Illawarra Premier League Team of the Season: Who Makes the Cut?
The Illawarra Premier League has reached its finals stage, and the Mercury has announced their team of the season. The squad was selected based on performances throughout the 22-game regular season, with players representing seven out of the 12 IPL teams. The team consists of 16 players, including the starting 11 and five substitutes, as well as a Coach of the Year.
Key Players
One standout player in the team is Hayden Durose from Albion Park. Durose, a former Olympic player, has proven to be the best shot stopper in the competition and has been instrumental in Albion Park’s success this season.
Another notable player is Blake McGinn, also from Albion Park. Known for his tenacity in defense, McGinn has been a crucial player for Albion Park, providing support in both defensive and offensive aspects of the game.
Jonah Kalmanidis of Cringila has impressed as a leader in the young Cringila side. He has shown tremendous growth as a central defender and has held his own against some of the best strikers in the league.
In the midfield, Mitsuo Yamada from Wollongong United stands out for his technical ability and intelligence on the field. His presence in the team has been crucial, with opposition coaches often strategizing on how to neutralize his impact.
Peter Simonoski from Cringila and Ben McDonald from Bulli have been chosen as the two strikers in the team. Simonoski has scored an impressive 31 goals in the regular season, while McDonald has contributed 30 goals and played a vital role in Bulli’s success.
Goalkeeper and Defense
Nikola Ristevski of Cringila has been selected as the goalkeeper for his commanding presence and exceptional distribution skills. He has kept 10 clean sheets this season, playing a crucial role in Cringila’s second-place finish.
Other standout defenders include Nick Littler from Olympic, Brendan Low from Olympic, Daniel Loe from Coniston, and Kade Kinsella from Helensburgh. Littler’s experience has shone through, while Low has been one of Olympic’s most underrated assets. Loe has been solid in the heart of Coniston’s defense, and Kinsella has made a significant impact in Helensburgh’s return to the Premier League.
Midfield
In addition to Mitsuo Yamada, Harrison Taranto from Cringila has made a strong impression in his first season in the IPL. Taranto has been a key player in Cringila’s midfield, playing a crucial role in dictating the team’s play.
Coach
The Coach of the Year is George Antoniou from Albion Park. Antoniou has led Albion Park to a successful season, instilling belief in his players and guiding them to the league championship.
This Illawarra Premier League Team of the Season showcases the standout performers from the regular season and highlights the talent and skill on display in the competition. It will be interesting to see how these players and their teams perform in the upcoming finals.
Original article: Illawarra Premier League Team of the Season: Who Makes the Cut?