Hib, Hearts and Spartans have all had players who have performed at a high level throughout the season. From one player getting into the PFA Team of the Season, to another helping their team win 11 of their last 14 games, all of Edinburgh’s best-performing players this season have been included in this Capital XI.
5. Centre-back – Emma Brownlie
Joining Hearts only last summer, Brownlie has already become one of the team's best players. After successfully helping Rangers lift the SWPL1 title unbeaten last season, the defender has used all of her experience to revolutionise the Jam Tarts into one of the most formidable teams in the division. The 29-year-old has helped to mature the backline into a disciplined unit with her side only conceding 42 goals all campaign, the fourth-best in the division. The defender has also helped out up the other end of the pitch, scoring a memorable opener past Hibs in November in front of what was then a record crowd and also scored the winner past Aberdeen. For her efforts, Brownlie won SWPL Player of the Month in January and was also named in the PFA Team of the Season. Photo: Ewan Bootman - SNS Group
6. Centre midfield – Ciara Grant
The Hearts midfielder has literally been at the heart of everything for her club this season. Joining alongside Brownlie last summer the Republic of Ireland international has helped to control the midfield of the part for the Jam Tarts throughout the season. Her passing ability and range is second to none in the league with the 29-year-old continuously whipping in dangerous balls into the box. The midfielder is also a consistent big-game player for the Midlothian side, scoring late equalisers from 12 yards against both Hibs and Rangers over recent months. Her displays this season helped her to win the Hearts Player of the Season as well as a place in the PFA Team of the Season. Photo: Ewan Bootman - SNS Group
7. Right midfield - Caley Gibb
It is no coincidence that since the winger came back from her long-term injury at the start of 2023 Spartans form has greatly improved. Since making a return to the pitch against Dundee United, Spartans have won 11 out of their 14 games which includes a seven-game winning streak to end the season. In just her second appearance back, the 19-year-old netted a goal off the bench against Glasgow Women in a 2-0 win. The goals did not stop here, with the winger scoring another three times before the end of the season. Her trickery down the flanks also provided a substantial threat for any opposing defender with very few able to stop her when on form. Spartans will be hopeful they can keep the 19-year-old fit for the entirety of the next campaign. Photo: Mark Brown / Spartans FC
8. Centre midfield – Alana Marshall
The Spartans captain continues to shine for her club. Despite suffering from multiple sclerosis and now being 36 years of age, the midfielder still oozes class every time she gets onto the ball. Despite her MS, Marshall has not let the disease get the better and this has paid off with the midfielder producing multiple magical moments throughout the campaign. The 36-year-old has consistently scored stunning goals throughout the season whether it be the opening goal in a 2-1 against Hibs or her second in the 4-2 win against Hamilton. Her end-of-season form also saw her nominated for the SWPL Player of the Month in April as Spartans ended the season ten games unbeaten. Photo: Mark Brown / Spartans FC