We’re asking you to pick your Hyundai A-League Team of the Year.
There have been lots of outstanding performers in 2018/19, but who deserves a spot in the best XI of the season? You decide.
Today, we’re assessing the central defenders.
Hyundai A-League Team of the Year vote
GOALKEEPERS
LEFT-BACKS
RIGHT-BACKS
LEFT MIDFIELDERS
CENTRAL MIDFIELDERS
RIGHT MIDFIELDERS
FORWARDS
Nikola Topor-Stanley did not miss a single minute for Newcastle Jets this year across all competitions, making him a standout candidate for a role in the heart of our back four.
Newcastle were unable to replicate their run to the 2017/18 Grand Final, but it was through no fault of the Jets iron-man – an absolute machine for Ernie Merrick’s men.
Perth Glory boss Tony Popovic recruited two imposing centre-backs in the off-season – Matthew Spiranovic and Tomislav Mrcela, but it was Shane Lowry who stood head and shoulders above the rest for the Premiers.
Part of a Perth defence which conceded 103 goals in the previous two campaigns, Lowry became the Glory’s bed-rock and commanded a record-breaking year.
You certainly wouldn’t want to run into Melbourne City’s Bart Schenkeveld in a dark alley. The burly Dutch centre-half terrorised strikers in 2018/19 and stroked the ball around the field with the elegance and accuracy of a cultured midfield general.
Former Premier league defender Steven Taylor and Hyundai A-League triple centurion Andrew Durante were pillars of Wellington Phoenix’s revolution, while Michael Jakobsen and Alex Wilkinson were outstanding for Adelaide United and Sydney FC respectively.
Vote for your central defender of the year in the poll below. Each player must have played at least 15 games.
