LAUNCESTON'S soccer production line was given another endorsement with five players named among the Victory League's team of the year.
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Just a day after The Examiner revealed that Northern Rangers duo Yitay Towns and Harry Thannhauser were attending trials at A-League outfit Central Coast Mariners, Towns was among the handful of Northern players in the squad selected by Football Federation Tasmania based on performances across the season.
Already named Victory League player of the season, Towns was selected along with his Rangers teammate Pat Lanau-Atkinson while Launceston City's David Smith was deemed the competition's best keeper, teammate Dom Rossi made the bench and Olympia's former Riverside Olympic defender Luke Eyles added another accolade to his rising star award as he prepares to take on the Victorian Premier League.
Smith edged out South Hobart's Kane Pierce, Hobart Zebras Graham Wright and Olympia's Sean Lewis after a consistent season between the sticks at Mitsubishi Park, where he was a big part of City's major improvement.
"The City custodian compiled the most comprehensive and impressive catalogue of saves across the season," FFT stated in its selection.
"While City showcased vast improvement across the pitch, he played an invaluable role in securing the Northerners valuable points throughout the season with some sensational shot stopping."
Lanau-Atkinson's ability to shut down the league's most dangerous wingers and launch counter-attacks earned him the right back spot while NTC graduate Eyles was described as "the find of the season", adding an impressive 14 goals in 20 games to his solid defensive duties.
"As the season ticked on his strength in both defence and attack became a luxury weapon in the arsenal of Olympia and he often had a match-winning influence," FFT said.
The selection of Towns in a three-man midfield alongside Olympia's Shae Hickey and Nick Mearns was a "no-brainer" according to FFT, who felt the 19-year-old had blossomed since the departure of last season's captain Todd Hingston to Devonport.
"He had a breakout season for Northern Rangers this year, becoming a key driver in the midfield, gelling well with Harry Thannhauser. The young midfielder emerged as a danger man with his silky ball control and creativity, he also posed a goal threat - netting ten including a hat-trick and two braces."
South Hobart's golden boot winner Brayden Mann led the frontline alongside Devonport sensation Michael Holden, following his his selection for a Young Socceroos camp, and Kurt Engels, of Hobart Zebras.
Rossi earned a spot on the bench along with some high praise from selectors.
"Rossi was the key threat for City all season, made the running and brought others into the game," FFT said. "Created match-winning moments, manufacturing wave after wave with silver service, while also scoring seven of his own."
Victory League team of the year: David Smith (Launceston City); Pat Lanau-Atkinson (Northern Rangers), Jayden Hey (Hobart Zebras), Dan Brown (South Hobart), Luke Eyles (Olympia Warriors); Shae Hickey (Olympia Warriors), Nick Mearns (Olympia Warriors), Yitay Towns (Northern Rangers); Michael Holden (Devonport Strikers), Brayden Mann (South Hobart), Kurt Engels (Hobart Zebras)
Subs: Tyler Harrison (Hobart Zebras), Chris Hunt (South Hobart), Kobe Kemp (South Hobart), Gavin Hoy (Olympia Warriors), Dom Rossi (Launceston City).