Wellington Phoenix dominate PFA A-League Men team of the season

Thursday, 16 May 2024

Five Wellington Phoenix players and coach Giancarlo Italiano have been named in the PFA A-League Men Team of the season.
Alex Paulsen, Tim Payne, Scott Wootton and Alex Rufer were named in the best XI while Kosta Barbarouses earned a spot on the bench.
The Phoenix host Melbourne Victory in the second leg of the semifinals on Saturday.

Wellington Phoenix’s best-ever season has been recognised across the A-League Men with the semifinalists dominating the PFA Team of the season.

Coach Giancarlo Italiano has been named coach of the season and five players have been selected in the team of the season.

Phoenix goalkeeper Alex Paulsen received the most votes of any player.

The Phoenix recorded their highest points total to finish second after the 27-game regular season.

Goalkeeper Alex Paulsen, defenders Scott Wootton and Tim Payne and midfielder Alex Rufer were named in the best 11 and forward Kosta Barbarouses earned a spot among the substitutes, giving the Phoenix highest representation of any club in the team of the season.

Premiers Plate winners Central Coast Mariners were the next highest, contributing three players in the best 11 and a fourth on the bench.

Paulsen, who saved three penalties and kept a club record 12 clean sheets in his first season as a regular starter, was given the additional honour of being named captain after receiving the most votes.

The PFA team of the season was voted on by the players.

The Phoenix have not had a player included in the team of the season since Mexican star Ulises Davila was the lone selection in 2020-21.

“It’s very humbling to receive the most votes from my peers and be named the captain of the PFA team of the season,” Paulsen said.

“There’s obviously a lot of incredible talent within the league so this is a great honour not only for myself but for my goalkeeping union here at the Phoenix.

“I wouldn’t be in this position without the support from Jack Duncan and Ruben Parker, who’ve made me the best I can be.”

The Phoenix are aiming to complete their fairytale season by winning their first-ever A-League Men championship.

Giancarlo Italiano has overseen the Phoenix’s best-ever season in his first stint as a head coach.

They host Melbourne Victory in the second leg of the semifinals at Sky Stadium on Saturday night.

The winner will advance to the grand final on May 25.

The aggregate score remains locked at 0-0 after the first leg ended in a draw.

Two Victory players made the team of the season.

Striker Bruno Fornaroli was included in the best 11 after scoring 18 goals and defender Damian Da Silva was named as a substitute.

Central Coast trio Jacob Farrell, Brian Kaltack and Josh Nisbet, Melbourne City import Tolgay Arslan, Sydney FC star Joe Lolley and Perth Glory’s golden boot winner Adam Taggart make up the rest of the 11.

PFA A-League Men Team of the season

Goalkeeper: Alex Paulsen (Wellington Phoenix)

Defenders: Jacob Farrell (Central Coast Mariners), Brian Kaltak (Mariners), Scott Wootton (Phoenix), Tim Payne (Phoenix)

Midfielders: Alex Rufer (Phoenix), Josh Nisbet (Mariners), Tolgay Arslan (Melbourne City)

Forwards: Bruno Fornaroli (Melbourne Victory), Adam Taggart (Perth Glory), Joe Lolley (Sydney FC)

Substitutes: Danny Vukovic (Mariners), Damien Da Silva (Victory), Jake Girwood-Reich (Sydney), Marcelo (Western Sydney Wanderers), Anthony Caceres (Sydney), Kosta Barbarouses (Phoenix), Apostolos Stamatelopoulos (Newcastle Jets)

Coach: Giancarlo Italiano (Phoenix)