The 2017 edition of the Westfield FFA Cup threw up incredible upsets, cracking goals and some superb matches.
We also saw the emergence of some new stars from around the country as the PS4 NPL clubs strutted their stuff on the national stage.
We’ve picked out five breakout stars from the competition in 2017.
KENNY ATHIU (Heidelberg United)
Athiu has been a prolific scorer in the Victorian PS4 NPL in recent seasons but announced himself on the national stage in the Round of 32.
‘King Kenny’s’ fantastic strike at Olympic Village saw the ‘Bergers upset Hyundai A-League outfit Perth Glory.
A speedy and powerful striker, Athiu’s exploits led to the South Sudanese refugee picking up a deal with Melbourne Victory.
MITCH MALLIA (Blacktown City)
A major factor in Blacktown’s dream run to the quarter finals was the performances of the former Sydney FC flyer.
Part of an exciting Demons attack, the 25-year-old stood out in every game for Mark Crittenden’s men, scoring in the Round of 16 win over APIA Leichhardt.
Like Athiu, Mallia was signed by Perth Glory and in five Hyundai A-League appearances for Kenny Lowe’s men so far, he’s scored one goal and had one assist.
NICK EPIFANO (South Melbourne)
There’s big wraps on this 23-year-old and it’s not hard to see why.
Quick, skilful and excellent at beating his man one-on-one, Epifano was a consistent performer in South’s run to the semi’s, including scoring a brace in the Round of 16 drubbing of Sorrento.
His skipper Matthew Foschini has urged Hyundai A-League clubs to give his clubmate a shot and on his Westfield FFA Cup displays it seems only a matter of time.
JARROD KYLE (Gold Coast City)
Kyle has always had the attributes and potential to be an excellent striker and we saw some of that in the Westfield FFA Cup this year.
The 24-year-old fired a scintillating hat-trick in City’s 3-1 Round of 32 triumph over the Western Knights, showing a great mix of composed finishing and brute strength.
He’s had a taste of the Hyundai A-League with Sydney FC before and wouldn't look out of place in Australia's top domestic competition.
RYAN SCOTT (Bentleigh Greens)
It turned out to be a dream year for the 22-year-old gloveman, not only helping the Greens to the title in Victoria but producing the goods in the Cup as well.
Scott pulled off a couple of brilliant saves – including one in the penalty shootout – to inspire his side to a win over Hume City in the Round of 32 and he looked assured in every outing.
One of his stunning stops in the Round of 16 loss to the Wanderers was also voted save of competition for 2017.
