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 Oliver TASESKI (Inglewood United) |
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 Ryan PEARSON (Armadale) |
 Aaron COLE (Swan United) |
 David ANNALL (Western Knights) |
 Trent KAY (Perth SC) |
 Tommy AMPHLETT (ECU Joondalup) |
 Paul VAN DONGEN (Canning City) |
 David MICEVSKI (Western Knights) |
 Todd HOWARTH (Perth SC) |
 Phil O'CALLAGHAN (Stirling Lions /Mandurah City) |
 James ROBINSON (Armadale) |
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The 2009 Premier League All-Stars has been selected with the input
of non-playing representatives from the twelve Premier League clubs
Oliver TASESKI (Goalkeeper) - Inglewood United’s Oliver Taseski makes his debut in the footballwa.net All-Stars first eleven. A strong command of the 18-yard box and razor sharp reflexes made Taseski a key figure in as a new-look Inglewood navigated their way through what turned out to be a very difficult season. His contributions were never more important than in the narrow loss to Floreat Athena (R6), mid-season draws with Mandurah City (R11) and Perth SC (R15) along with the pulsating Cup semi-final win against Western Knights. Taseski’s season, his tenth with Inglewood, was recognised when named Players’ Player of the Year at club level, and the State League’s Goalkeeper of the Year.
Ryan PEARSON (Right Back) - The future is very bright indeed for 20-year old Armadale utility Ryan Pearson. Fresh from playing the summer with Perth Glory Youth, Pearson set the tone for a stellar State League return with an eye-catching display at Floreat Athena (R1) on the opening day of the campaign. A hard-working player who goes about his job with a minimum of fuss, he performed with great consistency across the winter months with contributions against Stirling Lions (R11), Cockburn City (R13) and Sorrento (R18) rating amongst his best. A second season with the Glory Youth team will no doubt further enhance Pearson’s already glowing reputation.
Aaron COLE (Centre Back) - Aaron Cole has established himself as a defender of the highest calibre over the past decade, initially with Perth SC and during the last three seasons in the colours of Swan United. The club captain lead by example as Swan overcame Mandurah City (R5), Sorrento (R6) ECU Joondalup (R8) and Stirling Lions (R10). A best on ground against former club Perth (R14) was followed by similarly strong showings in wins over Armadale (R15), Mandurah (R16) and Sorrento (R17) as well as the loss at Stirling (R21). Cole finished the year as joint winner of Swan’s Fairest and Best award, and level fifth on Gold Medal night.
David ANNALL (Centre Back) - Defensive stalwart David Annall was a vital ingredient in Western Knights finishing 2009 at the top of the Premier League table. After missing the early stages of the winter due to injury, 28-year old Annall marked his return to action with commanding performances in mid-season wins against Armadale (R8), ECU Joondalup (R12) and Inglewood United (R13). As the Knights edged towards Premiership glory he took things up a notch, dominating the final third away at Canning City (R17) before earning a best on ground at home to Armadale (R19). This is Annall’s fourth appearance in the footballwa.net All-Stars starting line-up in six years.
Trent KAY (Left Back) - Since bursting onto the local scene a few short years ago Trent Kay has matured into one of the State League’s most accomplished defenders. A product of Perth SC’s fertile youth system, 22-year old Kay opened the year by scoring the winning goal in the Night Series final to take the trophy back to Dorrien Gardens for a record fourth successive time. He rated highly in regular season outings with Inglewood United (R4), Stirling Lions (R6), Swan United (R14), Armadale (R16) and Floreat Athena (R19) before figuring prominently as Perth were crowned State League Champions. Kay’s efforts were acknowledged with addition to Perth’s Fairest and Best honour roll.
Tommy AMPHLETT (Right Midfield) - Exciting 21-year old Tommy Amphlett’s chances of playing professionally took flight with by far the best winter of his fledgling career. Early performances against Cockburn City (R6), Swan United (R8) and Mandurah City (R10) served only to warm Amphlett up for a best on ground against Sorrento (R11), a hat-trick on home soil against Floreat Athena (R16) and a couple more quick goals against Canning City (R18). The rewards came thick and fast at seasons’ end, Amphlett picking up his clubs Players’ Player of the Year trophy before being accepting the chance to sharpen his skills with a short-term contract at Perth Glory over summer.
David MICEVSKI (Centre Midfield) - Winning the prestigious Gold Medal was the perfect way for Western Knights captain David Micevski to commemorate a truly sensational year. Part of the State team which defeated South Australia in March, Micevski’s dazzling early contributions against Floreat Athena (R4), Cockburn City (R5) and Canning City (R6) were only a glimpse of what was to come from the 23-year old playmaker. Having orchestrated the downfall of Sorrento (R10), Micevski took his game up a notch with best on ground efforts against Inglewood United (R13), Stirling Lions (R14), Canning (R17), Swan United (R18) and Sorrento (R22) to be installed as the State League’s best player in 2009.
Paul VAN DONGEN (Centre Midfield) - The midfield drive of Paul Van Dongen was a key component of Canning City’s first ever foray into the top flight. Van Dongen, Canning’s captain, showed he was perfectly suited to the Premier League with impressive showings against Sorrento (R5), Western Knights (R6) and ECU Joondalup (R7). He scored twice in the away win at Inglewood United (R8) then masterfully plotted to take down Floreat Athena (R10). As his team slipped slowly towards relegation Van Dongen continued the good fight as evidenced by spirited late showings against Floreat (R21) and Cockburn City (R22). At season’s end he collected Canning’s highest award - the Players’ Player of the Year - and polled joint fifth on Gold Medal night.
Todd HOWARTH (Left Midfield) - Whether operating down the left flank or in the centre of midfield, Todd Howarth never fails to command attention. The 26-year old represented the State against South Australia before captaining Perth SC to a fourth straight Night Series title. His imprint was all over big wins against Canning City (R1), ECU Joondalup (R2) and Swan United (R3), scoring a hat-trick against the latter, as well as the dramatic come from behind defeat of Mandurah City (R7). After starring on home soil to Cockburn City (R10) and Canning City (R12), Howarth landed a one-year professional contract with Perth Glory. Despite playing only twelve games for Perth, Howarth came in runner-up Fairest and Best.
Phil O'CALLAGHAN (Forward) - Young striker Phil O’Callaghan showed he’s no flash in the pan by winning back-to-back Golden Boots. His year opened with a couple of Night Series goals for Mandurah City and a State team appearance in the 4-2 defeat of South Australia. O’Callaghan displayed maturity beyond his 22-years in orchestrating the four-goal mauling of Armadale (R6) and bagging a double against Stirling Lions (R12). He switched to Stirling in late July and scored the winner on debut against ECU Joondalup (R15), hit two goals against each Floreat Athena (R18) and Canning City (R20) and snared the decider against Swan United (R21) to take his regular season tally to 17 goals.
James ROBINSON (Forward) - Fourteen goals in fifteen appearances speak volumes for just how great an impact James Robinson had on Armadale’s season. Robinson joined the Reds in June and immediately set to work, scoring a rapid-fire hat-trick on debut against ECU Joondalup (R7). He starred in back-to-back victories over Floreat Athena (R12) and Cockburn City (R13) and netted twice against Canning City (R16). But it was over the closing weeks of the season that Robinson really excelled, providing the impetus for Armadale to collect valuable points against Mandurah City (R17), Sorrento (R18), Inglewood United (R21) and Stirling Lions (R22). Robinson polled fourth in the Gold Medal count and was voted Players’ Player of the Year at Armadale.
Frazer SIDDALL (Goalkeeper) - The shot-stopping abilities of Frazer Siddall were instrumental in Western Knights capturing the Premier League title. Siddall marshalled a new-look Knights defence to terrific effect in early outings with ECU Joondalup (R1), Inglewood United (R2) and Mandurah City (R9), after which he represented Great Britain at the World University Games. A clean sheet on his State League return at home to Stirling Lions (R14) was followed by starring roles in victories over Floreat Athena (R15), Cockburn City (R16), Swan United (R18) and Armadale (R19) which ensured the Knights finished top of the pile.
Shaun KILKELLY (Right Back) - Shaun Kilkelly’s on the ball strength, never-say-die attitude and strong desire to turn defence into attack have made his one of the State League’s most effective and influential defenders. Amongst the 25-year old’s highlights this season was a superb performance in the Sorrento’s home win over Armadale (R7) and workman-like contributions against Floreat Athena (R14) and Cockburn City (R15). A prominent figure as the Gulls’ mounted a late top five push, Kilkelly’s efforts in defeats of Perth SC (R20) and ECU Joondalup (R22) were the icing on the cake of another sterling year.
Ryan TOWNSEND (Centre Back) - It really is difficult to fathom why Mandurah City’s Ryan Townsend is not playing at a higher level. Townsend, a former Burley youth player, opened the year by helping the State defeat South Australia before shining against Cockburn City (R3), Canning City (R4) and Perth SC (R7). A virtuoso performance away at Western Knights (R9) signalled the start of a two-month purple patch with contributions against ECU Joondalup (R10), Inglewood United (R11), Floreat Athena (R13), Cockburn (R14) and Canning (R15) rated as amongst his best. He carried that form over into late outings at Sorrento (R19) and ECU Joondalup (R21) to earn the runners-up spot on Gold Medal night.
Stuart FERGUSON (Centre Back) - There is very good reason why English import Stuart Ferguson is held in the highest of regard by his peers. The towering defenders’ aerial dominance, accurate reading of play and ability to get the job done with a minimum of fuss were vital in Western Knights winter of success. Particularly effective in the early defeat of Floreat Athena (R4), Ferguson stamped his authority as the Knights swept past Stirling Lions (R14) then turned on the style at home to Armadale (R19), after which he turned in a best on ground against Sorrento (R21). Ferguson jumped at the chance to continue his career with Hawkes Bay United in New Zealand during the summer.
John MIGAS (Left Back) - Local product John Migas deserves to be showcasing his wares on a higher stage. The classy 24-year old started another eye-catching season with a solid contribution in the State teams’ pre-season defeat of South Australia. After orchestrating the defeat of Sorrento (R3), Migas consistently produced the goods for Floreat Athena with his late efforts in draws with Inglewood United (R17) and Perth SC (R19) ranking amongst his best. If ever evidence of Migas’ value was required then you only need look at his influence in Floreat’s Cup Final victory over Inglewood, for which he was awarded man of the match. Capable of playing in midfield or defence, Migas would walk into the starting eleven of any State League club.
Branimir MIKULIC (Right Midfield) - The sight of Branimir Mikulic with the ball at his feet anywhere near the 18-yard box is sure to start heart palpitations in even the most battle hardened coach. The Floreat Athena player displayed his full range of attacking skills during the winter, creating many opportunities for his team mates while also scoring a bagful of goals for himself. Mikulic’s season was peppered with highlights, amongst them Sorrento (R3), Stirling Lions (R7), Cockburn City (R20), where he scored a hat-trick, and Swan United (R22). A player that keeps opposing defences on high alert right up to the final whistle, Mikulic’s two-goal Cup Final haul secured Floreat silverware and at the same time took his goal tally to 17 goals for the year.
Andy BROWN (Centre Midfield) - Opposition teams know they are in for a tough afternoon when Andy Brown leads Mandurah City out onto the park. The England-born midfielder set his sail early in 2009, guiding the State to victory against South Australia and the architect of victories over Stirling Lions (R1), Floreat Athena (R2) and Cockburn City (R3). He starred in both outings with Perth SC (R7 and R18) and Western Knights (R9 and R20) and figured prominently against Armadale (R17) and Sorrento (R19). Brown, 27, capped another spectacular season with a best on ground at home to Inglewood United (R22) which took him to third on Gold Medal night.
Antonio NAGLIERI (Centre Midfield) - Midfield maestro Antonio Naglieri complemented his 2008 Gold Medal win with another outstanding winter for Perth SC. It could not have started better for Naglieri, whose two-goals were instrumental in the State teams 4-2 defeat of South Australia. He carried that form over into the regular season with starring roles against Canning City (R1), ECU Joondalup (R2) and Inglewood United (R4). A spirited display against Floreat Athena (R8) was followed by best on grounds at Sorrento (R9), Western Knights (R11) and Inglewood United (R15). Such was Naglieri's influence that, even though he was overseas at the tail end of the season, he still finished joint fifth on Gold Medal night.
Greg SHARLAND (Left Midfield) - The attacking instincts of Greg Sharland were integral in Perth SC collecting silverware at both ends of the year. Sharland made a sensational start to the year, scoring hat-tricks against ECU Joondalup and Sorrento to pave the way for Perth's fourth straight Night Series triumph. To these he added further three-goal hauls against Canning City (R1) and Inglewood United (R4) before starring in wins over Armadale (R5) and Stirling Lions (R6). A match-winning performance at home to Swan United (R14) was complimented by eye-catching displays against Stirling Lions (R17) and Sorrento (R20) and another solid contribution in the Top Five final defeat of Western Knights. Sharland, scorer of 14 goals this season, placed sixth in the Gold Medal count.
David ONOFORO (Forward) - A rich vein of form in front of goal made David Onoforo the top finishers of 2009. Five Night Series goals plus another for the State against South Australia only hinted at what was to come from the Perth SC marksman. This touch was carried into the regular season, Onoforo netting nine times in the first eleven games, highlighted by doubles against ECU Joondalup (R2) and Sorrento (R9) and a man-of-the-match effort against Cockburn City (R10). Having found the net with regularity over the second half of the season, Onoforo scored twice against Western Knights (R22) then, a few weeks later, sealed victory in the Top Five final showdown with the Knights. By seasons' end Onoforo's tally stood at 22 goals.
Anthony CAMPBELL (Forward) - The inclusion of imports such as Anthony Campbell can only raise the standard of West Australian football. Fresh from a spell with English side Moat FC, the strongly built striker hit four goals in Western Knights round one Cup win over Rockingham City and soon after hit his first league goal against Floreat Athena (R4). A week later he scored twice against Cockburn City (R5) before another double in the Cup against Balcatta. From there Anthony found the target with consistency, his efforts against Mandurah City (R9), ECU Joondalup (R12), Cockburn City (R16), Canning City (R17), Swan United (R18) vital to the Knights finishing on top of the Premier League. Two more goals in the Top Five play-offs took Campbell's tally to 21 goals for the year.
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This page was last updated on the 18th December, 2009