The Wellington Phoenix have made a significant mark on the Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) team of the season, boasting a formidable presence with five players honoured for their outstanding performances.
Goalkeeper Alex Paulsen, defenders Scott Wootton and Tim Payne, and midfielder Alex Rufer have been voted into the prestigious first XI by their fellow professionals.
Forward Kosta Barbarouses has earned a spot on the bench as a substitute.
Leading the accolades, Paulsen received the highest number of votes of any player and has been appointed as the captain of the team of the season.
“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 remarked. “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.”
Expressing gratitude, Paulsen added, “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.”
In another highlight for the Wellington Phoenix, Giancarlo Italiano has been selected as the coach of the PFA team of the season, reinforcing the club’s strong leadership both on and off the field.
The Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) team of the season is: Alex Paulsen (gk) (c) (Wellington Phoenix), Jacob Farrell (Central Coast Mariners), Brian Kaltak (Central Coast Mariners), Scott Wootton (Wellington Phoenix), Tim Payne (Wellington Phoenix), Alex Rufer (Wellington Phoenix), Josh Nisbet (Central Coast Mariners), Tolgay Arslan (Melbourne City), Bruno Fornaroli (Melbourne Victory), Adam Taggart (Perth Glory), Joe Lolley (Sydney FC). Substitutes: Danny Vukovic (gk) (Central Coast Mariners), Damien Da Silva (Melbourne Victory), Jake Girwood-Reich (Sydney FC), Marcelo (Western Sydney Wanderers), Anthony Caceres (Sydney FC), Kosta Barbarouses (Wellington Phoenix), Apostolos Stamatelopoulos (Newcastle Jets). Coach: Giancarlo Italiano (Wellington Phoenix).
