Hyundai A-League: 10 Best Players in the League Down Under (2009/2010)

by Saxon Durrant

Every year from August to February 10 teams fight it out for the privilege of being crowned Australia’s best team. They call it the A-League. Formed in 2005 from the scraps of the old National Soccer league (NSL) the competition has now entered its 6th season and has had some very entertaining seasons and finals. The format is not what you would expect however. A 27 match league with the top 6 teams entering a finals series.

Now it gets interesting. The top 2 teams face each other in a two legged tie and the winner progresses to the grand final. While this is going on, the 3rd best team in the league faces off against the 6th placed team, as do 4th and 5th. The winners of these two ties then face off against each other for the right to play the loser of 1st v 2nd. The winner of that tie goes to the grand final to face the winner of 1st vs. 2nd. As the 2009/2010 season draws to a close, which 10 players really resemble this promising new league however?

There are roughly 500 players in the A-League today (30 for each team + youth squads) and I had to pick 10. To make my job just that little bit harder I decided I won’t pick any marquee players so that means no Robbie Fowler, Mile Sterjovski, John Aloisi, Craig Moore, Archie Thompson or Fabio Vignaroli. I wanted to pick 10 players that perhaps weren’t in the central spotlight. Here’s who I picked up on.

1, Cassio (Adelaide United)

Number 1 was an easy choice, left back Cassio from Adelaide United. Since his arrival in 2007 he has been the best of both worlds, a solid defensive stone whilst a dangerous attacking force on the left flank. Another impressive point about the Brazilian left back is his free kicks. A deadly taker, Cassio is more than capable to smash one in the net if you give him the chance. He has made 18 starts this season with his goal tally at 2 but at 30 years of age, it will be interesting to see how long he can keep his impressive performances going.

2, Sergio Van Dijk (Brisbane Roar)

Perhaps one of the best signings in the history of the A-League, Sergio Van Dijk has made a home at Brisbane Roar and the back of the opposition’s net. The former FC Emmen man is good in all areas of the attacking game whether that be shooting, passing or holding off defenders; Sergio has it all.

3, Tando Velaphi (Perth Glory)

Tando Velaphi comes in at number 3. This young goalie in my view has a whole heap of potential and at 22, has another 10 years at least left to prove himself. His name isn’t the most well known in Australia but I hope that changes soon, one to keep an eye on to be sure.

4, Leo Bertos (Wellington Phoenix)

Leo Bertos is included as number 4. Perhaps some Barnsley or Rochdale fans will remember this man. After stints at these clubs Leo went to non league football before joining Perth and finally Wellington Phoenix. Leo will also be travelling to South Africa next year as part of the New Zealand team. Italy better watch out! He is a right or central midfieder with great dribbling and crossing skills.

5, Shane Smeltz (Gold Coast United)

Continuing the Kiwi trend is number 5, Shane Smeltz. The most prominent finisher in the A-League today, he has also had a career spanning from AFC Wimbledon to the Gold Coast, where he currently plays. A winner and runner-up of the A-League Golden Boot, Smeltz is the one man opposition defences in Australia do not want to see on the opposing team sheet.

6, Danny Tiatto (free agent)

Number 6 sees Danny Tiatto enter the frame. The former Manchester City defender joined the Brisbane Roar in 2007. Tiatto does his job as well as ever, outmuscling and beating opponents to the ball, but has unfortunately been let down at times by the Roar’s inconsistent squad. At 36 however his matches could be numbered in the A-League – his contract at the Roar was recently terminated due to an internal dispute.

7, Travis Dodd (Adelaide United)

Travis Dodd comes in at number 7. The Adelaide United right midfielder and skipper is an inspirational figure at the heart of Adelaide’s team. Always ready to lead and support attacks with precision passes, Travis is skilled in many areas and is always trouble for the opposition.

8, Clint Bolton (Sydney FC)

Next is Sydney’s goalkeeper Clint Bolton. The most experienced keeper in the A-League today, Clint has made 97 appearances for Sydney and over 300 for various clubs in the old NSL. He also has 4 caps for Australia. If you want a good reliable keeper look no further than Clint.

9, Steve Corica (Sydney FC)

Veteran Sydney star Steve Corica is number 9. Wolves fans may know his name, or should as he played 100 times for them, however only scoring 6 goals. Steve is an attacking midfielder who scored the winning goal in the first ever A-League Grand Final, against Central Coast Mariners in 2005/2006. Has the ability to make the difference in tight matches.

10, Kevin Muscat (Melbourne Victory)

Last but not least is Kevin Muscat. Similar to Danny Tiatto, Muscat is seen as being a rough one in the A-League and with him around forwards know they will be in a battle till the end. Currently at Melbourne Victory, the man once called the “most hated man in football” may be at the end of his reign at 37 years old.

The A-League is really a big mixture. At one end we have the new hopeful players emerging to cast their light on the world of football, and at the
other end, we have veterans like Kevin Muscat and Danny Tiatto gracing the field with their experienced boots. Looking towards the future, the FFA (Football Federation Australia) have already confirmed there will be 12 teams in two seasons time, the Melbourne Heart and Sydney Rovers looking to make their own patch of A-League history. It’s a short, fast paced adrenaline rush from August to February and that’s what makes it great. There’s never a dull moment, no real mid-table obscurity – just 6 months of pure action.

Australia, Australian A-League