With seven games to play we take a quick look at the Golden Boot rate to understand who is likely to claim the top prize.
Stamatelopoulos (Newcastle, 14 goals)
Apostolos Stamatelopoulos has enjoyed a break through season topping the charts and providing a bright spark in an otherwise dour Newcastle Jets set up. The 24 year old has doubled his next best goal scoring season already although his tally include five penalties taken throughout the season. His performances have attracted interest from overseas as well as calls for him to feature in the Socceroos set up. With Newcastle’s season effectively over though, it may be difficult to see Stamatelopoulos add to his tally if the squad around him switches off.
Fornaroli (Melbourne Victory, 13 goals)
The veteran striker has rediscovered his best form and appears to be thriving in Popovic’s Melbourne Victory set up after a sour end to his career in Perth. The Uruguayan-Australian enjoyed a particularly good start to the season which included not one, but two hauls of four goals. The form saw Fornaroli even claim a place on the Socceroo’s Asian Cup squad where he looked dangerous in the games he played. Unfortunately for the veteran his and Vicotry’s fortunes have taken a turn with the team slipping out of the Premiership race and Fornaroli failing to score in the past 10 Melbourne Victory games. Unless there is a return to early season form, Fornaroli may be out of this golden boot race already.
Taggart (Perth Glory, 12 goals)
In some ways Taggart has been this season’s quiet achiever, considering the muted season of Perth Glory and his goal scoring exploits being overshadowed by other headline grabbing players. However, Taggart has been the most consistent striker this season after returning to the A-League after a quiet stint in Japan. With some ownership stability established at the club, Perth has seen a pick up in form and Taggart has been getting on the scoresheet. As Glory close in on an unlikely finals spot, Taggart will likely continue to find himself on the scoresheet.
Torres Quinones (Central Coast, 11 goals)
Torres has been a stunning replacement for Central Coast’s heavily depleted forward line after Cummings and Tulio departed. The Brazilian has brought the flair to Gosford creating 33 chances this season and scoring 11 goals. The 23 year old is unlikely to remain in Gosford after this season considering his amazing performances but the Brazilian has a good chance of pushing for the Golden Boot. The Mariners are in a good run of form and will only have to travel interstate once for the remainder of the season, although they will also need to navigate travel as part of their AFC Cup commitments.
Germain (Macarthur, 11 goals)
After finishing bottom of the table last season Macarthur underwent a significant squad renewal which included the signing of Frenchman Valère Germain from Ligue 1 side Montpellier. Arguably the biggest transfer of the season, Germain has carried his reputation well and scored 11 goals helping Macarthur to shot up into the finals spots this year. The Bulls have been consistent and have scored the most goals this season in the League. Should this continue Germain will likely add further to his tally.
The outsiders
The redeployment of Barbarousness into a more attacking role has returned goals aplenty for the Kiwi. Wellington find themselves top of the table but albeit with a lower scoring squad then their competitors. Sydney FC pairing Fabio and Lolley have also been impressive this season however their sharing of the goal spoils is likely to continue and will hold both of them back from taking the Golden Boot this year.
The Beautiful Game 