Melbourne City’s run to the Grand Final has been underpinned by a strong collective effort, and now, four standout individuals have been recognised by their peers in the 2024/25 PFA A-League Men Team of the Season.
As voted by fellow players, the annual Team of the Season is one of Australian football’s most respected honours. In a timely acknowledgment ahead of Saturday night’s sold-out Melbourne Derby Grand Final, City has been rewarded with four inclusions.
READ MORE FROM BEHICH: “Being a Melbourne boy, I know what these games mean“.
Defensive duo Kai Trewin and Nathaniel Atkinson were named in the starting XI, having played key roles in the league’s most resolute defence.
In his first season at City, Trewin emerged as a dominant force at the back, contributing to a league-best defensive record and earning his first-ever PFA Team of the Season nod. His stellar form also earned him a call-up to the Socceroos squad, capping off a breakout campaign.
Atkinson, returning to the Club after a stint abroad, proved invaluable with his versatility and reliability across multiple positions. Whether deployed in defence or pushing further forward, his impact was consistently high, making his first year back in City colours a memorable one.
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Joining them on the bench are Aziz Behich and Marco Tilio, two more players whose influence has been vital to City’s strong campaign.
For Behich, it marks a long-awaited return to the PFA Team of the Season after first being recognised in 2011–12 during his Melbourne Heart days. His leadership and experience have been pivotal, offering both defensive stability and attacking thrust down the left flank.
Tilio’s inclusion comes off the back of a scintillating second half of the season. The creative forward lit up the league with his attacking flair, goals, and game-changing moments, reminding everyone of the quality that has made him a fan favourite and national team regular.
With individual honours secured, all focus turns to the biggest stage of all. The 2024/25 A-League Men Grand Final kicks off this Saturday night at a sold-out AAMI Park, as City prepares to take on rivals Melbourne Victory in one of the most highly anticipated Grand Finals in competition history.
FIXTURE DETAILS
A-League Men: Grand Final
Melbourne City FC v Melbourne Victory
Saturday 31 May, 7:40pm KO
AAMI Park
