GK – Deniz Mehmet (Dunfermline Athletic)
Defensive solidity made up the foundations of Dunfermline Athletic’s title triumph, with their last line of defence being the division’s best.
Keeper Mehmet conceded just 21 goals in 36 league outings, as well as keeping a league high 21 clean sheets (the best of any keeper in the SPFL) en route to clinching the cinch League 1 title.
A safe pair of hands and a commanding presence in the box, Pars fans will be delighted that the stopper has signed on for next season’s second tier challenge.
DEF – Aaron Comrie (Dunfermline Athletic)
The Pars’ rearguard was rock-solid in 22/23, shipping just 21 goals across a stellar campaign which ended in triumph.
Full-back Comrie was a near ever-present in the Dunfermline Athletic back line, appearing in 35 of their 36 league matches.
A player with bags of energy, defensive nous and a keen eye for a pass, Comrie thrived under new manager James McPake.
Expect him to be a key player once again as the Pars get set for their return to the second tier next season.
DEF – Kyle Benedictus (Dunfermline Athletic)
A signing which proved to be one of the most important anywhere in the SPFL.
After making the summer switch from local rivals Raith Rovers, there was a lot of pressure on the shoulders of new Pars captain Benedictus.
But, Bene took it in his stride, quickly becoming a rock at the heart of the division’s tightest defence and going on to lead his new club to the league title.
Benedictus picked up the cinch League 1 Player of the Season award for his leadership qualities and defensive solidity across an outstanding season.
DEF – Callum Fordyce (Airdrieonians)
Callum Fordyce has long since been one of the star defenders in the SPFL’s third tier.
However, it was this season that Dycey and the rest of the Airdrie squad finally got their rewards in the form of promotion via a dramatic play-off final win in Hamilton.
The Diamonds skipper was fantastic across the whole campaign, keeping 13 clean sheets as well as scoring 3 goals in his 34 league appearances.
A player who will no doubt be ready made for the step up to the cinch Championship next season.
DEF – Josh Edwards (Dunfermline Athletic)
In a season where there were multiple standout left backs in L1, Josh Edwards stood out above the rest.
A driving force down Dunfermline’s left-hand side, Edwards excelled in the creative side of the game whilst also keeping well on top of his defensive duties.
7 goal contributions across his 35 league outings shows just how much of a valuable asset Edwards will be going forward for James McPake’s side.
MID – Matty Todd (Dunfermline Athletic)
One of the real breakout stars of 22/23, Todd firmly planted his flag in the Scottish footballing landscape with a stellar campaign in the Pars midfield.
A tenacious young midfielder who loves getting forward and has a keen eye for goal, Todd caught the eyes of many over the course of the season with his dazzling displays.
With 9 league goals in 31 appearances, at just 22 years of age the Pars midfielder is one of Scottish football’s rising stars.
Expect to see him scoring crackers at a cinch Championship ground near you next season.
MID – Joe Chalmers (Dunfermline Athletic)
One of the campaign’s under the radar heroes for the Pars, Chalmers was quietly excellent across Dunfermline’s title winning season.
A classy midfielder with an eye for the killer pass, Chalmers was the glue which held the Pars midfield together, making 35 league appearances for James McPake’s side.
Having started his career as a full-back, Chalmers has transformed into a supreme creative midfielder – he notched a league high 13 assists for the Pars in 22/23.
MID – Adam Frizzell (Airdrieonians)
It was yet another fantastic campaign in Lanarkshire for one of the lower leagues’ best playmakers.
Frizzell added that little bit of star dust to the Diamonds’ play all season long with his fabulous close control and pinpoint passing.
The midfielder notched 12 goal contributions (5 goals and 7 assists) in a season where the Diamonds were eventually promoted via the drama of the play-offs.
Frizzell’s future is currently unclear, though the Diamonds will no doubt be keen to hold on to their star midfielder ahead of next season’s second tier assault.
FWD – Callumn Morrison (Falkirk)
Callumn Morrison continues to be the star man in FK2, with 22/23 arguably being his best individual campaign to date.
The Bairns experienced a resurgence under new boss John McGlynn, finishing 2nd place in the league before missing out on promotion via the play-offs.
Morrison will no doubt hold the keys to a potential title challenge next season – he scored 12 and assisted a further 7 goals on the right side of Falkirk’s attack.
With pace, direct running and an eye for goal, Morrison will be determined to fire the Bairns to promotion next term.
FWD – Calum Gallagher (Airdrieonians)
Another player who has long since been one of the division’s best, Gallagher stepped his game up another level in 22/23.
Lethal in front of goal with a knack for finding space in the box, Gal shared the division’s top goalscorer acclaims with Queen of the South’s Ruari Paton.
Gallagher (as well as Paton) hit the net 22 times in 36 matches, appearing in every single match of the league and play-off campaign en route to a stunning promotion.
As well as scoring goals, the Diamonds forward also set up a further 7 showing his qualities not only as a predatory goalscorer, but also as a team player.
FWD – Ruari Paton (Queen of the South)
What more can be said about Ruari Paton that hasn’t already?
The Irishman had an outstanding campaign in front of goal at Palmerston Park, bagging 22 league goals and sharing the division’s top scorer acclaims with the aforementioned Gallagher.
Paton is an exceptional forward with a fantastic striker’s instinct, as well as having the capability to produce the spectacular, as shown by his top drawer free-kick taking abilities.
Queens will no doubt be desperate to keep hold of Paton, who is understandably attracting interest from Scotland and further afield.
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