Auckland FC head coach, Steve Corica has been named as coach in the Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) A-League Team of the Decade (2015-2025).
The team celebrates the standout performers across the 2015–2025 period.
The announcement was made before an audience of current and former A-League players, coaches, sponsors, fans, and administrators, celebrating a line-up of players who represent ten years of excellence and influence in the domestic game.
The list, a who’s who of A-League stars, includes eight names Corica has directly coached or supported in some way.
Chosen exclusively by PFA members — past and present A-League Men players — the team was selected in a 4-3-3 formation, comprising a starting XI, seven substitutes, a coach, and a referee.
THE FULL LIST:
Goalkeeper: Danny Vukovic (GK)
Defenders: Scott Jamieson, Curtis Good, Alex Wilkinson (C), Rhyan Grant
Midfielders: Luke Brattan, Diego Castro, Miloš Ninković
Forwards: Craig Goodwin, Jamie Maclaren, Kosta Barbarouses
Substitutes: Jamie Young (GK), Nikolai Topor-Stanley, Aziz Behich, Anthony Caceres, Isaías, Bruno Fornaroli, Besart Berisha
Coach: Steve Corica
Referee: Alex King
“This is a really special award. I was a little surprised as there are some big names who have had incredible coaching careers over the past ten years but I’m happy and honoured to be recognised in this way,” says Corica.
“I am grateful to everyone who voted for me and everyone I have worked with across my career; players, coaches, staff. I especially want to thank my family. It is not always easy for football families, they have to endure a lot, the highs and lows. But today is definitely a high.”
This isn’t Corica’s first appearance in the PFA A-League Team of the Decade. He was named as a substitute in the 2005-2015 team alongside the likes of Kevin Muscat, Adama Traoré and Allesandro Del Piero.
He was also recently named PFA Team of the Year, Coach for his efforts guiding Auckland FC to the Premier’s Plate in the club’s debut season.
Nick Becker, Auckland FC CEO says Corica was incredibly deserving of this award.
“Steve has consistently been the best coach in league over the past ten years,” says Becker.
“He has had an incredible A-League career, consistently winning silverware as a player, assistant coach and head coach. Everyone at Auckland FC is phenomenally proud of him and his achievements.”
As for the next ten years, Corica remains as ambitious as ever, with high expectations for the Black Knights this season and a desire to at some point coach overseas.
“Awards like this are good for reflecting on the past and what has been achieved. But as for now, we focus on the next game and the start of the A-League season on October 18.
“A big game away to Victory, and then a huge game at against Western Sydney Wanderers on October 25 at Go Media Stadium in front of all our fans. I can’t wait to do it all again.”
Tickets for the home opener and all home games are now available for purchase. Search ‘Auckland FC tickets’ to buy.
