In case you missed it: Every GCPL coach’s Team of the Decade votes
All eight of the Gold Coast Premier League coaches have submitted their votes for the competition’s team of the decade. SUBSCRIBE TO READ THE WHOLE SERIES
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All eight of the Gold Coast Premier League coaches have submitted their votes for the competition’s team of the decade.
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Each coach developed their own selection criteria, with final teams including players who have played A-League, international premier leagues and even for Australia.
In case you missed it, the Bulletin has compiled each coach’s team of the decade selections in one place.
DON’T MISS: Experts Coast football’s team of the decade
1. NATHAN MULHEARN, ROBINA
Robina City coach Nathan Mulhearn reckons he could have selected three Gold Coast Premier League teams of the decade so much is the quality of the competition.
Mulhearn picked some players we have not yet seen in other teams, like defender Dean Wernerson who he now calls his own, but all who deserved recognition for their contributions to Gold Coast football.
“This was a very difficult team to select and may not be the most balanced side, but they are all good players who deserve recognition,” said Mulhearn.
“There are a couple of glaring omissions who I struggle to leave out and would love them in my side at Robina.”
2. Lee Vernon, Nerang
Considered by many as the Gold Coast Premier League coach of the decade, Lee Vernon has achieved top flight success like none other.
Vernon will go down as one of the most accoladed coaches in Gold Coast history just looking at his tenure during the 10’s alone, relying on a core group of players to achieve sustained success.
Longevity, performance and silverware all played a big role in Vernon’s team of the decade selection criteria so it was no surprise to see a number of former dolphins make the cut.
3. Alex Morrison, Surfers Paradise
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.
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.
4. Brett Budwee, Palm Beach
Palm Beach coach Brett Budwee has selected his dream 11 for the Gold Coast Premier League team of the decade.
Longevity, skill and x-factor all rated highly in Budwee’s eyes, meaning he had to overlook a handful of players who were on the crevice of two decades.
5. Andrew Robinson, Broadbeach
Coast football veteran Andrew Robinson was part of an 11-year Broadbeach United dynasty and self-admittedly found it hard to overlook his former teammates.
From winning the double in 2009 to the 2014 super side which Robinson rates as one of the best the club has fielded, the Dolphin’s have delivered some of the league’s finest talents plus four championships and six grand final wins since 2009.
Robinson only failed to play alongside two of his selected 11 throughout his career, the phrase ‘if you can’t beat them, join them’ fitting in the way a number of the leagues finest talents suited up for Broadbeach at some point.
6. Steve Macdonald, Coomera
Steve Macdonald has only been coaching on the Gold Coast for a handful of years and so picked his dream Gold Coast Premier League 11 based on recent times.
While he self-admittedly may have missed some stars from earlier in the decade, Macdonald selected a number of Broadbeach players to celebrate their dominance in the Coast’s top flight as well as rewarding a few of his own to ensure things didn’t get too prickly at training.
7. Rob Semple, Southport
Southport Warriors coach Rob Semple has selected his dream 11 for the Gold Coast Premier League team of the decade.
Leadership, explosiveness and skill all formed part of the decision making process while Semple gave the nod to three current and former Warriors.
The Coast One league winning coach also highlighted the depth of Gold Coast Football talent, having to leave a number of match winners out due to positional clashes.
8. Colin Phelan, Burleigh
When reigning double winning Burleigh Coach Colin Phelan speaks, the Gold Coast football community listens.
And ‘Phelo’ reckons he could have easily picked three Gold Coast football Team of the Decades such is the quality of players he’s seen during his time at the helm of various Coast outfits.
Above all, Phelan selected his team based on consistency and players who performed week in week out to produce a well-balanced side.
It wasn’t easy and Phelan expressed remorse at snubbing some league favourites, but the quality of his starting 11 is unquestionable and includes a number of players who he either played with or coached.