Phoenix Team of the First Decade

Wouldn't have voted for John Mck as a CB or Manny as a DM

McCain for dm for me.

Was disappointed I couldn't vote for Crowther :)

Vukovic only got 28 votes? The man scored a goal for us and nearly a most spectacular second except the cross bar would not let it drop the other direction. He got my vote, loved his enthusiasm and attitude with fans. Awesome fella and great between the sticks where it counts. I always had confidence in him.

but what a great half season it was, playoff games in front of an almost full stadium , oh the memories they may not of been the greatest players or play the most skillfull game but they got the results that mattered most of the time.

Reddy was about the same but he was fudgeing immense for us in a time when we were successful

Perhaps you should be judging the players on their performance for us, it might be a factor.

it factors in but isn't the only consideration. For example for defenders I voted the 3 highest appearances, plus Rossi. 

The whole idea of this is people use their own criteria. 

Yep, longevity was definitely a factor for me.  It was the only thing that held me back from picking Rossi.  Another full season and he would have walked in if he keeps it up, but we have seen others flop after a great first season.

Due to the Forums being down yesterday, I have decided to extend the voting for Defenders until Monday night.

Link to post with voting form here http://yellowfever.co.nz/posts/1173255

I'm the total opposite.  Rossi's the best CB we've had play for us.  Consumate class.  He's been an automatic starter for us since arriving. So McKain and Rossi for me. But I'd go along with Dura if we're picking McKain at DM. :)

FB, jeez.  I ended up with Muscat and Boxall.  Which says a lot about the rest of them; Lochhead, Doyle, Hearfield, Bertos, Fenton ... who am I missing?

Unless I am missing someone I'd say Tratt would be about the next best after Boxall and he's a first year rookie.  And I've got both Boxall and Manny out of position.  Such is the history of 'Nix fullbacks! 

At least Manny and Boxall get intimidation bonus points.

Voting for Midfielders is now open, voting closes midnight on the 12th of March. (Direct link)

McKain, Brown and Lia for me.

if we could seperate sulky petulant don't give a shark Roly, from tear opposition apart Roly it would be a lot easier

Riera, Brown and the good Roly for me

That is magnificent.  

johnson, christie and Hicks for me...

haha. Yeh. I'm down on him right now. But...

I'm finding it hard to adapt my criteria on this one- the skill sets are so different. 

Tim Brown is a bit unique as a goal scoring box to box midfielder. Lia has been our longest serving, but not often the best in that midfield. 

Then you've got wingers/wing forwards such as Daniel and Leo, and really WeeMac, though he's capable as a CM.

The ability of players to look brilliant and then look terrible week to week and year to year....

I also can't really remember Ferrante, but he had his moments I believe. 

Riera coincided with our best patch as a club, but it was a very short burst. 

Some were flattered by their colleagues, some have better skills, but were unable to combine.

Can we not have 4 midfielders?

I struggled to choose between Daniel and Riera. 

I'm happy to include Leo and Daniel in the forwards as well if people want, since they played wider roles in the midfield which don't fit nicely into the formation chosen.

So hard choosing only three players for this one.

I went with Lia, Tim Brown and Riera.

But leaving Daniel, McKain and Roly out really hurt!

Yes, he did some good stuff and I was probably more of a fan of his than the forum overall.  I wouldn't argue too hard.  But I remember him getting skinned a bit more often than Manny. 

Given he was the forum scapegoat for years it's hard to say he stands head and shoulders above Manny.  And that mean competitive spirit can be a big deal in a team, so Manny for me.

The big thing really though is that I can't say we've had any particularly good stand-out FB in ten years. 

all that list shows me is that our midfielders have never been great at scoring the goals.

Hmm...Lia.

Sure he's played a lot for us. But did so for large periods of time when we were honking and copped a lot of criticism. 

Roly and McG were key components of our most successful period at the Phoenix and are arguably technically better gifted players.

This is a tough call. 

Do you go with two tacklers? 

The list doesn't have stats like assists, intercepts, tackles or passes. Riera and A-Rod play that quick distributing roll well, but A-Rod is better further forward. 

Could I fit Daniel or Leo further forward? Smeltz, Ifill, Krishna and Burns would have to be left out to accomodate them, let alone tinkerers like Rojas or Barbarouses. Yet all 8 of those players mentioned deserve legends of the Phoenix status.

I have to be honest and say I can't really remember watching McKain. I dunno why. I just remember he had a fearsome reputation.

Still not sure how to judge this or balance out attack and defence here...hmmm...

And the voting is now closed for the Defenders section of the Team of the First Decade. There were 136 votes cast in this category.

You have selected ...

Andrew Durante (121 votes)
Ben Sigmund (111 votes)
Manny Muscat (104 votes)
Tony Lochhead (51 votes)

And taking the spot on the bench ...

Marco Rossi (50 votes)

Other results:

Michael Boxall (38 votes)
Jonathan McKain (33 votes)
Thomas Doyle (14 votes)
Jacob Tratt (12 votes)
Louis Fenton (4 votes)
Karl Dodd (3 votes)
Troy Hearfield (3 votes)

Ok, who voted for Dodd? I can sell you his autographed jersey if you want it. Pay the same price as I did on the trade me charity deal. $250. Same goes for Plodders $250. Need the cash in my bank Thurs night so I can make the game, as this will be my travel money.

pm me if serious i could be keen.

I am

sold, flick me an email and i will get to the bank by lunchtime.

Pmd you and emailed you the details etc. You just made my day but pissed my wife off ?

Buying plodders is very tempting just for the lolz. Not sure I can justify just before an away trip though!

Both sold to the man that made my day. You're an aweome fan and thanks heaps.

no problem happy to help and getting something in return is even better.

Lochead and Rossi tight there...think this calls for preferential voting!