With the Hyundai A-League season opener on Friday between the Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory, there are only three sleeps to go until the 12th edition of Australia's premier football competition gets underway once again.

Last season was one to remember for many reasons, but Perth Glory's Deigo Castro will have very fond memories of his debut season in the A-League.

Castro fought off Aaron Mooy to secure the Johnny Warren Medal, the highest individual honour an A-League player can receive.

This season's count looks to be as close as ever, although here at Zero Striker we've tried to narrow the list down to just three names.

Brett Holman - Brisbane Roar

NELSPRUIT, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 23: Brett Holman of Australia celebrates scoring his side's second goal during the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Group D match between Australia and Serbia at Mbombela Stadium on June 23, 2010 in Nelspruit, South Africa. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
NELSPRUIT, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 23: Brett Holman of Australia celebrates scoring his side's second goal during the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Group D match between Australia and Serbia at Mbombela Stadium on June 23, 2010 in Nelspruit, South Africa. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

After moving overseas in 2002 and spending the last 14 years of his life playing in Holland, England and the Middle East, Holman has returned home and wants to make an impact on the A-League.

The 32-year-old made 63 appearances for the Socceroos over his international career, and was one of Australia's best at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Holman has the experience, skill and know-how to assert himself in this league, and playing alongside some quality youth in Brisbane the goal scoring midfielder should make the veteran an integral part of their make up this season.

Despite a long career to date Holman knows he still has more to give, so we believe he's a real chance at taking home the top gong.

James Troisi - Melbourne Victory

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 24: James Troisi of Melbourne Victory controls the ball during the FFA Cup Round of 16 match between Hume City and Melbourne Victory at ABD Stadium on August 24, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 24: James Troisi of Melbourne Victory controls the ball during the FFA Cup Round of 16 match between Hume City and Melbourne Victory at ABD Stadium on August 24, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

The attacker was brilliant in his only A-League season with the Victory back in 2013/14 in which he took out Melbourne's Players' Player of the Year and Golden Boot awards, and Troisi will look to replicate that form when he puts on the blue and white once again.

Troisi joins Marco Rojas and Besart Berisha in a deadly front third, as all three look to link up to bring some silverware back to Melbourne.

The 28-year-old will be a key part of the Victory this season, so look for him to poll well if Melbourne finish high on the table.

Kosta Barbarouses - Wellington Phoenix

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 02: Kosta Barbarouses of the Phoenix celebrates scoring a goal during the FFA Cup Round of 32 match between the Western Sydney Wanderers and the Wellington Phoenix at Campbelltown Sports Stadium on August 2, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 02: Kosta Barbarouses of the Phoenix celebrates scoring a goal during the FFA Cup Round of 32 match between the Western Sydney Wanderers and the Wellington Phoenix at Campbelltown Sports Stadium on August 2, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)

The Kiwi international spent the past three seasons on the wing terrorising opponents of the Melbourne Victory, but now Barbarouses is heading back home to continue his career.

After being named in the PFA A-League Team of the Season last year, the 26-year-old is entering the peak of his powers and a move to an up-and-coming Wellington team may just produce his best football yet.

Barbarouses moves to the Phoenix with Victory teammate Gui Finkler in the hopes the pair can lead the 'Nix to glory, and if they can watch out for Barbarouses to be at the centre of all their success.