Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) is pleased to announce Melbourne City FC midfielder Daniel Arzani and Brisbane Roar FC defender Clare Polkinghorne as the PFA Huyundai A-League and Westfield W-League Players of the Month for January respectively.
Arzani’s impressive form over the past month has been a feature since the turn of the year, with the 19-year-old making a huge impression both through his technical qualities and courage in attack.
Voted on by the PFA’s A-League based members, Arzani said he was honoured to receive recognition from his peers.
“I’m absolutely stoked and delighted to have received the award from the PFA this month,” said Arzani.
“I would like to thank the players and staff at Melbourne City who I work with every day; without them this would not be possible.”
PFA President Alex Wilkinson said Arzani was a more than deserved winner for the first month of 2018.
“Through his on field performances Daniel has proven he can not only hold his own in the Hyundai A-League but also excel,” said Wilkinson.
“Daniel was a key contributor to Melbourne City FC’s matches throughout January and is already being touted as a future Socceroo so he’s got an exciting future ahead of him.”
For Polkinghorne, the accolade is reward for not only a fantastic month but also a wonderful season in the W-League as she helped Brisbane Roar FC claim the minor premiership.
The veteran Matildas defender, who was also nominated for the PFA Player of the Month in December, continually marshalled the Roar in defence and was integral to their success.
Voted on by the PFA’s W-League based members, Polkinghorne said she was honoured to gain recognition from her peers.
“It’s always an honour to be acknowledged for your performances on the field, particularly when the recognition comes from your fellow players,” said Polkinghorne.
“I’d like to thank my teammates and everyone involved at Brisbane Roar, they have been fantastic again this season and while these individual awards are great, we obviously play a team sport for team success.
“I would also like to thank the PFA for the work they do and the support they give to all of the players.”
PFA Executive Lydia Williams congratulated Polkinghorne on her achievement.
“Clare has performed at an extremely high level not only in the past month and this season, but throughout the history of the W-League,” said Williams.
“She always leads by example and goes about her business without any fuss and with a steely determination which played a major part in Brisbane finishing on top of the ladder, so she is a more than deserving recipient of the award.”
The PFA Hyundai A-League and Westfield W-League Players of the Month are proudly supported by PFA Major Partners LUCRF Super.
