NPL Tasmania champions Devonport have dominated the league’s team of the year, securing seven spots in the starting 11.
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After winning 19 of 21 games, it was no surprise that the Strikers dominated the defensive positions in the side, led by acrobatic Canadian goalkeeper Niko Giantsopoulos, who let just 10 goals into his net throughout the season.
Giantsopoulos was the hero on several occasions for his team in the run home to the title, and was also named the Players Player of the Year at Saturday night’s awards dinner in Hobart.
Joining him were the centre-back pairing of Joe Zupo and Nathan Gratton, while unheralded teenager Dom Smith was named at left back.
The midfield saw defensive-minded English import Daniel Syson and play-maker Joel Stone rewarded for outstanding seasons.
Four-time golden boot winner and Strikers captain, Brayden Mann, was selected as one of three forwards after his 22-goal haul in 2016 helped power the attack.
Energetic winger Brody Denehey rounded out Devonport’s fantastic season, snaring a spot on the six-man bench, which also contained league best and fairest winner Dwayne Walsh from Hobart Zebras.
The team was ruled by clubs who finished in the top half of the eight-team ladder, with Northern-based teams Launceston City and Northern Rangers failing to have a representative.
Kingborough Lions midfielder Shane Cartwright was the only player picked from a team outside the top four.
FULL TEAM (4-3-3 formation): Goalkeeper – Niko Giantsopoulos (Dev), right back – Liam Quaile (SH), centre back – Joe Zupo (Dev), centre back – Nathan Gratton (Dev), left back – Dom Smith (Dev), defensive midfield – Daniel Syson (Dev), central midfielder – Shane Cartwright (King), central midfielder – Joel Stone (Dev), striker – Luke Huigsloot (HZ), striker – Alex Leszczynski (SH), striker – Brayden Mann (Dev). Bench: Mattias Tighill (HZ), James Sherman (HZ), Jack Turner (SH), Gavin Hoy (Oly), Dwayne Walsh (HZ), Brody Denehey (Dev).