Auckland FC's Alex Paulsen. Photo: Shane Wenzlick / www.photosport.nz
Auckland FC missed out on the A-League Grand Final but six players and the coach have been recognised in the annual player-voted Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) A-League Men Team of the Season.
The squad is made up of 18 players, with Premiers Plate winners Auckland FC having the most representatives of any club.
Auckland FC goalkeeper Alex Paulsen will captain the side, for the second consecutive season, after he received the most votes of any player.
Paulsen, who was on loan to Auckland FC from English Premier League side Bournemouth, will move on from the A-League next season.
He could not believe he was named captain.
"I'm still taking it in to be honest.
"I'm thankful to everyone who voted for me, it means so much. I want to thank my teammates, the coaching staff and my family who have all supported me over this past year and encouraged me to become a better person and a better goalkeeper.
"It is a huge honour and privilege to be represented on behalf of Auckland FC."
Joining Paulsen in the PFA team are Auckland's Francis de Vries, Hiroki Sakai, Louis Verstraete, Guillermo May and Nando Pijnaker.
Guillermo May of Auckland FC. Photo: Mark Evans / www.photosport.nz
Steve Corica has been voted as coach.
Only five players from the two A-League Grand Finalists were included.
Melbourne City have four players in the squad, including two starters in defence with Kai Trewin and Nathaniel Atkinson voted in the back four, while Aziz Behich and Marco Tilio are among the substitutes. Melbourne Victory have only one player, midfielder Ryan Teague.
The team
The team is comprised of a 4-3-3 formation, with seven substitutes on the bench. All selected players received the most votes among their peers by PFA A-League Men members at the conclusion of the regular season. The members also voted on their coach of the season.
Goalkeeper: Alex Paulsen (Auckland FC)
Defenders: Francis De Vries (Auckland FC), Kai Trewin (Melbourne City), Nathaniel Atkinson (Melbourne City FC), Hiroki Sakai (Auckland FC)
Midfielders: Angus Thurgate (Western United), Ryan Teague (Melbourne Victory), Louis Verstraete (Auckland FC)
Forwards: Adrian Segecic (Sydney FC), Archie Goodwin (Adelaide United), Nicholas Milanovic (Western Sydney Wanderers)
Substitutes: Lawrence Thomas (Western Sydney Wanderers), Aziz Behich (Melbourne City), Nando Pijnaker (Auckland FC), Anthony Caceres (Sydney FC), Guillermo May (Auckland FC), Marco Tilio (Melbourne City), Noah Botic (Western United)
Captain: Alex Paulsen (Auckland FC)
Coach: Steve Corica (Auckland FC)
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