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

Janet KING (Canberra Olympic)

A breakthrough season for Canberra Olympic’s goalkeeper who was in terrific form between the posts for the League Champions, only conceding a miserly ten goals in the 21-regular season matches. Agile, with great distribution, and a safe pair of hands, Janet King was the envy of most of the rest of the division.

DEF

Sophia DOUMOS (Belconnen United)

The young defender was a standout for Scott Conlon’s Belconnen United as they pushed the League Champions Canberra Olympic all the way. With a series of displays that belied her years, Sophia Doumos showed superb anticipation, excellent aerial presence, ball-winning capability, and good distribution. In short, everything you want from a defender.

DEF

Rhiannon FENSOM (Canberra Croatia)

Led by example in what was a transition year for the reigning League Champions, Rhiannon Fensom’s physical presence, and sheer acceleration across the ground, was a massive component as Canberra Croatia made the top four. A threat at set-pieces, she managed three goals, her leadership was what stood out the most. A seriously talented central defender.

DEF

Elke AITOLU (Canberra Olympic)

Superb from whoa to go. Elke Aitolu, the archetypal poacher turned gamekeeper, was the rock on which Canberra Olympic’s title charge was built. Magnificent in all components of the game, her booming shot was evident from long-range free-kicks, and in open play. Physically tough to get pass, Aitolu often dragged her team forward by sheer will-power alone. A top season.

DEF

Ailish MCDONAGH (ANU WFC)

A debut season in the WNPL for newly promoted ANU WFC and first campaign at this level for defender Ailish McDonagh. Not that you would know it considering the series of breathtaking defensive performances put in by the University’s last line of defence. Calm in possession, strong on the ball, good in the air, there was much to like, and potentially much more to come as well.

MID

Natalie DE MARCO (Gungahlin United)

Playing from a deeper role than she was used to in recent seasons, Natalie De Marco enjoyed a stellar season in the Gungahlin United midfield, breaking up play and releasing the speedy attackers deployed in front of her. With an astute eye for a pass, De Marco reads the game as well as anyone, and is worthy selection in the Team of the Year.

MID

Isabella HINDMARCH (Belconnen United)

The Blue Devils midfield metronome, Isabella Hindmarsh has all the skills required to be a top-class midfield general. As happy creating a goal for others from a wide array of distribution at her disposal, as she is ramming home spectacular long-range goals herself, Hindmarsh helped her young teammates achieve high levels of success. Expect plenty more of the same in years to come.

MID

Alyse JENSEN (West Canberra Wanderers)

A deserved selection for a player whose team ended bottom of the table and suffered relegation. However, it was usually the energy and class of Alyse Jensen each week that was the driving force behind the Wanderers late burst to save themselves. Four goals, each a cracker, a fearsome challenge in the tackle, and an engine to match the best.

FWD
Hattie CRAM (Belconnen United)

Took a while to get going from her transfer to the Blue Devils, but once Hattie Cram opened her account, ironically against her former club, she barely let up, ending the season with fourteen regular season goals. Showed good anticipation to ad to her pace, her natural asset, and become more composed in front of goal as the campaign progressed.

FWD
Brittany PALOMBI (Canberra Croatia)

Another Golden Boot to adorn the mantelpiece of the Palombi household as Brittany Palombi top-scored once more, 23 goals her final tally before finals. There was the usual litany of spectacular hits, as well as more straightforward goals, but her insatiable appetite for racking them up continues unabated. A nearly unanimous choice for the coaches who voted for the team.

FWD

Ginger OLIVER (Gungahlin United)

The signing of the season? Quite possibly. Ginger Oliver made the move from West Canberra Wanderers to Gungahlin United, hit the ground running, and never let up. Oliver plundered eight goals, one less than Gunners’ leading scorer, and was a constant threat whether through the middle or out-wide. Add in some accurate set-pieces, and it was a top season overall.