Mon 26th Feb 2007

Following the resounding success of Version 2 of the Hyundai A-League, Football Federation Australia (FFA) will hold the annual Hyundai A-League Awards Night this Tuesday (27th February 2007) at Guillaume at Bennelong, Sydney Opera House, Sydney.

The proceedings will be hosted by Fox Sports commentator Simon Hill, who will be assisted by World Champion Waterskier and the upcoming March Inside Sport cover girl, Lauryn Eagle.

The night will feature the presentation of the prestigious Johnny Warren Medal for the Hyundai A-League Player’s Player of the Year, along with the Rising Star Award, Reebok Golden Boot, Coach of the Year, Zurich Referee of the Year, Fair Play Award and the new Goal of the Year Award as voted for by the fans.

The Johnny Warren Medal is the highest award in the Hyundai A-League and is voted on by the players within the 20-man permanent roster from each of the eight (8) Hyundai A-League clubs.

There are three voting periods for this award at the conclusion of rounds 7,14 & 21. Votes are submitted on a 3-2-1 basis and players are unable to vote for players from their own team. Last season’s Johnny Warren Medal Winner was Bobby Despotovski from Perth Glory who polled 237 votes narrowly edging out Sydney FC’s Dwight Yorke (226 votes).

So who will join Despotovski?

It has been a standout year for Melbourne Victory and its no surprise that they will feature heavily in the major awards this season.

Having romped away with the Premiership title and backed that up with a record Grand Final win, it’s no wonder the favourites for the Johnny Warren Medal come from Victory.

They have had many good players over the course of the season, but there have been three or four standouts. Unfortunately one of those Brazilian Fred, is unable to win the award because of his suspension he received earlier in the season.

Daniel Allsopp was bashed from pillar to post last season after only returning three goals for the season, as Victory slumped to 7th position. His performances though were sound and after a confident start to this season, the goals came and on a regular basis. By season’s end he topped the goal scoring charts for the Hyundai A-League (11 goals) and was also a consistent and damaging player for his side.

Archie Thompson was the grand final hero with his extraordinary five-goal haul, but during the season he had to play second fiddle to Allsopp on the top of the goal scorers list – just. The Qantas Socceroo striker was just one goal behind his team mate, but he was always a threat and made many goals for his team.

Captain Kevin Muscat led his team by example, relishing his new role in the middle of the park, as Victory started the season on fire. Muscat even led the goal scorer’s chart early in the season, albeit most were scored from the penalty spot.

Looking outside of Melbourne, we go to the resurgence of the Newcastle Jets as they climbed from the bottom of the table after 7 rounds, to make the finals and go within a penalty shoot-out of making the grand final.

Leading the way was the Nick Carle, Australia’s own version of a South American wizard. The skilful playmaker once again displayed all his tricks during the season, including a candidate for Goal of The Year. What was noticeable this season though was his consistency and the areas that were seen as a perceived weakness of his and the improvement he showed.

Newcastle may also throw up a smoky for the award in Matt Thompson, whose displays during the season playing in the left fullback position, were duly noted by all. Rarely put a foot wrong and was at his best when taking on defenders going forward, as displayed by his contender for Goal of the Year.

Elsewhere Matt McKay was a model of consistency for Queensland Roar in what was another disappointing season them. McKay was clearly a standout with his no nonsense approach and ability to drive his team forward. Also has a contender for Goal of the Year and at the club’s awards night, won four major Player of the Year Awards to demonstrate the season he had.

The Rising Star award will be keenly contested with several outstanding young players making their mark on the Hyundai A-League this season.

Melbourne again featured several young players, with Adrian Leijer and Kristian Sarkies in contention. Leijer, in particular, formed a strong central defensive combination with Rod Vargas and is seen as a key player as the Qantas Under 23 team attempts to qualify for the Beijing Olympics. Was central to Melbourne also conceding the least number of goals this season.

Nathan Burns took to the Hyundai A-League like a duck does to water. He looked completely at home, as he took the most of his opportunities coming off the bench early in the season, to become a regular starter for Adelaide United. Playing as either a striker or attacking midfielder, he always looked dangerous and that was never more emphasised by his hat-trick in the final round of the season against Central Coast.

Queensland Roar also produced another of this season’s exciting prospects in Dario Vidosic. The attacking midfielder made his presence felt in many matches, scoring some important goals, none more so than his goal against Melbourne that kept his side in the finals race late in the season. Skilful and not afraid to express himself, there is a lot to like about him.

It wasn’t a great year for the defending champions Sydney FC, knocked out in the finals by Newcastle, but they may have unearthed a new position for talented flanker Ruben Zadkovich. The Wollongong-native was thrust into the right-back position because of injuries and looked quite composed in his new role for someone so young. If given more time in the role, could well develop into an outstanding attacking wing-back.

The coaching award is likely to come down to a battle between Melbourne’s Ernie Merrick and Newcastle’s Gary Van Egmond.

Merrick fought through the criticism of last year’s poor effort, recruited wisely and them led Melbourne to the Premiership and Championship double. Not one to show too much emotion when his team scored, there is a good chance we will see a smile on his face if he is awarded the Coach of the Year honour.

Van Egmond was given the task of not just lifting Newcastle off the bottom of the table, after Nick Theodorakopoulos was given his marching orders, but to get them to the finals. That he did was an amazing effort in itself, but in achieving that, they also played with a style and passion that saw the fans flock back to EnergyAustralia Stadium in their droves. Just missed a place in the grand final and given a full-term next season, Van Egmond has high hopes for going a game better next season.