Goalkeepers

(Melbourne Victory)First-choice Matildas keeper is constantly communicating with and encouraging her team mates. Is also almost unrivalled in goals

(Brisbane Roar)The Roar have (or had) the league’s strongest defensive record, not least due to Dumont’s efforts. And she’s only just finishing high school so her best is yet to come

Defenders

(Canberra United)A dual international who delivers killer corners. Expect to see more—including more Matildas appearances—from this humble, level-headed, and incredibly talented 19-year-old.

(Brisbane Roar)Clare’s height and onfield composure belie her young age (20). She’s solid in defence and has even gotten forward to score two goals this season

(Sydney FC)What’s not to be impressed by with Heather Garriock? As captain, she leads by example and is instrumental in her team’s defence and goals

(Brisbane Roar)Prior to injury Brooke was outstanding. A quiet achiever who, for a defender, is not overly tall!

Midfielders

(Central Coast Mariners)As with Paaske, Fletcher brings international experience and tactical nous to the league.

(Brisbane Roar)She has been brilliant this season for the Roar and instrumental in just about every goal. She turned the 0-2 deficit into 2-2 in round 8 and has even scored a cracker goal this season.

(Sydney FC)The Danish international has been a solid performer for Sydney all season, lending her skill and international experience to an already strong outfit. I wouldn’t be surprised if she has a hand in a semi and grand final victory

(Brisbane Roar)She may not be tall, but terrier-like Butt’s tenacity and strength have made her a central part of the Roar’s (and the Young Matildas’) starting XI.

Forwards

(Central Coast Mariners)Going from a goalscoring donut in season one, everything Heyman has touched has turned to gold. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a Matildas call up for her

(Sydney FC)A consistent performer, Walsh would be a serious golden boot contender if Heyman wasn’t on fire.

Goalkeepers

(Brisbane Roar)Has only had five goals conceded in nine rounds (yes, Brisbane have seven against but Dumont didn’t play against Adelaide). Her keeping is first-class, but it’s also her confidence and control of her back-four. She’s only 17, but I think she’s the current favourite to start in goal for the Matildas at World Cup qualifiers.

(Central Coast Mariners)The Mariners stunning season has had contributors all over the park, but Loyden has been outstanding. The American import has conceded just seven goals all season.

(Canberra United)Perry has been Canberra’s most consistent player. Her defending and set pieces are international class. Her attacking runs down the wing and pin-point crosses have also been stellar. Add those crosses to corners and she has six assists in Canberra’s 14 goals this season.

(Brisbane Roar)Is the Roar captain the toughest player in the league?  Polkinghorne is a strong, fast, attacking defender who is technically excellent as well. Also I think a future Matildas captain.

(Sydney FC)Frustrated after a year in the American WPS where she hardly played at all due to injury, Garriock is back at her best in the W-League. She’s probably more of a midfielder, but defence is where she’s mostly played for Sydney FC, so that’s where I’ll put her in my team.

(Central Coast Mariners)The Mariners captain has been excellent in central defence for the Central Coast team. While all the others here are more wing-backs, thought I’d better include a central defender and I think Cooper’s been the best.

Midfielders

(Sydney FC)She’s a former nominee for FIFA World player of the year, so it’s no surprise that Paaske has added a quality dimension to the Sky Blues midfield. Has driven plenty of possession forward to set up goals for the likes of Leena Khamis and Sarah Walsh.

(Canberra United)Maciejewski was good last year, but she’s great this year. She’s lost the tendency to pick up yellow-cards, she hasn’t claimed one this season, but is still amazingly gutsy. She’s also improved on the ball, scored twice and set-up numerous others this year with her excellent runs forward.

(Brisbane Roar)She’s certainly not the biggest player on the pitch, but technically I think she’s one of the best. A creative, pacey midfielder. She also scored what I think was goal of the year against Canberra United to give the Roar at late 2-1 win over Canberra in Round 6.

(Melbourne Victory)This midfield spot was the hardest one to pick, but in the end went for Sitch because I thought Melbourne deserved a place and the American midfielder I think has been their most consistent. Gets a mountain of work done and always creates chances

Forwards

(Central Coast Mariners)11 goals in just nine games speaks for itself, but it’s also the way Heyman goes about it. A no nonsense forward, she gets the ball, barrels through defenders and then most importantly, takes a shot – usually on target. It’s simple football but for the NSW women’s premier league player of the year (she scored over 20 this year), it works so very well.

(Perth Glory)Yes, here is my left-field selection. She hasn’t scored that many goals, has been suspended twice and hasn’t had that much of impact. But I’d like to watch her every week, because the touches of brilliance thrown-in with her crazy hot-tempered outbursts are THAT good. She’s just an enthralling player to watch. She’s in my team of the year, because if this team really did play a game, that’s who I would want to see.

Goalkeepers

(Central Coast Mariners)Loyden has been fantastic to watch.  In many games her saves have kept her side in the game or she has shut down threatening attacks.  The main reason the Mariners’ defence has been close to impenetrable.

(Melbourne Victory)Australia’s number one and for good reason.  While Dumont might have conceded less goals, the Victory custodian has been the final line in wave, after wave off attack and Melbourne would have conceded a lot more goals without her.

Defenders

(Canberra United)While Perry was great Brush was the consummate leader.  It was not only her defensive work in organising inexperienced backs but, like on the weekend, she was there at crucial times with a block, tackle, assist or a goal.

(Brisbane Roar)Hard, tough, uncompromising.  A few words to describe the Roar captain.  There are few players more fierce on the ball but she also has the ability to win the ball and set up her midfielders.  Roar attacks often start with Polkinghorne.

Sydney FC)Garriock displayed why she is so important to the sky blues.  Injuries kept her off the park in season 1 and FC suffered for it.  Better known as midfielder but defensively was outstanding in the backline that needed her experience and guidance.

(Central Coast Mariners)The Cooper/Doyle combination has been difficult to ruffle.  The Mariners finished with the equal best goals against record largely due to Cooper.  Her captaincy is also superb and possibly her best contribution; convincing Heyman to play.

Midfielders

(Canberra United)She isn’t the most skilful, the quickest or prettiest player but you need the hard nuts in any team.  Maciejewski has added discipline and, more importantly, goals to her game.

(Central Coast Mariners)In a team of excellent midfielders, I have chosen Rollason for her vision and consistency.  Providing plenty of assists, Rollason supports well and has played a holding roll better than most.

(Sydney FC)Her sensational solo goal displayed why FC went after the Danish international.  Paaske has added experience, class and touch to the competition. The best import this season and Julie Ryadhl was not far behind.

(Brisbane Roar)Tameka started the year on fire and finished it with a hattrick.  A hardworking, fast and skilled player Butt is just ahead of her teammate Kellond-Knight purely for the fact that she gives you goals.  Plenty of them!

Forwards

(Central Coast Mariners)Even I can’t go past Heyman.  What a turnaround.  A couple of months ago she didn’t even know if she would be playing.  A robust, powerful striker with good instincts Michelle has come a long way.

(Sydney FC)When you are the top dog its not always easy to adjust to a new member.  Khamis struggled early but in the later half of the season was on fire.   It was a toss up between her and Walsh but in the crucial games it was Khamis who came through.