Auckland FC Dominate 2024 PFA A-League Team of the Season

Despite missing the Grand Final, the club shines with most selections in the elite lineup

In a testament to their powerhouse season, Auckland FC have stamped their authority on the Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) A-League Men Team of the Season, with six players and head coach Steve Corica earning top honours in the 18-man squad.

While the Premiers Plate winners fell short of reaching the Grand Final, their consistent excellence throughout the campaign hasn’t gone unnoticed by their peers. The annual team, voted exclusively by fellow players, showcases the very best across the league — and Auckland FC led the pack.

Among those recognised, goalkeeper Alex Paulsen stood out once again. The on-loan Bournemouth shot-stopper was not only named in the team but also awarded the captaincy for the second consecutive year, receiving the most votes of any player.

“I’m still taking it in to be honest,” Paulsen said. “I’m thankful to everyone who voted for me — it means so much. I want to thank my teammates, coaching staff, and family who have supported me all year. It’s a huge honour to represent Auckland FC like this.”

Joining Paulsen in the lineup are Francis de Vries, Hiroki Sakai, Louis Verstraete, Guillermo May, and Nando Pijnaker — a show of depth and quality that reflects the club’s dominance throughout the regular season.

Despite Auckland’s strong presence, only five players from the two A-League Grand Finalists made the cut. Melbourne City saw four of their players included, with defenders Kai Trewin and Nathaniel Atkinson named in the starting backline. Melbourne Victory had just one representative — midfielder Ryan Teague.

The team was selected in a classic 4-3-3 formation, with the bench featuring seven standout performers from across the league. All selections were based on peer voting conducted at the end of the regular season.

🔥 2024 PFA A-League Men Team of the Season:

Formation: 4-3-3

Starting XI:

• Goalkeeper: Alex Paulsen (Auckland FC)
• Defenders: Francis De Vries (Auckland FC), Kai Trewin (Melbourne City), Nathaniel Atkinson (Melbourne City), 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)