IPL Team of the Half-Season
This team only takes into consideration Illawarra Premier League matches. I have asked a number of coaches, players and followers of the competition for possible candidates but ultimately this represents who I believe have been the best performers from the opening 11 rounds.
It is important to note this is not a reflection of official player of the year standings be it the George Naylor Medal of goalkeeper of the year.
GK — Bryce Daenell (Fernhill Foxes)
The former Grand Final winning goaltender has delivered some inspirational performances this season. None more so than Round 2 verses Woonona where he pulled off a handful of clutch saves — including from a penalty — in the dying stages to secure the win.
LB — Shun Tokuno (Wollongong Olympic)
Perhaps the best left foot in the league. He’s scored the three goals this campaign, contributing to seven points and he is perfectly capable in defence.
CB — Jack Keating (Wollongong Olympic)
The Premier League’s best defender. Olympic have conceded just three goals in the eight matches where Keating had played while they have conceded three goals in across the three matches he missed.
CB — Mark Every (Wollongong United)
His return to full fitness has correlated with Wollongong United’s upturn in form. He also netted the first goal in a two-nil win over Cringila.
RB — Blake McGinn (Albion Park White Eagles)
The 22-year-old has been close to an ever-present at Terry Reserve holding up the right side of one of the stingiest defences in the league. Solid moving forward as well.
CDM — Kazuto Kushida (Wollongong United)
Exceptional work rate and ability to turn defence into attack. Scoring the winner against Bulli isn’t a bad feat either.
CDM — Vaughan Patterson (Wollongong Olympic)
The towering midfielder is one of the first names on the teamsheets at the PCYC. He has the ability to play higher up the park, at centreback in a pinch but he fits in well as a CDM in this lineup.
LW — Matthew McNab (Wollongong United)
The explosive wideman has eight goals this campaign — just over half of his 2017 total. On his day, his ability to cut in from the left and find the back of the net is unrivalled.
CAM — Mitchell Del Turco (Bulli)
He’s perhaps been Bulli’s most consistent performer and he has the versatility to play anywhere in the front third. His seven goals this season is just three off his Premier League best.
RW — Shinsei Tanaka (Fernhill)
The young forward’s seven goals this season have directly led to 13 of the Foxes 16 points this season. Tenacity, guile and pace.
ST — Yusuke Ueda (Wollongong Olympic)
The best striker in the league by some way. Take away his seven goals against Picton (perhaps a Premier League record) and he would still be the joint leader for the golden boot.
Substitutes (honourable mentions)
1 — Daniel Arcaba (Corrimal Rangers)
A well-rounded goalkeeper who has put in some fantastic displays this season.
2 — Kyle Jackson (Bulli)
Capable of playing right and left back as well as either side of a back three. Solid performer.
3 — Jake Leighton (Wollongong United)
Arguably one of United’s most consistent players since coming into the starting 11 in Round 6.
4 — Hikaru Kawasakiya (Albion Park White Eagles)
A joy to watch with the ability to play anywhere in the front half of the field.
5 — Masahiko Morita (Corrimal Rangers)
An excellent first quarter of the season which included a hattrick against Port Kembla.
Coach — Bruce Tilt (Fernhill Foxes)
He’s come into a newly promoted club, into a league he didn’t know with a squad no one — except him — thought was good enough. Halfway through and they are well and truly safe.
Agree? Disagree? Leave your teams in the comments section below.
Photos courtesy of Kiah Hufton, Dana Guthrie and illawarrapremierleague.com
