It's been a fascinating decade in the Albury-Wodonga Football Association.
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Five different clubs have won cup finals in that time, Myrtleford and Wodonga Diamonds lead the way with three apiece.
Wodonga Diamonds dominated the start of the decade with three cup titles in the space of four years between 2011 and 2014, while Myrtleford and Wangaratta shone through in the next five seasons.
Myrtleford reached five deciders in a row from 2015 to 2019 and won three (2016, 2017, 2018), while Wangaratta rounded out the decade with its second cup in five seasons.
Twin City Wanderers (2010) and Albury United (2012) had early success, but haven't got back to the big dance in recent years.
A spread of talent from across the league features in The Border Mail's AWFA Team of the Decade.
GOALKEEPER
Josh Fluss (Melrose/Albury United)
The veteran keeps getting better with the age between the posts. Amazingly hasn't won the league's Star Goalkeeper award, but has been incredibly consistent throughout the decade. Crossed from Melrose to Albury United in 2019 and reignited his passion. His communication from the back is also underrated.
LEFT BACK
Jesse Stephens (Wodonga Diamonds/Myrtleford)
Spent some time at Wodonga Diamonds before moving back to Myrtleford and has been super consistent throughout. Can play a number of roles through the middle or move back to shut down an attacking option. Injury has stalled Stephens in recent seasons, but remains a crucial player.
CENTRE BACK
Stoycho Ivanov (Wangaratta)
The big Bulgarian has been the mainstay of the Wangaratta defence for a number of years. So solid in all areas, wins the ball in the air and on the ground and is rarely beaten. Can set play up with his passes out of defence and also takes free kicks if required. Had an uninterrupted season after earning full playing status, having previously been squeezed out of the side as the third visa player.
CENTRE BACK
Dustin Patten (Boomers)
The heart and soul of Boomers in the past decade. The experienced centre back was rarely beaten in the air or at ground level as he forged a successful career at senior level. Captained Boomers in the 2018 cup final. Patten's career was tragically cut short this year by ongoing concussion issues from heading the ball.
RIGHT BACK
Brenton Cooke (Myrtleford)
Has captained Myrtleford during its most successful era in the AWFA. The tough defender has been a key figure in seeing the Savoys to five straight cup finals appearances, three of which they won. Myrtleford also won two league titles in that time (2017 and 2018) off the back of its excellent defence led by Cooke.
MIDFIELD
Andrew Grove (Boomers)
Oozes class. Has been held back at times by injury but when fully fit there's not many better than Grove in the league. Deadly from set pieces close to goal and can't be afforded too much space or he'll punish the defence. Coached Boomers to the 2018 cup final against Myrtleford and was a win away from doing the same this year. May have been a different story if he hadn't missed the semi-final.
MIDFIELD
James Coutts (Twin City Wanderers)
The Star Englishman was one of the recruits of the decade when he arrived at Twin City. Only had a brief AWFA career before taking the coaching reins at Murray United, leading them to their most successful season - fifth in 2017. Could bring others into the game with his excellent passing and punish defences when afforded any space.
MIDFIELD
Caleb Martin (Albury United)
Well-rounded midfielder that can just about do it all. Martin not only provides a huge physical presence, but can also move forward with plenty of flair to set up goal and score them himself. A fearless leader and the Greens' most important player in the latter stages of the decade. Has captained the side in recent seasons and stepped up as assistant coach under Steve McLennan in 2019.
LEFT WING
Matt Park (Myrtleford)
Played professionally overseas before relocating to Beechworth and landing on Myrtleford's doorstep. The Savoys' most influential player of the past five years, with the ability to win games off his own boot, particularly on the big stage. Co-coached the club with Jayden Vescio to five straight cup finals, three of which they won, as well as two league titles. Was recently appointed the club's president.
STRIKER
Zac Walker (Twin City Wanderers)
The region's most prolific striker of the past decade. Walker set the record of most goals in a season with 50 at just 18 years of age in 2010, which stood until two years ago when Wangaratta's Adam Burchell netted 51. Retired from NPL with Murray United this season, bowing out as the club's leading scorer with 57 goals from 140 senior appearances. Will be a handful in 2020 as he returns to the AWFA with defending champions Wangaratta.
RIGHT WING
Adam Burchell (Wangaratta)
Arguably the best import the league has seen. Became a two-time AWFA Star Player in 2019 in one of his best years yet. The Englishman holds the record for most goals in a league season with 51 in 2017, eclipsing the previous mark of set by Zac Walker at Twin City in 2010. Regularly finds the net and brings others into games with his electrifying pace and football smarts.
INTERCHANGE
Ryan Giles (Albury Hotspurs)
The Hotspurs star made more than 300 appearances for the club before crossing to Murray United where he was appointed the NPL outfit's inaugural captain in 2015. Played predominantly in the midfield, before switching to defence in the latter stages of his career. Strong in the air and one-on-one. Retired from NPL this season.
Josh Zito (Cobram/Twin City Wanderers)
The live wire became one of the league's most consistent players after crossing to Twin City from junior club Cobram. Not only a physical presence, but knows where the goals are. Challenged himself at the higher level with Murray United this year and didn't look out of place until his season was cut short by a knee injury.
Bill Puckett (Cobram)
Another quality Englishman who now calls Cobram home. Puckett can turn a game on its head from midfield or as a striker. An excellent finisher and strong on the ball, often attracting multiple defenders. Now coaches the Roar and still produces quality on the pitch.
Mat Hasler (Twin City Wanderers/Albury City)
Pacy wide player with an eye for goal. A nightmare to defend at his best and a constant attacking threat. Crossed to Albury City in 2019 after an excellent career at Twin City. Showed he's still more than capable of being a match-winner when City stunned Myrtleford mid-season.
Marty Chambers (Albury United)
Narrowly overlooked as starting goalkeeper. Chambers played more than 300 games for the Greens and didn't have many bad days. Incredible ability to read the play. Played a massive role in United's dominant era prior to the decade and carried that form into the latter stages of his career. The Greens finished second in the league race in 2017 with Chambers still as sharp as ever.
COACHES
Matt Park and Jayden Vescio (Myrtleford)
Their record speaks for itself. Have taken the Savoys to five straight cup finals, including the club's first in 43 years when they broke through in 2016. Completed the three-peat with cup victories in 2017 and 2018 and also captured the league title in those seasons. Have turned Myrtleford from whipping boys to one of the powerhouses of the competition. Both called time on their coaching careers at the end of the 2019 campaign. Unable to complete the fairy tale when they fell to arch rivals Wangaratta in the decider.
CLOSE CALLS
Elliot Jones (Albury Hotspurs/ Albury United), Pieter Noordewier (Boomers), Cade Webb (Albury United), Jayden Vescio (Myrtleford), Mitch Jones (Albury Hotspurs/ Albury United), Aaron Gough (Albury City), Kris Wheeler (Albury United), Sean Pye (Melrose), Ben Chaffey (Melrose), Jason Gilbert (Twin City), Zac McKenzie (Boomers), Adam Waters (Melrose), Paul Brunec (Wodonga Diamonds), Nagus Henry (Wodonga Diamonds/Myrtleford), Kade Rixon (Melrose), Josh Mulcahy (Albury United), Jon Shaw (Wangaratta) and Andy Stevens (St Pats).
- Myrtleford's Tom Youngs, the 2018 Star Player, wasn't included in the squad because he played less than 20 games