Following our [regular] Team of the Season, we can reveal our Fantasy EFL Team of the Play-Offs for 2024/25.
This isn’t the highest scorers, which has already been covered on our site, or the end-of-season awards voted for by managers.
Here, we look at the heroes of the season, and names to keep an eye on as we approach 2025/26.
Goalkeeper
Owen Goodman (G) was instrumental in AFC Wimbledon’s success, leading them to a 1-0 victory over Walsall in the final with a crucial shutout. He ended the season on an incredible run, keeping four consecutive shutouts through the semi-finals and final matches. His outstanding performances earned him 238 points in 49 appearances and secured him a well-deserved spot in the League Two Team of the Season. He was also recognised as AFC Wimbledon’s Young Player of the Season. During his loan spell from Crystal Palace, the 21-year-old showcased his talent by recording an impressive 24 clean sheets.
Defenders
Unsurprisingly, the debut season of Fantasy EFL belongs to Charlton Athletic’s Macauley Gillesphey (D). The centre-back nailed 379 points in 47 matches, making 79 tackles, 25 blocks, and 366 clearances. He had 51 more points than the second-most, and more points than any other Play-Off finalist. Gillesphey’s standout performance included the crucial free-kick (+7) that secured Charlton’s promotion. He consistently delivered, achieving 20 double-digit scores and a total of nine goal contributions throughout the season, ultimately earning him the FEFL crown and setting a high benchmark for his future performance.
Partnering him, Lloyd Jones (D) had a sensational end to his stellar season, partnering him to 37 play-off points. The center-back was defensively dominant, making 13 clearances in the final (for a total of 342 this season). He also had 16 scores of 10+ points, six goal contributions, and still managed 12 points in the final even with a booking.
They may have lost in the final, but Leyton Orient’s Omar Beckles (D) still deserves his flowers. The centre-back made a huge 25 clearances in just 82 minutes for the O’s, returning 11 points – taking his total to 202 clearances in 35.
Midfielders
While Harrison Burrows (M) certainly put in a strong performance in the semi-finals, for us, the undisputed midfielder of the tournament was Gustavo Hamer (M) of Sheffield United. He was instrumental for the Blades, racking up 16 points in the semi-finals and eight in the final. In the Championship decider, he provided the assist for the opening goal, made an interception, and delivered several key passes. His substitution in the 71st-minute undeniably shifted the momentum, a move that many felt contributed to their loss. Despite this, the play-offs capped off an impressive season for Hamer, who finished with 10 goals, nine assists, and 29 interceptions in 44 appearances, accumulating a total of 251 points. The big question now is whether Chris Wilder can hold onto him this summer, with multiple Premier League clubs reportedly interested in his services.
Although Sunderland’s Enzo Le Fee (M) was great in the semis, Myles Hippolyte (M) emerged as the hero for AFC Wimbledon, netting the winning goal that propelled them into League One. This crucial strike, only his third of the season, was undoubtedly his most significant. Beyond his goal, Hippolyte also made two key interceptions, contributing to his impressive total of 12 points in the final match. Looking back, his free transfer last summer has proven to be an excellent acquisition for Johnnie Jackson’s team.
Forward
In the semi-finals, Charlie Kelman (F) and Matt Godden (F) delivered top performances. However, the true hero emerged in the final: Tom Watson (F). At just 19 years old, and with the narrative of his impending departure swirling, Watson came off the bench to score a beautiful, last-minute goal for Sunderland. It was a script straight out of a movie.
Despite being backed by 0%, he earned five points for his heroic effort, receiving a booking for his shirt-off celebration. It’s a bittersweet moment for the fans, but a goal that will never be forgotten. Nothing truly beats the drama of the play-offs.
