Voting for the Hyundai A-League Fans Team of the Season is in full swing and today it’s time to pick the midfielders for the 2016/17 squad.
We’ve chosen 8 midfielders who impressed throughout the campaign but it’s up to you to decide who earns a spot in the ‘Hyundai A-League Fans Team of the Year’.
And with our 4-3-3 formation – only three midfielders can be selected in the starting XI.
To ensure your selection is counted – simply vote in the poll at the bottom of the article!
You can submit your vote at the bottom of the page
Milos Ninkovic (Sydney FC)
Is there anything this guy can’t do? The Serbian midfielder was an absolute class above at times season with his touch, vision and ability to pick a pass making him a nightmare for opposition defences. The 32-year-old was a clear winner of the Johnny Warren Medal and also claimed the Alex Tobin award for Fox Sports’ player of the season. The playmaker notched 11 assists and nine goals for the campaign, and converted the winning spot kick in the Grand Final.
James Troisi (Melbourne Victory)
After a slow start to the season, the 2015 Asian Cup hero found his straps and finished with a flourish to help guide Victory to the Grand Final. In 25 matches, the attacking midfielder contributed six goals and six assists, while he notched a club-high 139 crosses.
Neil Kilkenny (Melbourne City)
The box-to-box midfielder claimed City’s player of the season in his maiden campaign in the A-League and it’s easy to see why. The former Socceroo was a real workhorse in the middle of the park and was the vital link between defence and attack in a somewhat disjointed outfit. A ‘no-frills’ type player, Kilkenny did much of the ‘gritty’ work for his team with aplomb and even contributed two goals.
Josh Brillante (Sydney FC)
A real unsung hero in the heart of Sydney’s midfield, the hard-working Brillante played 26 matches for the Sky Blues and made 1357 passes, more than any of his teammates. His combination with Brandon O’Neill in the centre of the park was arguably the best in the competition with their work ethic and willingness to support each other a real feature. Brillante chipped in with cracking goals – his first in professional football – including an absolute screamer in the Semi Final win over Perth Glory.
Nico Martinez (Western Sydney Wanderers)
The Argentine playmaker was a shining light in a largely disappointing season for the Wanderers. His exquisite dribbling and ability to glide past players was a joy to watch throughout the campaign as he went on to notch an impressive eight assists and four goals. The 29-year-old finished third in the Johnny Warren Medal behind Ninkovic and Diego Castro.
Thomas Kristensen (Brisbane Roar)
Brought in to fill the boots of the departed Corona, Kristensen slotted in seamlessly to the Roar midfield and proved to be an astute signing. The hard-working defensive midfielder provided a solid platform for John Aloisi’s attacking outfit and allowed the likes of Brett Holman and Tommy Oar more freedom going forward. Kristensen contributed four goals in 25 appearances and made a club-high 1428 passes.
Brandon O’Neill (Sydney FC)
Much like Brillante, O’Neill was another undervalued player in Graham Arnold’s side. The 23-year-old worked his socks off for the team and rarely gave the ball away when in possession. The midfielder netted three goals for the campaign which included two cracking free kicks, one of which was an absolute stunner in the Sydney Derby.
Riley McGree (Adelaide United)
What a season it’s been for Riley McGree! He was unlikely to start for Adelaide United at the start of the season and yet the youngster managed to earn himself a call-up to Ange Postecoglou’s Socceroos squad! Not a bad effort for an 18-year-old. The midfielder’s energy, composure and doggedness stood out from the start and he was arguably Adelaide’s most consistent player in his 16 appearances for the season. His passing accuracy of 84.3% is up there with the best in the competition and he netted a cracking maiden goal against Wellington Phoenix.
