Central Coast Mariners have won back-to-back PFA Player of the Month Awards with midfielder Oliver Bozanic securing the player-voted honour for his performances in February.
Bozanic joins teammate Alou Kuol, who won the December/January award, on the honours roll for the 2020/21 campaign, while W-League Premiers Plate hopeful Clare Wheeler edged out Sydney FC teammate Teresa Polias and Emily Gielnik (Brisbane Roar) to win the W-League player vote.
Selected from a shortlist of six players by the PFA nominations committee, Bozanic and Wheeler received the highest number of votes from their peers to be crowned as February’s standout players.
Bozanic’s win underlines the Mariners’ dominance during the opening months of the 2020/21 A-League season, with the Gosford-based club building a lead at the summit of the table, flipping the 2019/20 wooden-spooners’ fortunes around.
Bozanic finished ahead of February’s A-League nominees Alessandro Diamanti (Western United) and Matt Derbyshire (Macarthur FC) in the player poll, saying he was appreciative of the peer recognition across the competition.
“I’m grateful for all the players who voted for me. It’s a great feeling and privilege to be recognised by the players from around the league. It wouldn’t be possible to be nominated without my teammates, coaches, the club and the great start we have had to our season.
“I’m feeling positive, we are growing and developing as a team every day. We are pushing each other for more success and to raise the bar every training session.”
With a first Premiers Plate since 2011 in touching distance for Sydney FC, Wheeler has been instrumental in her first season for the Sky Blues, with her performances in February acknowledged by her peers across the W-League.
“It’s incredible to be awarded PFA Player of Month. I’m extremely thankful for the opportunity Sydney FC has provided me and the support I’ve received from the coaching staff, teammates and fans.
“I’m looking forward to more success with Sydney FC as we look to secure the Premiership this weekend.”
The LUCRF Super PFA Player of the Month award is proudly supported by PFA Major Partner LUCRF Super and has recognised the on-field efforts of the players in Australia’s domestic competitions since 2014. A-League and W-League players are asked to vote in a 3-2-1 basis from a shortlist of nominees chosen by an awards committee, which consists of a range of prominent former footballers, coaches and Australian football media personalities, at the end of each month.
A-League and W-League PFA Player of the Month Winners (2020/21):
December/January: Alou Kuol (Central Coast Mariners) and Michelle Heyman (Canberra United)
February: Oliver Bozanic (Central Coast Mariners) and Clare Wheeler (Sydney FC)
LUCRF Super has been the major partner of the PFA since 2009. They play a key role in providing superannuation and financial education to PFA members. As a result of the partnership, hundreds of the PFA’s members have joined LUCRF Super. Many have taken advantage of benefits that are open to all of our members, such as personalised financial advice and a secure mobile app.
