The Team of the Season was voted for by the Head Coaches of each CPL squad. Coaches nominated players for selection, and after compiling the nominations, coaches were asked to select a 1-4-3-3 formation from the nominated players. Coaches were unable to select player from their own clubs for the team.
GK
Michael DE PAOLI (Yoogali SC)
Yoogali’s man between the posts was a standout for his club throughout their promotion campaign, making a series of clutch saves in key games as the boys from Griffith earned elevation to the top-flight. Experienced, and a good communicator, De Paoli was a mainstay in the 2023 campaign and can enjoy his off-season to the full.
DEF
Monteagh GRACE (ANU FC)
Whether deployed in defence or midfield, Monteagh Grace played with an elegance and style that saw covetous eyes glanced his way from the NPL clubs from day one. This wasn’t unusual, Grace has long been a target of the top clubs, and with his sublime passing range, endless energy, and effervescent attitude to the game its not hard to understand why.
DEF
Luke PANDOLFO (Yoogali SC)
A unanimous choice amongst opposition coaches in the Team of the Year back four, Luke Pandolfo was simply in outstanding form the entirety of the year. As a rock-solid last line of defence, often deployed wide, he was almost unbeatable, helping Yoogali to top spot. A decent passer of the ball, and able to support the attack, Pandolfo was in superb form throughout.
DEF
Nahuel GUERREO (Queanbeyan City)
The rugged Argentinean defender was a natural selection for this team, his forceful presence, unrelenting attitude to tackles, and the occasional goal, earning m his spot. Few who witnessed it, and it’s immortalised on social media, will forget his goal from the halfway line against White Eagles in the derby, a standout moment in an excellent season.
DEF
Phil BORGEAUD (Belconnen United)
Time cannot diminish the sheer quality of performances from Belconnen United defender Phil Borgeaud, but those who saw him ply his trade week-in, and week-out, in the rarefied atmosphere of the NPL would be surprised that he took his talents into the CPL. Unflustered in possession, magnificent in anticipation, a born-leader, and a defender of some repute.
MID
Josh DE ROSSI (Yoogali SC)
One of the finds of the season for the Champions, the midfield maestro was the metronome who helped the Yoogali midfield tick. His quality on the ball was only matched by his industry off it, and he came with an eye for goal as well as eleven strikes will testify. Another who Yoogali appeared to pluck from thin air, Josh De Rossi was a star turn in 2023.
MID
Dustin WELLS (Belconnen United)
The veteran Belconnen United playmaker was able to roll back the years for the Blue Devils, leading by example for the youngsters in the squad who were often selected around the ball-playing ability of one of Canberra’s very best. Prompting from deeper, striking shots at goal, and showcasing his dead-ball prowess, Dustin Wells was the pick of the Belconnen attack.
MID
Darren BAILEY (Yoogali SC)
The heartbeat of the side that won the title and ensured promotion. The Scottish star shone brightly at both ends of the pitch, ending with a team high seventeen CPL goals in the regular season. He led by example from the beginning of the campaign, dragged his team across the line on many occasions, and showed that the fire still burns brightly within his combative frame.
FWD
Mason DONADEL (Yoogali SC)
A young talent with a bright future ahead of him, Mason Donadel joined the ranks of the Donadel CPL clan and was a stunning addition to the Yoogali forward line. Weighed in with half-a-dozen league goals as his team ended top, showcasing an exquisite touch, good pace, and a belligerent attitude that made life difficult for those tasked with stopping his forays forward.
FWD
Niko ABOT (Queanbeyan City)
Twenty goals and the Golden Boot from the irrepressible Argentinean centre-forward tells you all you need to know about his inclusion in the Team of the Year. At one stage it appeared that Niko Abot was single-handedly keeping Queanbeyan’s title charge alive. Fed off the ammunition provided by those around him with a wide variety of finishes, each seemingly better than the last.
FWD
Nathan DUCK (Canberra Juventus)
A wonderful season for a player whose team finished bottom of the table, an unusual statement in itself. However, the inclusion of Nathan Duck in this team was a no-brainer for the opposition coaches, his physicality, pace, and fourteen goals, doing more than most to try and ensure Juventus avoided the wooden-spoon. They didn’t quite, but not for the efforts of their free-scoring attacker.