GK – Brett Long (Dumbarton)
Dumbarton’s promotion push may have ultimately come up short, but they did have the division’s standout stopper between the sticks in 22/23.
Brett Long was outstanding for the Sons of the Rock, keeping a league high (and joint second highest in the SPFL) 16 league clean sheets across his 34 appearances.
With his towering presence and supreme shot-stopping ability, Long was a L2 forward’s nightmare last term.
Sons fans will be delighted to have him signed up for next season as they gear up for another promotion push.
DEF – Ross McGeachie (Stirling Albion)
Stirling Albion’s campaign was nothing short of exceptional, with the Binos clinching the league title and a return to the third tier for the first time in 8 years.
Stirling’s success was helped by a strong defence, which shipped just 37 goals across their 36 match league campaign.
McGeachie, who made his debut back in 2012, was incredibly impressive at full-back all season long – a powerful presence and a fantastic defender to boot.
He also popped up with a few key goals, one of which was an absolute thunderbolt from range at Galabank – McGeachie will surely be key to success for the Binos in L1 next term.
DEF – Gregor Buchanan (Dumbarton)
Much like goalkeeper Long, the season ultimately ended in disappointment for Buchanan and his Dumbarton team-mates.
But the former Falkirk and Morton stalwart had an individual campaign to remember at the heart of the Sons back line.
Buchanan’s experience, positional awareness and penalty box defending saw him stand out as one of the division’s top performers throughout the season.
He will no doubt be relishing getting back amongst it at new club Stenhousemuir in 23/24.
DEF – Paul McLean (Stirling Albion)
Paul McLean was Mr. Consistency for the Binos this season and was a calm and reassuring presence in the middle of the back four.
Since leaving Brechin City in 2019, the experienced defender has made himself a real fans’ favourite at Forthbank.
His work-rate, attitude and team-first nature have made him one of L2’s standout defensive players.
As well as his stellar defensive displays, McLean bagged 5 goals en route to the Binos lifting the cinch League 2 title.
MID – Chris Johnston (Annan Athletic)
Ever since his early days at Killie, Chris Johnston has always been a player with the ability to change a game single-handedly.
His supreme dribbling, technical qualities and unselfish nature were all on display in droves in 22/23 as Annan secured promotion via the play-offs.
Johnston notched an impressive 15 assists and 5 goals in the league, consistently bamboozling defenders on the Galabankies’ right flank.
He is a player who will no doubt make a seamless transition to L1 as Annan get set for their first ever season in Scotland’s third tier.
MID – Craig Slater (Forfar Athletic)
While the Loons may not have torn up too many trees in L2 in 22/23, midfielder Slater proved once again why he is one of the lower leagues’ best central midfielders.
The Forfar skipper was consistently excellent in the middle of the park, with his sublime passing range and commendable leadership qualities proving to be a real highlight of the season at Station Park.
He will be playing his football next season in the cinch Championship with near neighbours Arbroath and will no doubt make a big impression at Gayfield next term.
MID – Jack Leitch (Stirling Albion)
There were numerous standouts in midfield for Stirling, but we’ve gone for Leitch, who had arguably one of the best seasons of his career in 22/23.
Dundee United loanee Kai Fotheringham lit up at Forthbank in the first half of the season, but when he returned to Tannadice in January there was a creative/attacking void which needed to be filled.
Leitch more than stepped up to the plate, with the midfielder being a driving force in the Stirling midfield, as well as providing a consistent end product.
12 goal contributions (5 goals, 7 assists) helped the Binos on the way to clinching the cinch League 2 title.
MID – Charlie Reilly (Albion Rovers)
There can rarely have been a more incredible individual campaign in the lower leagues.
Charlie Reilly was an absolute phenomenon at Cliftonhill in 22/23, dazzling spectators and opposition defenders alike throughout a supreme season on the left-hand side for the Wee Rovers.
Reilly racked up an incredible 36 goal involvements in 34 appearances (more than 1 per match!) in a season where he planted his flag firmly on the Scottish football landscape.
The season may have ended in bitter disappointment for Rovers, having suffered relegation to the Lowland League, but Reilly was a sensation in Coatbridge and has rightly been rewarded with a move to newly promoted cinch Premiership side Dundee.
FWD – Matty Yates (Stenhousemuir)
A player who may have gone a little under the radar, with Stenhousemuir ultimately finishing up in 6th place, Matty Yates lit up at Ochilview last term.
A summer signing from Stranraer, Yates arrived with a lot of expectation and boy, did he deliver!
14 goals and 16 assists in his debut campaign for the Warriors, the talented forward has gone from strength to strength since making the switch to FK5.
A hard worker, technically excellent and with a sharp eye for goal, Yates will no doubt be one to watch again next term.
FWD – Tommy Goss (Annan Athletic)
Tommy Goss! Tommy Goss! Tommy Goss!
22/23 was an outstanding campaign for the powerful forward, whose goals fired Annan Athletic to their first ever promotion since joining the SPFL fold.
A predatory penalty box forward with incredible heading capabilities, Goss smashed in 23 league goals to pick up the cinch League 2 Top Goalscorer award.
At 25 years old, Goss is hitting his prime years as Annan get set to embark on a hugely exciting adventure in cinch League 1 next season.
FWD – Dale Carrick (Stirling Albion)
A phenomenal season from a supreme player, Dale Carrick was in imperious form throughout the Binos’ title-winning campaign.
A player who has impressed at every level which he’s played with his fantastic feet and goalscoring prowess, Carrick shone in cinch League 2.
The Stirling marksman bagged 19 league goals (25 in all comps) and laid on a further 5 as he spearheaded the division’s most potent attack on the way to a sensational promotion.
Carrick was voted cinch League 2 Player of the Season for his efforts and will no doubt be relishing a return to L1 next season.
