Neil YOUNG (Sorrento)
Shaun KILKELLY (Sorrento)	Ante KOVACEVIC (Floreat Athena)	Liam LILLY (Cockburn City)	John MIGAS (Floreat Athena)
Ludovic BOI (Stirling Lions)	Andy BROWN (Mandurah City)	Antonio NAGLIERI (Perth S.C.)	Scott BULLOCH (Sorrento)
	Phil O'CALLAGHAN (Mandurah City)	Brad SCOTT (Floreat Athena)

The 2008 Premier League All-Stars are based upon player nominations
submitted by representatives of the twelve Premier League clubs

Neil YOUNG (Goalkeeper) - Sorrento and State goalkeeper Neil Young makes his first ever All-Stars appearance. Young, 29, was an ever-present between the posts for the Gulls, keeping seven clean sheets and displaying an unrivalled command of the 18-yard box. It was during the closing weeks of the season that he really stepped up to the mark by inspirationally nullifying Cockburn City (R17), Perth S.C. (R19), E.C.U. Joondalup (R20) and Mandurah City (R21) to keep Sorrento on course for the Premier League title. It’s no surprise Young was an automatic selection for the State against East Java Under-23’s and South Australia, or that he came within a whisker of landing an A-League deal at seasons end.

Shaun KILKELLY (Right Back) - The off-season recruitment of Shaun Kilkelly was an absolute masterstroke on behalf of Sorrento boss Steve Neville. Kilkelly, 24, enhanced an already glowing reputation by playing a key role in the Gulls march towards top honours. The foundations for a strong year were laid in early outings against Stirling Lions (R3), his former club Inglewood United (R4) and Perth S.C. (R8). But his passion for success was never more evident than in crucial defeats of Cockburn City (R17), Perth S.C. (R19) and Mandurah City (R21) which secured silverware for the Gulls. Representing the State against South Australia and joint third on Gold Medal night are only further indication of Kilkelly’s value.

Ante KOVACEVIC (Centre Back) - Dual Floreat Athena player of the year, Ante Kovacevic, retains his spot in the centre of the All-Stars defence. A veteran of 279 national league games, 34-year old Kovacevic showed he’d still be a handy acquisition to any club at that level through a near-faultless winter at Litis Stadium. Strong showings against Mandurah City (R1), Armadale (R4) and E.C.U. Joondalup (R11) were only the opening act with Kovacevic at his brilliant best in late season outings with Inglewood United (R17), Cockburn City (R19), Perth S.C. (R21) and E.C.U. Joondalup (R22). A State team appearance against South Australia, joint second in the Gold Medal and a second successive club Fairest and Best were a fitting end to Kovacevic’s year.

Liam LILLY (Centre Back) - Having made the shadow squad on three occasions, former Australian youth international Liam Lilly makes the All-Stars starting line-up for the first time. One of the State League’s hottest defensive properties, the confident 23-year old was a pillar of strength in Cockburn City’s early encounters with Swan I.C. (R1) and Stirling Lions (R4) before taking his game up a notch with a commanding performance in the home defeat of Perth S.C. (R9). Although his momentum was broken somewhat by a month on the sidelines with a knee injury, Lilly worked his way back to full fitness to round out 2008 with telling contributions against Floreat Athena (R19) and Perth S.C. (R20).

John MIGAS (Left Back) - It really is difficult to understand why John Migas is not playing at A-League level. Capable of playing anywhere across the back or in midfield, 23-year old Migas was a key figure as Floreat Athena attempted to win back-to-back championships in 2008. The groundwork for another fine year was laid against Mandurah City (R1), Armadale (R4) and Stirling Lions (R5), however, it was solid contributions in the defeats of Perth S.C. (R21) and E.C.U. Joondalup (R22) that rated as amongst his best. A thoughtful player of genuine national league potential, Migas was one of six players to feature in both the State team fixtures with the East Java Under-23’s and South Australia.

Ludovic BOI (Right Midfield) - Exciting teenager Ludovic Boi signalled his national league intention with arguably the best season of his fledgling career. Although only 19, Boi has been a first team regular with Stirling Lions for the past three seasons where his explosive pace, terrific control and lethal finish have been an integral part of the artillery. He turned in eye-catching displays against Swan I.C. (R9), Inglewood United (R10) and Perth SC (R17) before starring in the 1-0 win over Fremantle Spirit (R21) and the following week’s draw with Armadale (R22). Boi will spend the summer months honing his considerable skills with Perth Glory Youth, where he’s already made history by scoring their first ever goal which earned the teams maiden victory.

Andy BROWN (Midfield) - Mandurah City captain Andy Brown was the inspiration behind their superb introductory season of Premier League football. A former Middlesbrough junior, the 26-year old midfielder orchestrated early successes against E.C.U. Joondalup (R3) and Stirling Lions (R8) which cascaded into Brown being named State team captain for the mid-year friendly with the East Java Under-23’s. His season highlight came in the form of a commanding best on ground in the five-goal demolition of Cockburn City (R11). Equally impressive in outings with Perth S.C. (R13) and Swan I.C. (R16) lead coach Robbie Dunn to hand Brown the captain’s armband for Western Australia’s end of season friendly with South Australia.

Antonio NAGLIERI (Midfield) - Influential Perth S.C. midfielder Antonio Naglieri was without a shadow of a doubt the stand-out player of season 2008. Virtuoso performances against Mandurah City (R2), Sorrento (R8) and Floreat Athena (R10) provided only a glimpse of what was to come from the 26-year old during the season half of the winter. After dazzling against Swan I.C. (R14) and Armadale (R16), he scored twice in the away defeat of Stirling Lions (R17), orchestrated the downfall of both Inglewood United (R18) and Cockburn City (R20) before netting both goals in the final day defeat of Western Knights (R22). Winning the prestigious Gold Medal and State selection against South Australia were the icing on Naglieri’s cake.

Scott BULLOCH (Left Midfield) - The attacking desires of Scott Bulloch were at the heart of Sorrento’s captivating start to the 2008 home and away series. Capable of turning a game in the blink of an eye, Bulloch laid the foundations in early wins over Fremantle Spirit (R1), Armadale (R2) and Inglewood United (R4). Match-winning performances against E.C.U. Joondalup (R9) and Mandurah City (R10) book-ended a State team call-up for the friendly with East Java Under-23’s, and preceded his signing for Perth Glory. Bulloch was left to ponder what might have been on Gold Medal night when he sat atop of the leaderboard with eventual winner Antonio Naglieri at the end of eleven games.

Phil O'CALLAGHAN (Forward) - The emergence of striker Phil O’Callaghan was the success story of 2008. Recruited by Mandurah City last summer, the lively 21-year old hit a match winning double away at Western Knights (R4), hat-tricks in back-to-back defeats of Fremantle Spirit (R6) and Armadale (R7) before bagging another two at Cockburn City (R11). A third three-goal haul against Fremantle (R17) sparked a sensational run in to the end of the season that had O’Callaghan pile on ten goals in seven games with multiples coming against Armadale (R18) and Cockburn (R22). O’Callaghan won the Golden Boot with 25 Leagues goals, a tally that was also rewarded with his State debut against South Australia.

Brad SCOTT (Forward) - The pick of this season’s imports had to be Floreat Athena striker Brad Scott. A former New Zealand international, he snared a goal on debut against Fremantle Spirit (R3) before sensationally striking three times against Inglewood United (R6) and adding a further two in the away mauling of Sorrento (R7). These were complemented by further two-goal hauls against Mandurah City (R12) and Fremantle Spirit (R14), he inspired Floreat to victory over Sorrento (R18) for a second time before putting away two more against each Cockburn City (R19) and Western Knights (R20). Scott, 31, finished the season with 19 goals from 18 games to earn a State call-up against South Australia and equal second on Gold Medal night.

Oliver TASESKI (Goalkeeper) - Oliver Taseski’s abilities between the posts have long been held in high regard. He first represented the State as a 14-year old and during the years that have since passed has matured to become one of Western Australia’s finest goalkeepers. This season, his ninth with Inglewood United, was highlighted by best on ground performances in the home defeat of Perth S.C. (R7) and the mid-season draw with Sorrento (R15). Possessing a strong command of his area and cat-like reflexes, Taseski was instrumental as a new-look Inglewood charged their way to fourth place on the final standing’s. 25-year old Taseski got the nod ahead of Goalkeeper of the Year Phil Straker (Stirling Lions).

Michael ICANOVSKI (Right Back) - Adding another two winner’s medals to the fifteen he’d previously won from a decade at Perth S.C. was an apt was for Michael Icanovski to end his career. The nuggetty 28-year old played a key role in the Blues’ winning a third straight Night Series crown before impressing in early encounters with Mandurah City (R2) and Sorrento (R8). Faultless displays at home defeats of Armadale (R16) and Western Knights (R22) underlined just how important his defensive know-how and leadership has been to his club. Icanovski, one of the game’s most respected figures, bowed out of football by captaining Perth to victory in the Top Four final against Inglewood United.

Danny CAIN (Centre Back) - The defensive skills of Danny Cain were a vital ingredient in Sorrento sweeping their way to the Premier League title in 2008. A product of the Gulls youth system, Cain returned from a couple of seasons with Victorian club Green Gully with a new level of confidence and but had to wait until six games into the season before breaking into Steve Neville’s starting line-up. Once there, he quickly cemented his spot with a series of polished displays which culminated in superb mid-season outings with Armadale (R13) and Stirling Lions (R14). An accomplished ball-winning defender, the energetic 23-year old ended his return to Western Australia by donning State colours against South Australia. Favoured ahead of Western Knights captain David Annall.

Shane PRYCE (Centre Back) - Aspiring young players would be wise to take careful note of how Inglewood United captain Shane Pryce conducts his business. With in excess of 200 national league appearances to his credit, Pryce is one of the most reliable and knowledgeable defenders in the State League. The 35-year old’s third season with Inglewood United was littered with top-notch contributions with those against Western Knights (R3), Mandurah City (R9), Armadale (R12), Stirling Lions (R13), Cockburn City (R16) and Swan I.C. (R21) rating particularly highly. Pryce’s superb ability to read play, nullify attacks and turn defence into attack were instrumental in a young Inglewood side taking fourth spot.

Matt WARDLE (Left Back) - 2008 will go down as the year Matt Wardle finally achieved what he as for so long promised. The 20-year old defender gained State junior team selection while at Bassendean Caledonian and Bayswater City before accepting a two-year deal to play youth football in Scotland with Livingston. His return home saw him link up with Inglewood United in time to play a starring role in their home defeat of Perth S.C. (R7) with similarly telling contributions against Swan I.C. (R10) and Stirling Lions (R13) following. A thoughtful ball playing defender that enjoys pushing forward down the left, the indications are that Wardle will go a very long way in football.

Jason COLLI (Right Midfield) - Jason Colli has good very reason to consider 2008 the best season of his career to date. Whether operating wide on the right or left, or in a central midfield role, the livewire 25-year old was never far from the action as Inglewood United entered a new era. There were many memorable performances across the full length of his winter including those against Western Knights (R3), E.C.U. Joondalup (R8), Fremantle Spirit (R11) and Mandurah City (R20). Colli makes his first All-Stars appearance having squeezed into the shadow squad ahead of exciting Joondalup youngster Tommy Amphlett.

David MICEVSKI (Midfield) - The biggest single influence on Western Knights’ resurgence during the closing months of the winter was the silky skills of David Micevski. The creative midfielder signalled his return from injury with a scintillating performance at Floreat Athena (R9) which preceded important contributions against Armadale (R10), Perth S.C. (R11) and Stirling Lions (R12). It was as the season came to a close that he hit peak form against Cockburn City (R18), Fremantle Spirit (R19), Floreat Athena (R20) before starring in the Cup Final victory over Sorrento. A State team call-up against South Australia and the Knights Fairest and Best trophy were a just reward from Micevski’s debut season at Nash Field.

Gary FARIA (Midfield) - Armadale’s season would have turned out much differently if not for the creative input of Gary Faria. The Reds playmaker started the year with a string of impressive Night Series performance only to miss eight weeks of the regular season due to a trip abroad. His return was heralded by a stunning best on ground against Western Knights (R10) which seven days later he complemented by scoring the only goal in the away win over Stirling Lions (R11). Faria was instrumental in Armadale’s slow climb up the table with contributions in late season defeats of E.C.U. Joondalup (R17), Swan I.C. (R19) and Western Knights (R21), against whom he scored twice, rating amongst his best.

Todd HOWARTH (Left Midfield) - The Premier League’s most consistent performer of the past decade would have to be Todd Howarth. Whether operating on the left or right of midfield or defence, 25-year old Howarth never fails to capture the attention. After helping Perth S.C. capture yet another Night Series title he flitted in and out of the line-up with a niggling hamstring injury. Howarth marked his return to full fitness with a strong contribution in the home win over Floreat Athena (R10) and a best on ground in the thrilling 3-3 draw with E.C.U. Joondalup (R12). Other highlights included outings with Stirling Lions (R17) and Cockburn City (R20) before Howarth bagged the opening goal in Perth’s Top Four final win over Inglewood United.

Todd HARNWELL (Forward) - A Premier League winner’s medal along with Sorrento’s Best Player award provide only a glimpse of the success Todd Harnwell tasted in 2008. Two-goal hauls in successive outings against Inglewood United (R4), Western Knights (R5), Cockburn City (R6) and Floreat Athena (R7) set the tone for a season in which the Gulls captain netted 28 times, 23 of those in home and away competition. But it wasn’t just his ability to convert that set him apart, Harnwell playing the starring role in wins over Stirling Lions (R14), Perth S.C. (R19) and E.C.U. Joondalup (R20) which kept Sorrento on track for the championship. Got the nod ahead of English import James Robinson, who netted 11 times in 13 appearances for Armadale.

Ian McMURRAY (Forward) - The shining light in an otherwise largely forgettable year for E.C.U. Joondalup was the form of captain Ian McMurray. A former Scotland youth international, McMurray set the scene through strong contributions against Perth S.C. (R1) and Western Knights (R2) before orchestrating a five-goal drubbing of Armadale (R6). A match-winning hat-trick came at home against Cockburn City (R10) and a best on ground against Fremantle Spirit (R16) before featuring prominently in outings with Inglewood United (R19), Sorrento (R20) and Floreat Athena (R22). By years’ end McMurray had 19 goals to his name, State honours against the East Java Under-23’s and South Australia as well as taking joint third in the Gold Medal.

Photographs of Neil Young, Shaun Kilkelly, Ante Kovacevic, John Migas, Andy Brown, Antonio Naglieri, Phil O'Callaghan and Brad Scott courtesy Football West.

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This page was last updated on the 10th December, 2008