After 27 rounds of action, the A-League home and away season has come to an end which usually means plenty of awards and accolades. tribalfootball.com has come up with our best XI of the season with a bench of four players plus a coach based on the amount of times the players were nominated for the Team of the Week throughout the season.
GoalkeeperClint Bolton (Sydney FC) The Sky Blues gloveman kept the most clean sheets in the league with 12 as his side rallied to clinch the minor Premiership on the final day of the regular season. His presence and shot saving ability were again on show as the 34-year old took his total A-League appearances with the club to over 100.
DefendersMichael Thwaite (Gold Coast United) Despite a move into midfield during the season, Thwaite was outstanding in defence in the first part of the season. He is a very versatile player and his performances as vice-captain of the new A-League club pushed him into Australian national team calculations.
Adrian Leijer (Melbourne Victory) His return to the A-League was a successful one as he helped his club to a second-place finish on the table. After a few seasons trying his luck in England, the 23-year old came back to the Victory and was installed as captain late in the season whilst Kevin Muscat was suspended, indicating how much faith the club has in him.
Simon Colosimo (Sydney FC) Probably the best defender in the competition this season. Colosimo was back to his best at centre-back for the Premiers and earned himself a recall to the Australian national team. Is one of the keys to Sydney's Championship hopes.
Pedj Bojic (Central Coast Mariners) In a disappointing season for the Mariners, Bojic was a consistent performer and was often an attacking threat when the side pushed forward, providing four assists and scoring twice.
MidfieldersMatt Thompson (Newcastle Jets) The Jets skipper enjoyed a brilliant season, mainly the second half, scoring 7 goals and leading his side to a sixth-place finish. His form earned him a move to incoming club Melbourne Heart which will be a huge loss to Newcastle but a major win for the new club.
Carlos Hernandez (Melbourne Victory) For more on tribalfootball.com's Player of the Year, use the following link - http://www.tribalfootball.com/melbourne-victory%E2%80%99s-hernandez-named-player-year-636781
Jason Culina (Gold Coast United) Culina returned to Australia and was an immediate hit for Gold Coast as their marquee player and captain. Shouldering a massive burden, he performed admirably and was often the catalyst for his side winning. In just their first season, United finished third, and were led well by the former FC Twente and PSV Eindhoven midfielder had a league-high 10 scoring assists and finished with 3 goals.
Jin-Hyung Song (Newcastle Jets) The South Korean winger was at his best for the Jets this season, enjoying his best form since joining in the 2007/08 season. His marauding runs frequently excited the Newcastle fans and his final ball was often to the advantage of his attacking teammates. Song scored 4 goals and provided 3 goal assists.
StrikersShane Smeltz (Gold Coast United) The New Zealand international was again the pick of the goalscorers, winning the A-League's Golden Boot award. He netted 19 goals for the season and was well clear of Carlos Hernandez and Paul Ifill in second place. Smeltz holds the hopes of the All Whites at this year's World Cup.
Archie Thompson (Melbourne Victory) The all-time A-League leading goalscorer had another stellar season, scoring 10 goals and providing 8 assists. His form helped the Victory to second place on the table and his absence at the end of the season probably cost Melbourne the minor Premiership. Year after year he produces.
CoachMiron Bleiberg (Gold Coast United) For more on tribalfootball.com's Coach of the Year, click the following link - http://www.tribalfootball.com/gold-coast-united%E2%80%99s-bleiberg-named-coach-year-637241
BenchLiam Reddy (Brisbane Roar/Wellington Phoenix) GK Scott Jamieson (Adelaide United) DEF Henrique (Brisbane Roar) MID Paul Ifill (Wellington Phoenix) STR
