It’s time to vote in the NAB Young Footballer of the Year for Hyundai A-League Season 11.
There’s so much young talent in the Hyundai A-League and the best of the crop are in contention to take out this year’s NAB Young Footballer of the Year award, which will be announced at next week’s Hyundai A-League awards.
Ex-Adelaide United playmaker Jimmy Jeggo took out last year’s gong, joining the likes of Mat Ryan, Tommy Oar, Adam Taggart and Marco Rojas as winners of the prestigious prize. Who will join them as the 2015/16 winner? We take a look at the five nominees for Hyundai A-League Season 11.
*Note: ex-Sydney FC defender Alex Gersbach, the nominee for November, is ineligible due to being red-carded this season.
Jason Geria – Melbourne Victory
The athletic right-back has been touted as a star of the future for a couple of years and this season he has really stepped up. Geria has enjoyed his most consistent season in the A-League, rewarded with a call up to the Caltex Socceroos squad last month. And his stats have been impressive, with 42 clearances and 28 fouls won at 1.65 per game, the fifth most of any defender.
Stefan Mauk – Adelaide United
Mauk’s decision to move from Melbourne City to the Reds mid-season has proved a wise one after a stellar end to the campaign for the 20-year-old. He’s fitted in perfectly to Adelaide’s midfield, showing excellent creativity and a brilliant passing range. Mauk finished the regular season with seven goals, four assists and 23 chances created from his 23 appearances.
Dimitri Petratos – Brisbane Roar
It’s been some season for Petratos. An ever-present for Roar, Petratos has been a key contributor to their strong season in midfield. Given somewhat of a free role by Aloisi in front of Corona and Matt McKay, the 23-year-old has chipped in with six goals and six assists, while his 883 passes have come at better than 81% accuracy.
Jamie Maclaren – Brisbane Roar
The 22-year-old’s 18 goals for the campaign is a record by an Australian player in the Hyundai A-League, while also creating 22 chances and providing three assists for his team-mates. The highlight of his season came in round 23, when he scored a hat-trick in the 5-0 demolition of this week’s Elimination Finals opponent Melbourne Victory. Maclaren’s pace is his huge asset but his finishing has improved markedly, which is why he’s on the radar of Caltex Socceroos boss Ange Postecgolou.
Brandon Borrello – Brisbane Roar
Showing searing pace and dribbling skill down the right flank, the 20-year-old has contributed five goals and two assists from his 21 appearances. Impressively, Borrello gets 60 percent of his shots on target and with one in four of his efforts on target resulting in a goal, he has the best ratio of any Roar player.
