Who are the standout performers at the half-way mark of the NPL Victoria season

We’ve reached the half-way mark of the NPL Victoria season. Who have been the standout performers? We pick our best XI.

Leader's NPL Victoria Team of the Year so far

We’ve hit the half-way mark of the NPL Victoria season.

Heidelberg United sits on top and, along with Avondale, Oakleigh Cannons and Dandenong Thunder, have separated from the pack.

So it’s no surprise the top-four dominate our Team of the Year so far.

However, Preston’s eye-catching return to the top-flight sees two Lions selected, while Green Gully’s resurgence and Hume City’s strong start sees one picked each.

There are any number of players stiff to miss out, have your say on our XI.

Oakleigh captain Joe Guest and goalkeeper Nick Feely. Picture: OCFC

GOALKEEPER

NICK FEELY (Oakleigh Cannons)

Marshalls the best defence in the competition, having conceded a league-fewest 12 goals in 13 matches. Has some top talent in front of him, led by the likes of Jacob Tratt, Ajak Deu, Connor Hampson, Brodie Boyce and Jordan Hall, but has also made some critical saves when most needed. Feely has five clean sheets, the most in the competition.

DEFENCE

EMLYN WELLSMORE (Avondale)

Already one of the leading players in NPL Victoria and has continued his fine form, in new colours, this season with the Avengers. Solid defensively and a key part of Avondale’s attack when able to push forward and get dangerous crosses in from wide. Hit the scoreboard for the first time against South Melbourne. His versatility sees him start at left-back.

BEN COLLINS (Heidelberg United)

The anchor of United’s defence. Collins is a brick wall at the back, with even more responsibility after Ajdin Fetahagic’s season-ending knee injury. While he hasn’t scored this season, the centre-back can be an attacking threat when the club gets an opportunity from a dead ball and just his presence has probably helped create chances for his teammates.

JACOB TRATT (Oakleigh Cannons)

One of the key planks in Oakleigh’s dominant defence. Tough to beat one-on-one either on the ground or in the air. Has also pushed forward and hit the scoreboard this season, bagging a goal against Dandenong City.

JAMAL ALI (Heidelberg United)

One of the form players in the competition in the opening 13 weeks. Potentially an early Gold Medal leader? Has been a key player in Heidelberg’s rise to the top of the ladder at the half-way mark. The leading defender with five goals, putting him among the top-10 goalscorers in the competition. Has also set up plenty.

MIDFIELD

ANTHONY LESIOTIS (Heidelberg United)

Worked his way into the season but has been in top form in recent weeks, culminating in being named the NPL Victoria Player of the Month for April. Has been the dominant midfielder in the competition during a stretch that saw the Warriors knock off premiership rivals Avondale, Oakleigh, Hume City and a fallen South Melbourne.

JOE GUEST (Oakleigh Cannons)

Continues to be among the elite talents in the competition, either setting up or scoring goals. Tops the league goalscoring charts with 11 in 13 appearances. Has stepped up against the big boys too, scoring braces against Melbourne Knights, Preston Lions and South Melbourne, while also finding the back of the net against Heidelberg United and Dandenong Thunder.

LUCA TEVERE (Avondale)

Struggled to make an impact at Green Gully last year but has a new lease on life at Avondale. Started the campaign like a house on fire and was recognised with the NPL Victoria Player of the Month for February. His pace and elusiveness in midfield has brought a new dimension to the Avengers attack.

Bul Juach celebrates a goal for Heidelberg United. Picture: Adrian G Designs

ATTACK

HASSAN JALLOH (Dandenong Thunder)

Has been a revelation since arriving from Icelandic club Grindavík in the summer. The New South Welshman scored in four of his first five games this season and has eight in total, third most in the competition. Has set up a few too to be a major factor in the Thunder’s rise up the ladder.

BUL JUACH (Heidelberg United)

Was one of the breakout stars of 2024 with Altona Magic but has arguably taken his game to a new level this season with United. John Anastasiadis has worked his magic and helped Juach add consistency to his obvious talent. Took a while to get going, scoring once in the opening five weeks but has been on fire since with nine goals in eight matches, including the last four straight. His 10 goals is second most in the competition.

YUKI UCHIDA (Dandenong Thunder)

Has formed arguably the best one-two punch in the NPL with Jalloh. Has been a creative force for Dandy, having come across from VPL1 outfit Northcote City. The Thunder have the third most goals in the competition. He’s also hit the scoreboard himself, bagging six goals for the campaign so far. Had an outstanding purple patch where he scored in three straight games – against South Melbourne, Avondale and Oakleigh.

BENCH

TOM MANOS (Avondale)

The Avengers custodian has conceded just 10 goals in his 11 matches before coughing up five to Green Gully on the weekend. And seven, if you take out the three goals against in the loss to Heidelberg. Aside from a couple of hiccups, it’s been a strong season for Manos with four clean sheets.

MATT BOZINOVSKI (Preston Lions)

Stepping back from the A-Leauge, Bozinovski has certainly showed his class at BT Connor Reserve. Has helped make Preston into one of the toughest defences to break down, with just 19 goals conceded.

THIJS VAN AMERONGEN (Dandenong Thunder)

The Thunder has certainly had success with Dutch imports after Grad Damen a couple of years ago. Van Amerongen arrived from VV DOVO and has strengthened Dandy’s back four impressively. Combined with fellow recruit Jamie Young in goals, the Thunder backline has conceded 17 goals this season – fourth least.

BIRKAN KIRDAR (Hume City)

Rediscovered his best form last season and has continued to impress in his return to Hume City, his home club. Has played a key role in helping Hume keep pace with the league’s front-runners, setting up several goals and scoring four himself.

KRISTIAN TRAJCESKI (Avondale)

The creative force behind the unstoppable goalscoring force that is Avondale. Isn’t afraid to get his boots dirty and win back the ball though. The Avengers have a league-high 37 goals in 13 matches and Trajceski has had a hand in most of them. Has scored three personally.

AAMIR ABDULLAH (Green Gully)

The reigning Gold Medallist had a slow start to the season, as did Green Gully, but has been a major factor in the Cavaliers rapid rise up the ladder. Now has eight goals in 11 appearances after five goals in the past two matches, including a sublime hat-trick in the win over Avondale.

LLEYTON BROOKS (Preston Lions)

The Lions recruit has been sensational this season, scoring some amazing goals. Has been a Goal of the Week watch most weekends with his ability to find the back of the net from anywhere. Has five goals so far.

UNLUCKY TO MISS

Yaren Sozer (Heidelberg United), Jacob Hall (Oakleigh Cannons), Josh Gulevski (St Albans), Jason Romero (Preston Lions), Harry Ascroft (Hume City), Asahi Yokokawa (Heidelberg United), Joe Knowles (Oakleigh Cannons), Tom Alisandratos (Port Melbourne), Stefan Nigro (Preston Lions), Jack Webster (Dandenong City), Yitay Towns (Avondale)