Sunshine Coast Fire Captain Greig Henslee has proven that he is regarded as the best centre-back in the National Premier Leagues after he received the highest number of nominations in the NPL coaches’ dream teams for 2013.
Henslee tied with Olympic FC Captain Danny Byrne as the most popular player; nominated by no less than nine coaches. Henslee’s positioning, tackling and strength in the air earned him the bulk of the praise.
Sunshine Coast Fire First Team Coach Kevin A’herne-Evans said Henslee’s nominations came as no surprise.
“Henslee has been the backbone of our club’s First Team for a number of years now,” he said.
“His experience, composure under pressure and ability to read the game are excellent and his desire and will to win are also second to none.”
Among those who nominated Henslee was former A-League defender, and current QAS head coach, Josh McCloughan, who said, “He is a leader who defends like his life depends on it.”
FNQ FC Heat Technical Director Chris Collins also praised Henslee’s leadership, “He is a quality defender whose experience stood out a mile. He is composed, strong and doesn’t panic.”
The Fire had the second-highest number of nominees, along with Olympic FC. A total of seven Fire players were nominated in the coaches’ dream teams, including Antony Hall (who was awarded the FQ Safe Hands award for best goal keeper), defenders Ryan Smith, Sam Knight and Takanori Sato, midfielder Keito Tahara and left winger Nico Bechar.
A’herne-Evans said Henslee’s centre back partner Ryan Smith also deserved credit for what he described as the best partnership in the League.
“It was good to see recognition of our defence in the other coaches’ teams,” A’herne-Evans said.
“We were the best team defensively and to concede just 22 goals all season is remarkable.”
You can vote for your own Supporters XI team on the following link: http://www.sportingpulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?client=1-9385-0-0-0&sID=269940&&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=26401728
