We’ve counted down the finest attacking talent in Hyundai A-League history – now here are the best strikers the league’s ever seen…
We’ve counted down the finest attacking talent in Hyundai A-League history – now here are the best strikers the league’s ever seen…
2. Shane Smeltz (Wellington Phoenix/Gold Coast United/Perth Glory)
The prolific All Whites hitman has banged in more goals than any other striker in the history of the league with 66 in 103 games, recently overtaking Archie Thompson to be the all-time leading goalscorer in the league – and he’s not finished yet.
But despite scoring almost a goal a game in his time with Gold Coast United, for Smeltz individual success has never led to team success.
The closest he has come was the Grand Final loss to Brisbane Roar, but his hopes were cruelled by an elbow to the head from Roar skipper Matt Smith, which left Smeltz a bloody mess and far from his best in the decider.
What sets Smeltz apart from other strikers is his killer instinct, and unlike others on this list he can finish from close quarters or from long range – his only weakness? Perhaps the ability to run with the ball and create chances on his own at times and that-s why he didn-t get the top spot.
But with a Johnny Warren medal and two Nike Golden Boots there is no questioning Smeltz’s quality – it’s just our No.1 has that extra edge in history and silverware…
1. Archie Thompson (Melbourne Victory)
2011/12 may not have been his year; in fact it wasn-t a season for anyone who donned the navy blue of Victory but any A-League highlight reel must include lots of Archie Thompson punching the living bejesus out of a corner flag after another super strike.
Thompson may look a little slower these days (but not so slow to deter national team coach Holger Osieck) but over time there is little doubt the man has been rampant, slotting goals on a regular basis and tearing the hearts out of opposition teams with incisive runs and blinding speed.
A striker-s striker he can finish from everywhere and loves nothing more than outwitting opposition keepers but it’s his ability on the ball and to bring his teammates into the game that make him our No.1.
Perhaps the best example is the 2006/07 Grand Final when he belted five goals past Adelaide to humiliate the Reds and goalkeeper Daniel Beltrame on the biggest stage the game has in Australia.
His A-League career stats read 138 games played, 60 goals scored, countless corner flags destroyed and he is also a Golden Boot winner, Joe Marston Medal winner and has twice done the Premiership/Championship double with the Victory.
Throughout the A-League, his creativity, energy and sheer exuberance across has terrorised opposition defences as much as it thrilled Victory fans. The A-League wouldn’t be what it is today without Archie Thompson.
The Top 10
10. Matt Simon
9. Besart Berisha
8. John Aloisi
7. Harry Kewell
6. Sergio van Dijk
5. Robbie Fowler
4. Paul Ifill
3. Dwight Yorke
2. Shane Smeltz
1. Archie Thompson
