The top players in National Premier League soccer including Allan Welsh, Alex Mullen, Isabel Hodgson
Soccer finals are just around the corner and as an entertaining NPL and WNPL season gets to its pointy end we’ve listed the top players of 2022. See who made the list.
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Finals season is fast-approaching in the Football SA National Premier League and Women’s National Premier League, with only a month of the minor season remaining.
Season 2022 has seen some spectacular matches and results, with a number of skilled and accomplished players strengthening the competition’s quality.
In no particular order, we’ve listed the season’s best men’s and women’s players.
ALADIN IRABONA (Adelaide City)
Always a highly-touted attacker, Irabona has been at his best in season 2022 as City take top spot on the NPL ladder.
Forming a formidable partnership with star teammate Kur Kur, Irabona has scored 10 goals in 15 appearances.
He has also shown skill and flair to run at defenders and set teammates up in front of goal.
ISABEL HODGSON (Adelaide City)
Also captain of Adelaide United’s A league women’s side, Hodgson remains one of the most talented forwards in the WNPL.
In eight out of a possible 11 appearances Hodgson has finished six goals and provided multiple assists, leading City to third place on the ladder.
Her poise on the ball and ability to finish even the most difficult opportunities in front of goal makes her a headache for defenders.
ALLAN WELSH (Adelaide Comets)
Comets’ captain has, as expected, been a dominant force yet again in the National Premier League.
Playing predominantly as a centre midfielder, Welsh has led by example, committing strongly to challenges to retain possession for his side while also opening up play with creative passes.
Welsh has also scored five goals from midfield, including a remarkable effort from halfway earlier in the season.
With their captain remaining at his best, the second spot Comets look a strong chance for a grand final appearance.
CHRISSY PANAGARIS (Adelaide Comets)
Panagaris’ record in season ‘22 speaks for itself, the talented striker booting 12 goals so far.
Formerly a star with Metro United, she is no stranger to slotting the ball home, and her Comets side currently sits equal fourth thanks to her composure in front of goal.
HAMISH GOW (MetroStars)
Tough centre-mid Hamish Gow has consistently impressed for third placed MetroStars this season, controlling the game from the middle.
One of the most courageous players in the competition, Gow goes hard at every contest for the ball.
He has also scored three goals in a box-to-box midfielder role, adding an extra weapon to the MetroStars attack on occasion.
ALEX MULLEN (Campbelltown City)
With 10 goals in 12 appearances with the occasional shift through the midfield, Alex Mullen remains one of the toughest players to match up with.
The star veteran has arguably been the competition’s best player, and has inspired his Campbelltown team to fourth on the NPL ladder.
Mullen boasts spectacular goal-sense as well and a deadly first touch, and if he continues his strong form his club will be a shot at a title this season.
JOSHUA MORI (FK Beograd/White City)
The competition’s top scorer so far this season, Mori has been completely unstoppable for FK Beograd.
With 12 goals in 16 appearances, the star striker’s pace, touch and finishing ability continues to keep opposition defenders on high alert.
Mori currently sees his side in fifth spot and would be eager to net a few more goals and consolidate a finals campaign for Beograd.
JONNY YULL (Adelaide United)
Midfield Maestro Yull has pulled the strings for United’s NPLSA side this season, standing out in 15 appearances in the middle and also scoring three goals.
The youngster has reached another level for the Reds in 2022, his pinpoint passing and intelligence on the ball a key for the side going forward.
He also has a much-improved tank and can run out games for the full 90.
MARIA JOSE ROJAS (Salisbury Inter)
The most consistent performer across the WNPL, Maria Jose Rojas unsurprisingly has her Salisbury Inter side competing for top spot on the ladder yet again.
The star winger/striker has 14 goals so far this season and has shown little sign of slowing down.
A brilliant dribbler, Jose Rojas is almost impossible to dispossess and could again be the most damaging player in the women’s league once finals rolls around.
MICHAEL MARRONE (Sturt Lions)
Arguably the most skilled and reliable defenders in the National Premier League, Sturt’s Marrone has contained some of the state’s best attackers so far this season.
Alternating on either side as a wingback or slotting in at centre-back, the star veteran’s versatility is second to none.
Marrone’s ability to get up the wings and whip in crosses to create chances for attackers has also been key to the Lions’ success this year.
PATRICK CARACCIA (Croydon Kings)
Caraccia has continued his fast rise to the top of the NPL competition, solidifying himself as the Kings’ focal point in the midfield.
The creative box-to-box workhorse has three goals in 15 appearances this season on top of the countless chances he has created for teammates.
If he can continue his rise in form, Croydon could make a late challenge for finals.
JONATHON RIDEOUT (South Adelaide)
With 11 goals in 15 matches, Rideout’s influence on the Panthers’ attacking dynamic can’t be understated.
An aggressive attacker – he has six yellow cards to his name already – Rideout uses his strength and positioning to give himself countless chances at scoring.
His forward pressure on defenders has also been a significant factor in South Adelaide’s five wins this year.
MICHAEL CITTADINI (Adelaide Olympic)
While Olympic has had a disappointing campaign so far in 2022, Cittadini’s progression can’t be denied.
The skilful midfielder has picked up where he left off last season and currently has five goals in 15 games, a strong return for a central player.
The 19-year-old has also displayed his smarts on the ball, consistently making the right pass to open defences up.
RACHEAL QUIGLEY (West Adelaide)
Quigley has been a superstar for West Adelaide this season, scoring a huge 17 goals for what remains the WNPL’s top side.
A strong and explosive striker, Quigley is adept on either side of her body and possesses the ability to finish anywhere inside the box.
Her positioning is also second to none in the women’s competition.
If Quigley continues her form, West Adelaide could be too hard to top.
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