With 12 goals between them, Marco Rojas, Jason Cummings and Craig Goodwin have been rewarded for impressive performances throughout April with the trio nominated for the Austraffic A-League Men’s Player of the Month award.
All three played important roles for their clubs in the lead-in to the A-League Men’s finals, with their contributions in front of goal – or in contributing for their teammates – helping secure positions in the top-six.
The three nominees across the A-League Men’s competition were selected by the PFA’s Nominations Committee – comprising former players and media personalities – with the winners to be voted on by PFA members this month.
Jason Cummings – Central Coast Mariners
Since arriving in the A-League in January, 26-year-old Scottish international – with an Australian passport – has scored nine goals in 19 games, with the former Dundee United player scoring six of those last month. Those goals helped to steer Mariners to four wins, two draws and one loss in a condensed month of fixtures, with Cummings netting braces against the Jets and Western United and twice in two separate wins over Wellington Phoenix. While two of his goals came from the penalty spot, he has consistently demonstrated his effectiveness in front of goal to consolidate the Mariners into the top-six.
Marco Rojas – Melbourne Victory
Following a relatively quiet start to the A-League – at least in terms of output in front of goal – in the first half of the 2021/22 campaign, Marco Rojas has returned to career-best form in the latter stages of the season, scoring four goals in April – two of which were scintillating strikes in a 3-0 demolition of Melbourne City. His early-season form led to the New Zealand international becoming the league-leading assist creator, but despite his vital contributions, failed to find the back of the net until March
Rojas’ form in March and April – with six goals across the two months – moved the ‘Kiwi-Messi’ into fifth on Victory’s all-time leading goal scorers in the A-League Men.
Craig Goodwin – Adelaide United
Adelaide United shored up their place in the A-League’s top six in April, in large part thanks to the impact of Craig Goodwin. With four wins in five matches, Goodwin delivered two goals and three assists throughout the month, further demonstrating his importance to the Reds.
Goodwin netted twice in a dramatic 3-2 win over Sydney FC – a game in which he became United’s all-time leading goal scorer.
