GCPL Team of the Decade: Surfers coach Alex Morrison picks his 11

Surfers Paradise coach Alex Morrison has rewarded tenure and skill in his dream Gold Coast Premier League starting 11. SUBSCRIBE TO READ THE WHOLE SERIES.

SURFERS Paradise coach Alex Morrison has rewarded tenure and skill in his dream Gold Coast Premier League starting 11.

Morrison based his selection on a Gold Coast football longevity of at least five years.

The Apollo mentor couldn’t split keepers Tim Warren and Michael Negrepontis and also celebrated Gold Coast football veteran coach Keith Garland as his coach of the decade.

DON’T MISS: Coast football’s team of the decade

Garland has done it all in the Coast men’s premier league, winning multiple championships and premierships across years at the helm of Palm Beach, Broadbeach, Merrimac, Surfers Paradise and Burleigh Heads.

COAST COACHES’ TEAMS OF THE DECADE

■ Southport’s Rob Semple

■ Coomera’s Steve Macdonald

■ Broadbeach’s Andrew Robinson

■ Palm Beach’s Brett Budwee

Morrison opted for a 4-3-3 set up with Shaun Robinson filling the role of number 10.

Morrison also couldn’t not mention former Burleigh, Knights and Surfers defender Daniel Dragicevic who he rated as one of the best he’s seen during his time at the helm.

Surfers Paradise Premier League coach Alex Morrison: Pic: East End Digital

Keepers

Tim Warren (Merrimac Mudgeeraba, GCK, Surfers) and Michael Negrepontis (Burleigh/Broadbeach)

“They were both super consistent and played the whole decade so you’ve got to appreciate both. They rocked up year in year out and made it very hard to score.”

DEFENDERS

Jean-Phillipe Lasm (Magic/Surfers)

“He’s a kid I’ve known since he was young but he’s a fantastic centre back. He’s hard to beat, physical and competitive.”

Luke Martinero (Burleigh/Broadbeach)

“Luke was consistent at both clubs and always tough to play against. I played against him myself and he’s a great guy, a great leader, strong in the air and always up for battle.”

Dylan Barwick (Knights/Surfers)

“He’s a fantastic left back who has great overlap. He’s super quick, sharp, competitive and can win games off his own boot.”

Surfers Paradise Apollo football (soccer) player Dylan Barwick. Picture: East End Digital

Matt Harris (Surfers/Mudgeeraba/Magic)

“He’s my current centre back and he’s been playing the whole decade. A strong, consistent defender who gets better every year. Like Luke, he’s a great leader and defender.”

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MIDFIELDERS:

Justin Watmough (Broadbeach)

“He was the player of the decade so that speaks for itself. I played against him and it’s easy to see his class. He’s always been a quality player and a great lad as well. Very modest, humble and a fantastic footballer.”

Bruno Rodriguez (Merrimac/Surfers)

“He’s my captain at the moment and he’s a fantastic and consistent player. He’s one of the fittest in the league and goes box to box every training session. Every game, he’s up for it and his attitude is spot on.”

Gold Coast Premier League soccer, first v second, Broadbeach United v Surfers Paradise. Broadbeach's Timothy Kerwick and Surfers Paradise's Bruno Rodriguez. Picture: Jerad Williams

Shawn Robinson (Southport/Mudgeeraba/Broadbeach)

“I played with him for many years and he’s a friend of mine but his ability to score and create goals is second to none. He can play up front or on the wing.”

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STRIKERS:

Luke Morley (Murwillumbah)

“He hurt my criteria a bit but he was a great goal scorer, fantastic in the air and a real leader when they had that run at the top.”

Matt Hilton (Palm Beach/Surfers/Merrimac/Murwillumbah/Burleigh/Mudgeeraba)

“I played with Matt so there’s a bit of a theme developing but year in, year out, he gets you goals. He’s a humble lad, he’s great on both feet and a certified match winner.”

Teddy Watson (Surfers Paradise/Gold Coast Knights/Palm Beach)

“He just scores goals. He’s a great one-on-one player and reads the play week in week out. He’s humble and hungry for success.”

FFA Cup football between Surfers Paradise Apollo and Brisbane Knights at Lex Bell Oval. Surfers Player No 10 Teddy Watson Brisbane Player No5 Tyler Baker . Pic Mike Batterham