After a disappointing 2013/14 campaign, the Phoenix should be much more competitive this time around
Team overview
Coach Ernie Merrick has added Nathan Burns, Michael McGlinchey, Roly Bonevacia and Alex Rodriguez to help add goals to an attack that struggled last season. Maybe don’t have the depth to compete with some of the top clubs but their starting side looks strong which will make them a tricky proposition – especially at Westpac Stadium. Â
Player price list:
|
Moss |
G |
$311,000 |
|
Cunningham |
F |
$268,000 |
|
Burns |
F |
$230,000 |
|
Brockie |
F |
$226,000 |
|
Fenton |
D |
$225,000 |
|
Durante |
D |
$206,000 |
|
Sigmund |
D |
$180,000 |
|
Boyd |
F |
$178,000 |
|
Caira |
D |
$165,000 |
|
McGlinchey |
M |
$165,000 |
|
Boxall |
D |
$159,000 |
|
Lia |
M |
$158,000 |
|
Muscat |
D |
$136,000 |
|
Albert Riera |
M |
$128,000 |
|
Rodriguez |
M |
$126,000 |
|
Krishna |
F |
$125,000 |
|
Brindell-South |
D |
$120,000 |
|
Hicks |
M |
$119,000 |
|
Ridenton |
M |
$106,000 |
|
Bonevacia |
M |
$96,000 |
|
Doyle |
D |
$91,000 |
|
Italiano |
G |
$91,000 |
|
Rufer |
M |
$91,000 |
|
Watson |
F |
$91,000 |
Star Man:
Jeremy Brockie ($226,000)
No one is set to benefit more by the additions of attack-minded midfielders McGlinchey, Burns and Rodriguez more than the Kiwi international striker. Brockie is a proven goal-scorer at this level and will be Merrick’s first-choice in attack. At 26, he’s in his prime and is desperate to have a consistent and successful season.
Bargain Buy:
Roly Bonevacia ($96,000)
The classy Dutchman came through the famous Ajax Academy for the best part of 10 years so his technical quality can’t be questioned and he has a point to prove after failing to establish himself in the Eredivisie. Bonevacia is the type of player that Merrick likes and his ability to play both in midfield and at the back means he should be a regular starter.
Likely starting XI: (4-3-3) –
Glenn Moss (GK), Michael Boxall, Ben Sigmund, Andrew Durante, Manny Muscat, Albert Riera, Roly Bonevacia, Alex Rodriguez, Nathan Burns, Michael McGlinchey, Jeremy Brockie
