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 Gareth DEEG (Perth S.C.) |
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 David ANNALL (Western Knights) |
 Shaun KILKELLY (Inglewood United) |
 Aaron COLE (Perth S.C.) |
 Paul MCMULLAN (Sorrento) |
 Kevin GRIFFITHS (Inglewood United) |
 Robbie PUCA (Perth S.C.) |
 Antonio NAGLIERI (Perth S.C.) |
 Claus NEILSEN (Western Knights) |
 Andreas OLIVEIRA (Perth S.C.) |
 David ONOFORO (Perth S.C.) |
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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 2005 W.A. State League season." - Brett Klucznik
Gareth DEEG (Goalkeeper) - It's difficult to imagine how the season would have panned out had Perth S.C. not signed journeyman goalkeeper Gareth Deeg. The experienced 27-year old arrived at Dorrien Gardens shortly after the start of the home and away series and quickly took possession of the No.1 shirt. His superb command of the top flight's best defensive combination resulted in an incredible nine clean sheets which included match winning performances against Armadale (R6) and Inglewood United (R20). Come seasons' end Deeg's heroics earned him the Goalkeeper of the Year award, which he shared with Cory Hugo (Swan I.C.), and a possible national league contract with Perth Glory.
David ANNALL (Right Back) - Another strong season at the back for Western Knights allowed David Annall to retain his place in the www.footballwa.net All-Stars. The type of player who doesn't attract a lot of attention, Annall has matured into one of the state's most accomplished and reliable defenders. It's a rare thing for the 24-year old to emerge from a tackle without the ball at his feet, while his strength in the air, thoughtful use of the ball and willingness to push forward into attack underlines the threat he poses at both ends of the park. Annall's dedication was recognised at club level by the Players' Player of the Year award and runner-up in the Fairest and Best count.
SHaun KILKELLY (Centre Back) - Whether running the midfield or operating in the centre of defence, Shaun Kilkelly was one of 2005's stand-out players. The year could not have started better for the 21-year old who captained Inglewood United to Night Series glory. A strong work rate and no-nonsense approach produced best on ground efforts in early season defeats of Western Knights (R4) and Stirling Lions (R8) while his contributions against E.C.U. Joondalup (R14), Floreat Athena (R15) and Armadale (R17) also caught the eye. His consistency and application earned Kilkelly Inglewood's Player of the Year trophy, third place in the Gold Medal, and State Youth honours in October's friendlies with Malaysia and Indonesia.
Aaron COLE (Centre Back) - Aaron Cole commands his place in the www.footballwa.net All-Stars starting line-up for a fourth successive year. The towering defender broke into first team ranks in 1999 by winning the Gold Medal and Rookie of the Year double since when he's gone on to chalk up over 150 first team appearances. Superb performances against Cockburn City (R4), Western Knights (R5), Bayswater City (R7), Stirling Lions (R10) and Swan I.C. (R15) took him to joint sixth in this year's Gold Medal. And there is no doubt the sturdy 25-year old would have finished much higher if not for a back injury that forced him to miss the final month of competition.
Paul MCMULLAN (Left Back) - The local game needs to attract more imports of the quality of Scotsman Paul McMullan. The tireless 21-year old, fresh from a spell with Raith Rovers, joined Sorrento in May and cemented his place in the line-up through stand-out performances against Inglewood United (R10) and Perth S.C. (R11). When not shutting down opposing strikers McMullan showed a keen desire to join in the attacks through his over-lapping runs down the left wing that became a prominent feature of Sorrento's game plan. Superb in late season wins over Western Knights (R16), Cockburn City (R17) and Fremantle City (R20), McMullan polled strongly to take fourth place in the Gold Medal. He has since returned to Scotland to play for First Division side Hamilton Academical.
Kevin GRIFFITHS (Right Midfield) - Season 2005 was arguably the best of Kevin Griffiths' career. The 28-year old signed for Inglewood United last summer and over the course of the year lead by example through a strong work ethic and excellent distribution which laid the foundations for many an Inglewood attack. After helping his new club win the Night Series, Griffiths opened the regular season with first-rate showings against Armadale (R5), Bayswater City (R6) and Fremantle City (R7). Whether playing wide on the right or a more central role Griffiths' continually caught the eye with his late season efforts against Armadale (R17) and Perth S.C. (R20) rating particularly highly. One of the pre-count favourites, Griffiths came in joint fourth in the Gold Medal for the second successive year.
Robbie PUCA (Midfield) - It's been said that Perth S.C. midfielder Robbie Puca is the most naturally gifted player in the State League. A product of the Blues youth system, Puca spent three seasons as a national league player with Gippsland Falcons before injured forced him to head back west. He rejoined Perth in 2002 and in the years which following local supporters have been treated to his exquisite ball skills, first-class distribution and keen eye for goal. The stylish 26-year old was instrumental in Perth's double winning season with particularly impressive showings against Armadale (R6), Inglewood United (R9), Swan I.C. (R15), Western Knights (R17) and Stirling Lions (R21). Puca came within one vote of winning the Gold Medal, and was a deserved recipient of his club's Fairest and Best award.
Antonio NAGLIERI (Midfield) - You'd be hard pressed to find someone who does not consider Antonio Naglieri the most exciting player in the Premier League. The classy midfielder joined Perth S.C. during the off-season and would play a major role in the club's League and Cup successes. He began with a flawless performance in the away defeat of E.C.U. Joondalup (R3) and over the course of the winter consistently created opportunities for teammates while scoring a hatful of goals himself. Amongst the highlights were commanding contributions in big wins over Bayswater City (R7), Armadale (R16) and Fremantle City (R19). Fifth placing in the Gold Medal, runner-up Fairest and Best at club level and State Youth team honours against Malaysia were Naglieri's reward for a memorable winter.
Claus NEILSEN (Left Midfield) - It was a terrific return season for Western Knights' Claus Neilsen who missed much of last year through injury. Whether operating as the central play-maker, in an attacking role on either flank or as part of the back four, the Danish import's contribution is always great. Scattered throughout his season were some sizzling performances such as those against Swan I.C. (R7), E.C.U. Joondalup (R9), Inglewood United (R12), Floreat Athena (R19) and Stirling Lions (R22). The 29-year old claimed joint fifth in the Gold Medal - the third time in four years he's been amongst the leaders - and won his second club Fairest and Best since joining the Knights in 2001.
Andreas OLIVEIRA (Forward) - Why Andreas Oliveira has never been given the opportunity to take his game to the next level is one of life's mysteries. The dynamic Perth S.C. attacker has been the Premier League's most consistent goalscorer over the past five seasons during which time he's accumulated close to 100 goals - and yet he's still overlooked by Perth Glory and their national league rivals. This year Oliveira's haul was 22 regular season goals - at an average of one a game - which put him second only to teammate David Onoforo as the League's highest goalscorer. The silky skilled 24-year old was at his brilliant best in early season defeats of Floreat Athena (R2), Western Knights (R5), Fremantle City (R8) and Inglewood United (R9) which laid the groundwork for Perth to claim League and Cup titles come season's end. Oliveira's non-stop endevours took him to joint fifth when votes were tallied up for the Golden Medal.
David ONOFORO (Forward) - Perth S.C. striker David Onoforo will long remember his achievements in 2005. The 24-year old turned in a sensational season that netted 23 regular season goals, plus another six in Cup competition, to win the Golden Boot. A hat-trick in the Cup defeat of Bassendean Caledonian and another three goal haul away at Swan I.C. (R1) a week later were a clear sign of things to come as Onoforo found the target on almost a weekly basis. Over the closing months of the season Onoforo stepped up the pace by piling on 14 goals in eight weeks including hat-tricks against Bayswater City (R18) and the title deciding clash with Sorrento (R22). In making the most of a terrific supply from a hard-working midfield Onoforo and striker partner Andreas Oliveira shared a staggering 53 goals for double winners Perth.
Tommi TOMICH (Goalkeeper) - Western Knights' shot-stopper Tommi Tomich came within a whisker of claiming the All-Stars gloves for a third successive year. Since stepping up to senior ranks in 1997 Tomich has matured into one of Western Australia's finest goalkeepers through a lengthy association with the Knights as well as spells at Perth Glory and Melbourne Knights. Possessing cat-like reflexes and a terrific command of his area, the solidly built 25-year old provided stability and reliability as the last line of defence in what was a difficult season for his club. Tomich was a pillar of strength throughout the year with his performances against Sorrento (R6), Inglewood United (R12) and Floreat Athena (R19) considered to be amongst his best ever. Tomich made the Shadow Squad ahead of Stirling Lions rising star Aleksander Vrteski.
Michael ICANOVSKI (Right Back) - Perhaps the most under-rated player in Western Australia at the current time is robust Perth S.C. defender Michael Icanovski. A product of the Blues' fertile youth system, Icanovski has been part of the senior list for several seasons but it's only been in the past few that he's cemented the right back role as his own. A tireless work ethic combined with and a no-nonsense approach and thoughtful distribution have made Icanovski one of the first names on the Perth teamsheet. His understanding with fellow defenders Aaron Cole and Dino Djulbic played a major role in Perth claiming the League and Cup double this year, while the defining moment of the 25-year old's season was a best on ground performance in the 7-2 mauling of Bayswater City (R18).
Liam LILLY (Centre Back) - 20-year old Liam Lilly was one of few shining lights in a season of disappointment for Cockburn City. Lilly, an Australian Youth international, has shown himself to be a player of the future through a string of eye-catching performances the past two seasons. He underlined his quality this year in mid-season outings against Stirling Lions (R9), Western Knights (R10) and Perth S.C. (R12), while later in the year played a prominent role in defeats of E.C.U. Joondalup (R19) and Stirling Lions (R20). Lilly claimed sixth spot in the Gold Medal, won Cockburn's Players' Player of the Year trophy and was joint runner-up for his club's Fairest and Best award.
Adrian SUTTON (Centre Back) - A place in Floreat Athena's history is assured for Adrian Sutton after he collected the Most Valuable Player award for a fifth time in six years. The one-time New Zealand international cast off the disappointment of an injury interrupted 2004 with a tremendous winter in which he contributed greatly to Floreat's gaining a spot in the top half of the Premier League table. In a young and comparatively inexperienced defence Sutton played the anchoring role with great aplomb. His ability to quickly size up a situation and influence those around make the 32-year old evergreen a formidable opponent for the best of attackers, and an inspiration for those playing alongside him. Sutton made the Shadow Squad at the expense of Armadale and State Youth team player Darryl Platten.
Dean APELGREN (Left Back) - The recruitment of resolute 20-year old Dean Apelgren proved a master-stoke on Inglewood United's behalf. Having honed his skills in Fremantle City's youth ranks Apelgren shot to prominence in 2003 when he won the Rookie of the Year, made his senior State debut and landed a one-season deal with Perth Glory. He traded Fremantle for Inglewood last summer and settled into his new surrounds by scoring a delightful goal in the 3-0 Night Series final win over Swan I.C. Quick thinking, strong in the air and a great distributor, Apelgren produced the goods week-in, week-out as he switched between a holding role in midfield and playing as part of the back three. Apelgren's consistency and versatility lead to his inclusion in the State Youth squad's friendlies with Malaysia and Indonesia.
Todd HARNWELL (Right Midfield) - Todd Harnwell has every reason to look back on 2005 with great fondness. Whether utilised as an out-and-out striker or in an attacking role wide on the right, Harnwell's dynamism and eye for goal made him a vital ingredient in Sorrento's push for top honours. The 25-year old earned joint sixth in the Gold Medal with his starring roles against Bayswater City (R8), Western Knights (R16) and Inglewood United (R21) rated as amongst the best in the League. At the same time his ability to regularly find the net produced 16 goals drawn from thirteen League and Cup games. A regular for the Gulls since debuting in 1997, Harnwell pipped Perth S.C. wingback Matt Danskin for a spot in the Shadow Squad.
Mark LEE (Midfield) - It was a fairytale season for 2005 Gold Medal winner Mark Lee. After several frustrating months playing off the bench for Western Knights Lee's season was transformed by a late June move to Bayswater City. Given the freedom to run the show from the centre of the park the creative 26-year old proceeded to cause problems for opposing defences through his explosive pace, nimble footwork and first-class passing. Lee turned in top notch performances against Armadale (R13), Cockburn City (R15), Fremantle City (R17), Swan I.C. (R20) and Floreat Athena (R21) to end the season with flying colours and claim the prestigious honour of being Western Australia's best and fairest player.
Glen THOMAS (Midfield) - Very few people would argue against Glen Thomas' inclusion in the Shadow Squad. The talented 26-year old lead Sorrento by example from the centre of the park where his influence over play, vision and distribution laid the foundations for many a Gulls foray into attack. In a season which he underlined his quality through consistency, Thomas shined brightest in the mid-year win over Perth S.C. (R11) as well as the resounding away defeat of Bayswater City (R19). The reasons Thomas is one of the first names on the Sorrento teamsheet, the club he's played ten seasons with, are self-evident.
Andy O'NEILL (Left Midfield) - 23-year old Andy O'Neill has virtually been an ever-present in Bayswater's starting line-up since stepping up to first team ranks in four years ago. Although used for much of the recent winter as a striker, O'Neill is best suited to an attacking role wide on the left where his terrific ball control and electric pace cause all sorts of problems for opposing defences. A best on ground performance against Stirling Lions (R12) was undoubtedly the peak of O'Neill's season which also included stunning displays against Sorrento (R8), Cockburn City (R15) and Floreat Athena (R21). The icing on the cake came at Bayswater's annual award night when O'Neill was named Player of the Year for the second time in four years.
Stuart MONTGOMERY (Forward) - Since joining Western Knights four years ago Stuart Montgomery has became one of the top flights most lethal goalscorers. The 27-year old made a sensational start to the year by smashing six goals in three Night Series outings, followed by a two-goal haul against Armadale on the opening weekend of the season proper. His ability to consistently find the net kept the Knights on track for a placing near the top of the Premier League table. Goals in seven consecutive mid-season games - including a hat-trick against Fremantle City (R13) - put Montgomery amongst the frontrunners for the Golden Boot, only a serious ankle injury to cut short that dream. Although absent for the last five weeks Montgomery still ended the year as the second highest aggregate goalscorer with 24 goals from 23 games.
Simon HARLAND (Forward) - 29-year old Simon Harland was one of the star performers for a Sorrento side that came within a whisker of stealing the Premier League title from Perth S.C. The strongly built striker can lay claim to personally putting the ball away 14 times over the winter months while his tally of 'assists' was much greater. Early season highlights included three goals in successive Night Series outings and a sharp display on home soil against Swan I.C. (R2). Harland bagged a double away at E.C.U. Joondalup (R12), played a starring role in defeat of Cockburn City (R17) and snared a hat-trick in the home win over Armadale (R18). Sorrento's Best Player award was a fitting reward for Harland at the end of his eighth season with the northern suburbs club.
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This page was last updated on the 30th December 2004