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 Tommi TOMICH (Western Knights) |
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 David ANNALL (Western Knights) |
 Jason WILLIAMS (Western Knights) |
 Aaron COLE (Perth S.C.) |
 Scott MILLER (Cockburn City) |
 Miki VUJACIC (Swan I.C.) |
 Daniel TRIM (Western Knights) |
 Nick WARD (Stirling Lions) |
 Todd HOWARTH (Perth S.C.) |
 David FOSTER (Swan I.C.) |
 Stuart MONTGOMERY (Western Knights) |
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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 2004 W.A. State League season." - Brett Klucznik
Tommi TOMICH (Goalkeeper) - The pre-eminent goalkeeper of 2004 was Western Knights' Tommi Tomich. Having sharpened his skills with a season at national league outfit Melbourne Knights, the confident 24-year old returned to Nash Field on the eve of the home-and-away series to be a key player in the Knights' dual championship season. Tomich was between the posts for all 22 league outings, keeping seven clean sheets and displaying a command of the 18-yard box unrivalled in the top flight. While outstanding all season, it was during the second half of the campaign that Tomich really stepped up to the mark with his sharp reflexes and calming influence keeping an injury depleted Knights on course for silverware.
David ANNALL (Right Back) - One player who quietly goes about his business without ever attracting the headlines is David Annall. Since joining Western Knights five years ago he has developed into one of the state's most accomplished and reliable defenders. Rare is it that the focused 23-year old doesn't emerge from a tackle with the ball at his feet, while his aerial strength and willingness to join in the attacks made him a vital part of the Knights armoury. A former State youth team player, Annall's superb season was book ended by terrific displays against Bayswater City (R3) and Sorrento (R21) while his contribution in the play-off decider against the Gulls was without fault.
Jason WILLIAMS (Centre Back) - It's been suggested that the difference between the Western Knights of 2004 and those of previous seasons was the stability afforded to them by Jason Williams. The imposing central defender made a telling contribution on debut for the Knights following his move across the Nullabor last summer from Adelaide. Remarkably calm under pressure, Williams' poise and confidence - be it when challenging possession or with the ball at his feet - makes defending against the leagues most feared strikers look comparatively easy. The fact that he returned home from the Knights annual awards night with the Fairest and Best as well as Players' Player of the Year trophies is testament enough to just how important he was in the clubs dual championship season.
Aaron COLE (Centre Back) - A product of the fertile Perth S.C. youth system, Aaron Cole has long been recognised as one of the state's premier players. The quick-thinking defender shot to prominence by winning the Gold Medal and Rookie of the Year double in 1999 since when he's come on in leaps and bounds. Best on ground performances this year against Bayswater City (R12), Cockburn City (R16) and arch rival Western Knights (R18) took the 24-year old to fifth in this years Gold Medal count and fourth in the 'Sunday Times' Player of the Year. One of the first nominated for any State squad, Cole's attitude and workrate make him a very difficult player to get past while his ability in the air gives him the better of opponents at both ends of the park.
Scott MILLER (Left Back) - You won't find a better role model than Scott Miller. While his on-field abilities have made him a regular for Perth Glory and resulted in Australian representative honours, it's the 32-year olds terrific attitude and willingness to share his knowledge of the game with younger players which have made him such a respected figure in local circles. Miller spent the winter as part of Cockburn City's rearguard where ability to read play and turn defence into attack was instrumental in the clubs challenge for silverware. As the season progressed Miller hit peak form with top-notch contributions against Western Knights (R9), Inglewood United (R11), Stirling Lions (R13) and E.C.U. Joondalup (R19).
Miki VUJACIC (Right Midfield) - Exciting young midfielder Miki Vujacic was the unsung hero at Swan I.C. The versatile 20-year old arrived in the Swan Valley on a free transfer from Adelaide City and immediately began producing the sort of form which made him a regular for Future Glory in 2002. Vujacic's sublime skill and electrifying pace are best utilised on the right flank, although he's also proven just as effective when operating from the centre of the park. Prominent in mid-season fixtures with Inglewood United (R8) and Perth S.C. (R13), Vujacic moved up a gear for the Boral Cup Final in which he orchestrated Swan victory over Fremantle City by laying on the opening goal for David Foster and then netting the game's deciding goal himself.
Nick WARD (Midfield) - Nick Ward is destined for great things. The 19-year old joined Stirling Lions over the off-season and quickly settled into the playmaker role at his new club. He single handedly orchestrated the Lions charge towards the play-offs with an amazing eight best on ground performances in the space of eleven weeks. Come seasons' end Ward was the undisputed winner of the Gold Medal, an honour he claimed along with the 'Sunday Times' Player of the Year and www.soccerwa.com Player of the Year, while at club level he took out the Players' Player of the Year and Fairest and Best awards. As if that wasn't enough the midfielder was part of the Australian Under-20 squad that toured Europe (April) and South America (November).
Daniel TRIM (Midfield) - During the past few seasons Western Knights' Daniel Trim has emerged as one of the local games most influential ball players. Capable of playing a creative role in midfield or as an out-and-out striker, the industrious 24-year old featured prominently as the Knights steamrolled their way to the regular season title. Among his season highlights were starring roles in defeats of Swan I.C. (R2), Floreat Athena (R6), Bassendean Caledonian (R8) and Fremantle City (R22). When not providing the ammunition Trim can be found tucking the ball past the goalkeeper, his contribution in that department totalling eight goals which included the only goal of the Champion of Champions Grand Final win over Sorrento.
Todd HOWARTH (Left Midfield) - Perth S.C. talent Todd Howarth would have to be West Australia's most consistent player of the past five years. An Australian Schoolboy international, the 21-year old has formed a terrific partnership with Aaron Cole down the left and between them the pair are often the architects of many an opponents downfall. This year Howarth's non-stop efforts and jinxing runs into attack were underlined by best on ground performances against Bassendean Caledonian (R9), Fremantle City (R15), E.C.U. Joondalup (R21) and Sorrento (R22) which enabled him to once again finish in the upper reaches of the Gold Medal count. A key performer at club and State levels, Howarth's recent decision to move abroad next year will leave Perth with a massive hole to fill on the left side of the park.
David FOSTER (Forward) - The success story of 2004 was David Foster. Having joined Swan I.C. over the summer, the lively 20-year old established himself as the top flight's most feared attacker courtesy of his great composure and a lethal left boot. Foster ended the year with 25 goals in total, 16 of those earning him the Golden Boot with the remaining nine inspiring Swan to back-to-back Boral Cup successes. The young striker turned in string of polished performances during the regular season including those against Cockburn City (R1), E.C.U. Joondalup (R5), Sorrento (R6), Western Knights (R14) and Floreat Athena (R20). Runner-up in the Gold Medal, Foster capped his debut season in the Swan Valley by winning his clubs Fairest and Best.
Stuart MONTGOMERY (Forward) - Although absent for large slice of season, Stuart Montgomery ended the year amongst the leading scorers thanks to a scintillating start to the year. The lively 26-year old was on fire during the first half of the season when his goal a game average laid the foundations for the Western Knights successful campaign. Possessing a vicious shot and 'never say die' attitude Montgomery kept opposing defences on high alert before being forced out of the game by injury for seven weeks. Upon his return the striker continued to find the net as his season tally rose to 13 goals and the Knights romped their way to the Premier League and Champion of Champions titles.
Vince MATASSA (Goalkeeper) - One-time Australian youth international Vince Matassa joined Stirling Lions early in the winter and was a major player in the club qualifying for the play-offs for the first time in close to a decade. With experience on the local, national and international stage, the 31-year old's catlike reflexes and governance of the 18-yard box produced five clean sheets in sixteen outings. Matassa was at his brilliant best in both meetings with Swan I.C. (R11, R22) as well as the nail biting away defeat of Perth S.C. (R17). His shot-stopping abilities earned Matassa the top flight's Goalkeeper of the Year, while at club level he was a worthy recipient of the Lions' Courage Award.
Liam LILLY (Right Back) - 2004 will go down as the year Liam Lilly first established himself on the local scene. The teenage defender gained selection for State junior teams in spells with Canning City and Cockburn City before accepting a scholarship at the Australian Institute of Sport. Lilly rejoined Cockburn for the winter campaign but had hardly settled in when whisked away to Europe with the Australian Under-20 team. At club level the youngster turned on the style with eye-catching performances against Perth S.C. (R6), E.C.U. Joondalup (R8), Fremantle City (R10) Floreat Athena (R12) and Swan I.C. (R15) which sent him into the upper reaches of the Gold Medal tally.
Jamie KUZMANOVICH (Centre Back) - Paul Simmons reinstatement to the helm of E.C.U. Joondalup was enough to lure numerous star players back to the club, amongst them no-nonsense defender Jamie Kuzmanovich. The 25-year old laid the foundations for a terrific season in May when he starred against Inglewood United (R4), Swan I.C. (R5), Bayswater City (R6) and Stirling Lions (R7). Anchoring the Joondalup defence with Peter Roberts, Kuzmanovich was the red-hot favourite for several individual awards when an ankle injury sidelined him for the last six weeks of the campaign. Even so by that stage the ever-impressive defender had done enough to finish sixth in the Gold Medal and third in the 'Sunday Times' Player of the Year.
Wes MITCHELL (Centre Back) - Defender Wes Mitchell was one of the star performers in a Bayswater City line-up which struggled for much of their return season in the top flight. The towering defender arrived at Frank Drago Reserve via Arniston Rangers (Scotland) on the eve of the regular season and didn't disappoint. His strength in the air and ability to consistently rob opponents of possession made him a favourite with the club's faithful, while the experience gained in Scotland proved vital as the young Bayswater side slipped down the table over the second half of the year. A fantastic reader of play, Mitchell edged Floreat Athena and State stalwart Adrian Sutton out of the shadow squad.
Jon HIGGINS (Left Back) - E.C.U. Joondalup's Jon Higgins is arguably the most naturally gifted youngster on the local scene. The versatile 18-year old defender, formerly of Birmingham City's youth academy, made his mark last year by taking out the top flight's Rookie of the Year. He followed this up by cementing his spot in Joondalup's first eleven with a string of memorable performances highlighted by those against Stirling Lions (R7), Bassendean Caledonian (R11), Swan I.C. (R17) and Perth S.C. (R21). Higgins jinxing runs into attack are already a trademark of his game while his inventiveness at dead ball situations never fails to amaze. Perth Glory would be wise to cast their gaze in Higgins direction as it surely won't be long before he's playing on a much bigger stage.
Mark LEE (Right Midfield) - The addition of Mark Lee brought an extra dimension to Western Knights' game plan. Having helped Swan I.C. claim the Boral Cup last season, Lee found himself in the spotlight again this year as the Knights' landed the Premier League and Champion of Champions double. A player who covers more ground than most in 90 minutes, the dynamic midfielder's nimble footwork and explosive pace provides teammates with an uninterrupted supply of ammunition from the right wing, while at the same time causing all sorts of problems for rival defences. Amongst Lee's personal reel of season highlights were first-rate performances against Swan I.C. (R2), Perth S.C. (R7), Stirling Lions (R12) and Bassendean Caledonian (R19).
Gary FARIA (Midfield) - Gary Faria made a triumphant return to State League football with Fremantle City following four and a half years with Perth Glory. At his best when handed a creative role in midfield Faria added strength and experience to a young squad which spent much of the winter rooted towards the foot of the table. The 25-year old proved his worth during the second half of the season with sharp displays against Western Knights (R11), Sorrento (R12), Inglewood United (R16) and Stirling Lions (R20) as well as a starring role in the crucial defeat of Floreat Athena (R17). Come seasons end Faria's strong work ethic gained him fourth place in the Gold Medal and joint second in the 'Sunday Times' Player of the Year. Got the nod over Bassendean Caledonian workhorse Kevin Griffiths.
Antonio NAGLIERI (Midfield) - Without a shadow of a doubt Antonio Naglieri was the single most influential player at Cockburn City this year. He began with an eye-catching display in the defeat of Swan I.C. (R1) while at the opposite end of the season scored two of the years best goals in a man of the match effort against Inglewood United (R22). In between the skilful 21-year old consistently produced the goods, strong showing against Perth S.C. (R6), Stirling Lions (R13) and Fremantle City (R20) earning him joint runner-up 'Sunday Times' Player of the Year and seventh in Gold Medal. Naglieri's talents aren't limited to only creating for those around him, his tally of 15 goals in all competitions made him Cockburn's highest goalscorer for 2004.
Jeff BRIGHT (Left Midfield) - 19-year old Jeff Bright will look back fondly on his debut season in Fremantle City colours. A product of Cockburn City's youth system, Bright left that club last summer seeking a new challenge. At Fremantle he was initially utilised at left back but as the season progressed was handed a far more attacking role down the left wing where his ability to dazzle his way past opponents was put to great use. The energetic teenager was a key figure in Fremantle pulling away from the drop zone in the closing weeks of the regular season, and was also a driving force behind the club qualifying for their first ever Boral Cup Final. Squeezed into the shadow squad ahead of lively John Mirco of Cockburn City.
Greg SHARLAND (Forward) - While not the league's most prolific goalscorer, Greg Sharland's ability to create opportunities for those around him have made the 21-year old one of the state's most sought after players. Sharland's sparkling season was punctuated by best on ground efforts against Perth S.C. (R2), Bassendean Caledonian (R3), Stirling Lions (R10), Perth (R14), Fremantle City (R15) and Bayswater City (R20) which saw him claim third in the Gold Medal. Having already tasted life in the national league with Wollongong Wolves and Perth Glory, not to mention a year at London club Charlton Athletic, you get the feeling it won't be too much longer before Sharland has completely outgrown the local stage. Made the shadow squad at the expense of Cockburn City's much underrated Peter Petkovich.
Kevin CORRIEA (Forward) - The career of Kevin Corriea is well and truly back on course following a sensational winter for Fremantle City. The nippy striker has been absent for the past couple of years through injury (he's yet another victim of the dreaded oestitus pubis) but marked his return with a 23-goal haul. April proved particularly fertile for the 25-year old who conjured up ten goals in four games with hat-tricks against Dianella White Eagles and Kingsway Olympic, and doubles against Perth S.C. and Bassendean Caledonian. Correia's ability to consistently find the target produced nine goals in his clubs last eleven outings to ease Freamantle away from the foot of the table.
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This page was last updated on the 30th December 2004