The Team of the Season was voted for by the Head Coaches of each NPL squad. Players were nominated having met the criteria of starting ten matches during the regular season. 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
Jordan THURTELL (Monaro Panthers)
Another selection in the Team of the Year for a goalkeeper who has been in top form for nearly all of 2023. Excellent shot-stopper, a thunderous and accurate clearance that often-caused havoc, superb communication, and respected by teammates and opponents alike. Jordan Thurtell signed off his Capital Football NPL career as he started it – in inspired form.
DEF
Robert TKATCHENKO (Monaro Panthers)
Brilliant season for the attack-minded defender who forced his way into the Monaro Panthers line-up and became a headache for the opposition at both ends of the field. Provided width on the overlap, security in defence, and a wicked delivery from his regular forays into the opposite half. A series of top performances from the prototypical modern full-back.
DEF
Lachlan FIELDS (O’Connor Knights)
Simply magnificent. Lachlan Fields as oft been touted as a class act in central defence, and in 2023 he brought all that quality to the fore. Unbeatable in the air, outstanding on the floor, and weighed in with some important goals. The sight of Fields rampaging from defence, shackles unleashed, was one of the highlights of the campaign.
DEF
Connor BILL (O’Connor Knights)
The other of the twin towers at the heart of the parsimonious O’Connor Knights defence, the aspect of the game on which their title success was based, Connor Bill followed his teammates from West Canberra Wanderers and developed into a centre-back of some repute. Excellent aerial presence, and a great reader of the game, Bill enjoyed a standout year.
DEF
James DRISCOLL (O’Connor Knights)
Another from the Champions defensive unit, James Driscoll was in career best form in 2023. A swashbuckling presence out wide, often bursting from his defensive duties to join the attack, ending with a pinpoint cross, or most memorably in his title-winning strike against Gungahlin United at the AIS, a shot at goal. Deserved nomination in the squad.
MID
Josh GASPARI (Gungahlin United)
Might only have played half of the regular season games for his club Gungahlin United, but the fact that was enough to ensure Josh Gaspari a spot in the Team of the Year, is testament to the class and enduring quality of a true great. Led from the front, a creator and taker of chances, the Gunners were a different team when he was available.
MID
Micheal ADAMS (O’Connor Knights)
Silky smooth, hugely talented, and humble playmaker at the heart of the Champions collection of the League title, Micheal Adams continued in 2023 just where he left off in previous campaigns. His skillset is arguably unrivalled, his touch top-notch, and the kind of players you’d be happy to spend money to watch. Brilliant innovator and one of the Knights’ best.
MID
Sam WHITHEAR (Tigers FC)
The Tigers might have missed out on Finals football on goals difference, but the form of midfielder Sam Whithear demanded inclusion in this team. Was clinical in front of goal, particularly from set-pieces where his aerial ability came to the fore, Whithear was equally effective in possession and was a vibrant, energetic, and all-action presence throughout the season.
FWD
Stephen DOMENICI (Canberra Croatia)
A late season surge towards the Golden Boot, and a never to be forgotten six-goal haul in an 8-1 mauling of Canberra Olympic to ensure finals football was the icing on the Stephen Domenici cake. A superlative strike in the Australia Cup Round of 32 showed his class to the national audience, and 20 league goals played a major part in the red machine making the top four.
FWD
Maxx GREEEN (Gungahlin United)
Goals, goals, and more goals epitomised the 2023 season for Maxx Green. Twenty-one of them secured the Golden Boot, in just nineteen appearances, and a further six in the Australia Cup Qualifying, meant that he was closing in on thirty in all competitions as finals approached. Speedy, reactive, and a real sniffer of chances, Green was the fulcrum of the Gunners’ frontline.
FWD
Roko STRIKA (Monaro Panthers)
Sheer class. Roko Strika once again underlined what anyone who watches the NPL in Canberra already knew, he was a go-to man on the big occasion. Strika scored all manner of goals, headers, free-kicks, thumping drives, tap-ins, fourteen of them that almost saw the Panthers into the finals. Led by example with his work rate, stamina, and unrivalled vision.