The conversation surrounding the Illawarra Mercury's definitive list of the region's top 15 footballers from the past two decades has ignited passionate debate across the local community.
Since the publication of our initial Illawarra Premier League G.O.A.T. (Greatest Of All Time) selection, readers have been vocal in pointing out several notable omissions. In response to this overwhelming feedback, we've compiled a new list celebrating the players you believed deserved recognition.
The Major Omissions: International Stars with Local Roots
We begin with two significant oversights from our original compilation. Mile Jedinak, the former Socceroos captain, had a pivotal early career stint in the Illawarra competition. Born in Camperdown, Jedinak's loan spell with South Coast United in 2005 proved crucial, where he scored seven goals in 18 appearances. This performance caught the eye of A-League scouts, launching a career that saw him earn 79 caps for Australia and captain the national team at two FIFA World Cups.
Equally deserving is two-time Socceroo Dean Heffernan. The accomplished left-back featured for Bulli in 2002 and again in 2014, also spending time with the Wollongong Wolves. His professional career included stints with several A-League clubs, including Central Coast Mariners and Melbourne Heart.
Established Stars Who Graced the Local Stage
The list continues with Sasho Petrovski, a former Socceroo and A-League striker who joined Dapto Dandaloo Fury in 2013. This marked his first appearance in the Illawarra competition after a celebrated 20-year career. Petrovski was instrumental in the Wollongong Wolves' back-to-back National Soccer League titles, netting 40 goals in 69 appearances for the club between 1997 and 2001.
Another standout is Denis Jurjevic, the South Coast United forward who was voted the Illawarra Premier League's player of the year in 2005, taking home the prestigious George Naylor Medal.
Local Legends and Consistent Performers
Robbie Shields of Wollongong United made both expert lists cited in our research, and for good reason. Shields achieved the remarkable feat of winning the George Naylor Medal in consecutive years, being voted the IPL's player of the year in both 2013 and 2014.
Guy Knight, now with Wollongong Olympic, was another unfortunate exclusion from the original list. The defender claimed the George Naylor Medal in 2017 while playing for Bulli and has continued to be a key player, scoring crucial goals in important matches for Olympic.
Finally, Peter Simonoski demands inclusion as one of the IPL's most prolific strikers in recent history. The Cringila Lions forward has won the Golden Boot in both 2023 and 2024, scoring over 80 goals in the past five seasons. His outstanding form also earned him the George Naylor Medal in 2023.
This expanded list acknowledges the depth of talent that has graced the Illawarra Premier League over the past two decades. The continued discussion proves the passion and knowledge of the local football community, ensuring the legacies of these players will be remembered and debated for years to come.
