamic Perth S.C. midfielder Adam Bunce has made the smooth transition from youth team football to being an integral part of the first eleven. Regarded as one of the local scene’s hottest young prospects, Bunce displayed a maturity beyond his 20 years this season with a series of sparkling performances that resulted in him being called up for his senior State debut in the end of season friendly with Perth Glory. The midfielder began the year in sensational form with impressive showings in the early season defeats of Stirling Lions (R3), Swan I.C. (R8) and Fremantle City (R12) as Perth once again shaped up as the team everyone wanted to beat. A fine distributor of the ball with a strong work ethic, Bunce is also comfortable playing wide on the right or in attack where he bagged seven valuable goals over the winter months. Bunce’s creative talents were fully recognised at seasons’ end when he ended joint fifth in the Gold Medal count and State honours.
Gareth NAVEN (Midfield) - Helping Perth S.C. to the Premier League and Champions of Champions titles was the perfect way for club stalwart Gareth Naven to end his playing career. The veteran midfielder started his final season in blistering form, his dominance at home against Fremantle City (R1), Western Knights (R5) and Sorrento (R7) going a long way to establish Perth firmly as the competitions’ benchmark. Even at the age of 34 Naven is still one of the local game’s hardest working players, his workrate regularly putting players much his younger to shame while his superb ball control and excellent distribution often lead to chances on goal for Perth. After unselfishly turning down the opportunity to represent the State against Perth Glory - whom he captained for six seasons - Naven’s brilliant career came to a close by taking out the runners-up spot in both the Gold Medal (in which he tied with Richard Watson and Michael Mirco) and Perth’s Fairest and Best.
Jeff BRIGHT (Left Midfield) - Cockburn City’s Jeff Bright continues to attract the interest of clubs from interstate and abroad. Although often utilised as part of the club’s backline during the winter, the adaptable 18-year old is best suited to playing an attacking role wide on the left where his superb ball control and explosive pace are put to much better use. The former State junior representative has been a constant for Cockburn over the past few years during which time he has matured into an vital member of the starting line-up. A passionate player who enjoys pushing forward and challenging defences, Bright was faultless in Cockburn’s home defeat of Floreat Athena (R13) and also turned in sharp displays against Western Knights (R4), Sorrento (R11) and Inglewood United (R19). The energetic teenager added to the State Schoolboys honours won last season by making his senior debut in the Charity Shield clash with Perth Glory.
Stuart MONTGOMERY (Forward) - Stuart Montgomery was enjoying a great second season wearing the colours of Western Knights before his winter was brought to a premature end by serious injury. The explosive striker began the year in devastating form, snaring four goals in the Night Series - which included the only goal of the Final against Cockburn City - as the Knights claimed their first silverware since 2000. The benefactor of some great service from the middle of the park Montgomery found the net with regularity over the first half of the winter to shape up as Shane Crampton’s main rival for the prestigious Golden Boot. A hat-trick in the home defeated of Stirling Lions (R11) was followed by another three-goal haul against Rockingham City in the Boral Cup as the energetic 25-year old really began to hit his straps. Having bagged 16 goals (in all competitions) and with the promise of many more to come Montgomery’s season came to an abrupt halt when he suffered a broken leg in July’s away fixture with Cockburn.
Simon HARLAND (Forward) - Following spells in England and Singapore attacker Simon Harland made a welcomed return to State League football with Sorrento. Harland spent five seasons with Sorrento, which included a short period on loan to Perth Glory, before heading overseas where his 20-goals lead S-League side Sengkang Marine to their best ever finish. The sort of striker that not only scores goals but also creates for those around him, Harland’s strengths lie in a lethal right-foot and his ability to hold the ball up while teammates catch up with play and get themselves into position. Although he suffered at times with knee problems Harland was one of only two ever-presents at Sorrento in 2004, scoring nine goals (in all competitions) and polling strongly to finish third in the clubs Best Player award. State honours against Perth Glory and Iraq come seasons’ end were a fitting end to an inspirational season for the 27-year old striker.
"The selection of this squad is purely subjective and has been made going on those performances that I witnessed over the course of the 2003 W.A. State League season." - Adam Rucci
Darren WILLIAMS (Goalkeeper) - In the twilight of what has been a long career, goalkeeper Darren Williams was one of the main reasons Queens Park ended the season in fourth place. After several seasons with the Western Knights Williams answered an early season call to join Queens Park for whom he consistently proved that, even at the age of 37, he still possesses the reflexes, agility and ability to play at such a high level. Williams' command of the 18-yard box is second-to-none and the nine clean sheets he kept over the winter months provided his club with the stability needed to turn around a disappointing start to the season. One of the veteran's best performances came in the away clash with a rampant Mandurah City when Queens Park triumphed 3-1 away from home, while a few weeks later he was faultless in the 3-0 defeat of Dianella Whites Eagles which ended the season.
Grant LEARMONT (Sweeper) - Now in his second season with Queens Park following successive spells with Inglewood United and Morley Windmills, Grant Learmont was perhaps the stand-out player for his club in 2003. An integral of coach Mike Brazil's plans, the 27-year old did a superb job of marshalling the Queens Park defence where his experience and calming influence helped those around him keep their focus no matter what the situation. It's when under pressure that Learmont's talents are best appreciated, his ability to read play and cut out through balls before they become a danger is amongst the best on the local scene. Not content to just defend, Learmont's driving runs from the back provided the side with another attacking option, one which resulted in the sweeper scoring a couple of handy goals this year.
Jason LAWTON (Central Defender) - A central figure in Bayswater City's season was defender Jason Lawton whose confidence and maturity on the ball belie his 20 years of age. A former youth team player at Bayswater, Lawton spent time on the books of Morley Windmills and Swan I.C. before returning to Frank Drago Reserve and settling in to regular fist team football. On of the youngsters greatest assets is his lightning speed which enables Lawton to keep up with and maintain the pressure on opposing players. A constant performer throughout the winter months, the defender was undoubtedly at his best in the mid-season fixtures with Rockingham City, Canning City and Stirling Suns when his marshalling of the Bayswater backline was faultless. Having risen to the challenge of First Division football and succeeded, Lawton's attentions will now be directed to next season and getting to match himself with the best attackers the local game has to offer.
David MRDJA (Central Defender) - Having become firmly entrenched in Dianella White Eagles' starting line-up last year, tough-tackling David Mrdja was again rock-solid at the back for the club in 2003. No matter how his side fares on matchday you can be sure that the 20-year old will leave the field of play exhausted having given his all to the cause. A centre-half in the traditional mould, Mrdja is strong in the air and committed on the ground while his man-to-man marking is superb, as was evident when he completely shut Mandurah City's Christian Paschewitz out of their August clash between the two clubs. A very difficult player to rob of possession, Mrdja's consistency and skills on the ball this year brought him to the attention of several top flight clubs and have installed him as favourite to win back-to-back Fairest and Best's when Dianella hand out their end of season awards shortly.
Linden PYWELL (Right Wing) - 17-year old wing-back Linden Pywell is one of the rising stars of the local scene. Having honed skills playing for the Future Glory youth team which competed in last years' Premier League reserve competition, the highly rated youngster stepped up to senior ranks this year with Queens Park and to say he grabbed the opportunity with both hands would be an understatement. Possessing lightning pace and fine ball control, Pywell consistently produced the goods over the winter months to finish as runner-up in his clubs' annual Fairest and Best award. A skilful player who loves nothing more than to run at opposing defences, the Queens Park youngster with a bright future is understood to be in the sights of several top flight clubs.
Andrew O'NEILL (Left Wing) - Andrew O'Neill is one player that has come on in leaps and bounds since being given the opportunity to play regular first team football. Having spent time in the youth ranks at Floreat Athena, the talented attacker joined Bayswater at the start of 2002 and quickly established himself as one of the first names on Salv Todaro's teamsheet. Recipient of the clubs Player of the Year award in his first season, O'Neill was the only ever-present in Bayswater's championship winning season. His electric pace and silky skills were never more valuable than over the closing months of the season when Bayswater were engaged in a fierce battle with Mandurah City for top honours. Starring roles against Mandurah and Rockingham City book-ended what many rate as O'Neill's best game of the winter when, against South West Phoenix, the 21-year old orchestrated victory by playing a leading role in all four of his teams' goals.
Kevin HENDERSON (Midfield) - THaving played much of his career in Scotland, Kevin Henderson bounced back from a crippling knee suffered towards the tail end of last season to play an key role in Bayswater claiming the First Division crown. A natural sweeper, the 29-year old spent much of 2003 operating out of the middle of the park where his work-rate and distribution lead to many a goal for the club. Throughout what was a First Division long season Henderson's form and on-field leadership has been crucial to the side with particularly impressive showings in both fixtures with Queens Park as well as the 4-0 thrashing of Dianella White Eagles in May. Club vice-captain and a definite favourite with the faithful at Frank Drago Reserve, Henderson was recently named Bayswater's Player of the Year and has been installed as one of the red-hot favourites for the First Division's top individual award.
Jordan RHODES (Midfield) - One of the stars of the First Division season has been former Charlton Athletic academy player Jordan Rhodes. Having returned from London towards the end of last season Rhodes turned down offers from several top flight clubs in preference of Mandurah City, the club where he spent his junior years. In his first full senior season in the local competition the 18-year old continually turned on the style for the Peel club courtesy of his excellent ball control and ability to take on and consistently beat opposing players. The sort of midfielder that not only provides for those around him but also scores himself, by seasons' end the teenage midfielder had found the back of the net on seventeen occasions as Mandurah challenged Bayswater City for promotion. Rated as one of the best young players in the state, Rhodes is favourite for the First Division Player of the Year in many commentators' minds.
Scott BROADLEY (Midfield) - Whether he's roaming the forward line, bolstering the midfield of helping out at the back, Scott Broadley has been the form player at Balcatta this year. With several years' experience in the top flight for E.C.U. Joondalup and State representative honours to his credit, Broadley made a sensation return to the game with Balcatta after watching for much of last season from the sidelines due to a serious knee injury. The versatile 26-year old is by far and away the most lethal deadball player in the First Division, his explosive shot producing 15 goals for Balcatta to give him the clubs leading scorer award. But Broadley's talents are not limited to just converting in front of goal, his strength in the air and confidence on the ball making him a very handy player down the full length of the playing field. Broadley is another player expected to poll well in the First Division Player of the Year award.
Boima KARPEH (Forward) - Liberian-born Boima Karpeh didn't wait long before making an impression in his first season with Bayswater City, the teenager scoring on debut in the 4-1 home win over Canning City which opened the season. The young striker shot to prominence last year by netting 13 times for Dianella White Eagles before his off-season transfer to Frank Drago Reserve where his 21-goal season saw him end as Bayswater's leading scorer and joint second on the competition standings. Amongst Karpeh's season highlights were sensational hat-tricks away at South West Phoenix and, two weeks later, in the defeat of The City, while those that witnessed his stunning volley in the Round Fifteen clash with Rockingham City won't forget that the goal any time soon. With dazzling footwork, great ball control and an explosive turn of place, the 19-year old was recently offered to trial for National Soccer League champions Perth Glory.
Christian PASCHEWITZ (Forward) - Christian Paschewitz marked his return to the Peel Region by leading Mandurah City's charge for the First Division title with a 24 goal haul that saw him take out the competition's leading scorer award. Time in the top flight with Fremantle City and Cockburn City moulded the fiercely competitive 24-year old into mature attacker with a keen eye for goal. Amongst the highlights of his season was a sensational hat-trick in August's home thrashing of Southside United. An old fashioned style centre-forward, Paschewitz is very strong on the ball and reeks havoc on opposing defences with his uncanny knack of creating something out of nothing. Possessing a venomous shot and just as lethal in the air, Paschewitz is sure to be a key figure at Mandurah for many years to come.
Mike GREEN (Goalkeeper) - There was only a hair's breadth between Mandurah City custodian Mike Green and Queens Park veteran Darren Williams for the No. 1 shirt with the latter getting the nod after much deliberation. At the age of 33 Green is in his prime as a goalkeeper and this year was one of his best. The Mandurah shot-stopper possesses without doubt some of the safest hands in the business as is evidenced by the nine clean sheets he kept over the winter months. With a strong command of his 18-yard box Green's strengths lie his aerial prowess and lightning reflexes, two attributes which have earned him the respect of opposing players and coaches alike. With Jordan Rhodes and Christian Paschewitz often grabbing the headline at Mandurah, Green is one of the Peel clubs true unsung heroes.
Craig ANDERSON (Central Defence) - Big Armadale centre-back Craig Anderson is widely regarded as one of the best defenders outside the Premier League. After several season playing in the top flight with Cockburn City, Anderson made the move to Armadale last season as the club set their sights on winning promotion. Although that didn't eventuate - Armadale finished second last year and came third in 2003 - the soon to be 23-year old has developed into a mature and reliable defender who instils confidence in those around him. Rarely does Anderson emerge from a tackle without the ball at his feet, while his ability to mark opposing striker out of the game is second to none. With Armadale promising another strong showing next year, don't be surprised if it's not too long before Anderson is again strutting his stuff in the Premier League.
Damien CONDO (Central Defence) - For 19-year old defender Damian Condo, 2004 will go down as the year he cemented himself as a regular fixture of the Mandurah City starting eleven. A product of the Peel Region, Condo in recent years has progressed up through the youth ranks to become one of the first names on the Mandurah teamsheet. Strong in the tackle and cool when in possession, the young sweeper in an instant can turn defence into attack courtesy of his superb distribution from the back. Condo was a key figure for Mandurah over the final months of the campaign when they pushed hard to win promotion to the top flight only to be edged out on goal difference by Bayswater City. Winner of Mandurah's Coaches Award last year, Condo is bound to be amongst the front runners when the club hand out this years' trophies.
Gareth HEALY (Midfield) - Bayswater City's Gareth Healy had the distinct honour of captaining the side not only to the First Division title but also to their first trophy in over fifteen years, and a place in the top flight. Healy spent much of his junior days at Bayswater for whom he represented the State at Under-13 and Under-14 levels before spells with Dianella White Eagles, Swan I.C. and Morley Windmills. Upon his return to Frank Drago Reserve at the start of last year the hard-working midfielder set about re-establishing himself on the local scene. At his best in the mid-season fixtures against Mandurah City and Kingsway Olympic, Healy is expected to poll strongly in the First Divisions Player of the Year award and will no doubt be looking forward to the challenge offered by Premier League football next year.
Simon MESSENGER (Midfield) - His season may have been hampered by rib and hamstring injuries but Simon Messenger, recipient of Morley Windmills' Fairest and Best award last season, is still one of the best midfielders in the competition. The efforts of the hard-working 31-year old were vital as Windmills began the 2003 promisingly only to slip away as the effects of a long season took it's toll on the clubs small and comparatively inexperienced squad. Before being struck down by injury himself, Messenger provided much of Windmills attacking drive from the middle of the park, bagging five goals in the process and setting up many others. A handy marker, perhaps the highlight of his season came away against Bayswater City when Messenger single-handedly shut down the home teams' creative midfield combination of Gareth Healy and Kevin Henderson. Messenger won a spot on the all-stars bench just ahead of Mandurah City's Andrew Rennie.
Mohammed KOMADERIC (Forward) - In his first season of senior football Mohammed Komaderic emerged as one of the stars of a young Ashfield side which ended the season a very credible fifth. The 20-year old striker began the winter playing in his clubs youth ranks and in next to no time at all had been promoted to the first team for whom he developed into one of the First Division's most dynamic attacking players. Amongst the numerous highlights of Komaderic's year were an early season hat-trick in the 3-0 defeat of Southside United, while during September he was the starred by scoring all four goals it Ashfield's 4-3 away win over South west Phoenix. By far and away his clubs' leading scorer with 23 goals, Komaderic was pipped for the First Division Golden Boot by Mandurah City's Christian Paschewitz whose final round goal against Ashfield gave him that award. Edged out Leeming Strikers Luca Whitehouse for a place in the all-stars squad.
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This page was last updated on the 24th February 2006