Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) is pleased to announce Adrian Mierzejewski and Samantha Kerr as the PFA A-League and W-League Players of the Month for December respectively.
Mierzejewski is enjoying a stellar debut season in the Hyundai A-League, accentuated by an exceptional December in which the table topping Sky Blues secured maximum points from their five matches.
Throughout December, Mierzejewski regularly mesmerised opposition defences and found the back of the net five times in as many games to go with three assists, highlighted by his two goals and man of the match performance in the Sydney Derby in Round 10.
Voted on by the PFA’s A-League based members, the 31 year old said he was honoured to receive recognition from his peers.
“I am very happy. I would like to thank my teammates and the PFA for nominating and choosing me as their player of the month for December,” said Mierzejewski.
“We have a great squad at Sydney FC and if it wasn’t for the players around me and their support I would not have the chance to receive this honour.”
“I believe we have a very good chance of a few more of our squad at Sydney FC being nominated in the months ahead.”
PFA President Alex Wilkinson said Mierzejewski was a more than deserved winner for December.
“Adrian has shown to be one of the signings of the season so far,” said Wilkinson.
“From his performances you can see he is really enjoying his football at the moment and he certainly enjoyed an excellent festive season on the field.”
For Kerr, the award caps off a memorable and remarkable 12 months, the Matildas star edging out Newcastle Jets’ American import Arin Gilliland for the December accolade.
In the two matches Kerr played in December, she scored the winner against Western Sydney Wanderers FC and a scintillating second half hat-trick in an enthralling 3-3 draw with the Newcastle Jets in Round 8.
Voted on by the PFA’s W-League based members, Kerr said she was honoured to gain recognition from her peers.
“It’s obviously an honour to win this award with so many great players in the league and so many great performances throughout the month,” said Kerr.
“I can’t thank my teammates at Glory enough. I thoroughly enjoy being a part of this great team and am very proud to play for Glory.”
PFA Executive Lydia Williams paid tribute to Kerr for what she has achieved and her ability to constantly perform at an elite level.
“Sam continues to amaze and this award is a small cherry on top of what has been a truly phenomenal year for her,” said Williams.
“There were a number of players who have had a fantastic past month in the W-League and that has been reflected in the quality and standard of the matches.”
The PFA A-League and W-League Players of the Month are proudly supported by PFA major partners LUCRF Super and Victoria University.
