The 2016 Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) Players’ Awards sees Harry Kewell honoured as the Alex Tobin OAM Medallist, whilst the outstanding form of Lydia Williams, Jamie Maclaren and Aaron Mooy is also recognised for their outstanding form during the 2015/16 season.
Proudly supported by LUCRF Super, Travellers Choice and Kwickie, the major award winners for the night included:
>> Harry Kewell, the PFA Alex Tobin OAM Medallist;
>> Aaron Mooy, PFA Footballer of the Year;
>> Lydia Williams, PFA Women’s Footballers of the Year; and
>> Jamie Maclaren, PFA Harry Kewell Medallist (U23).
Having been awarded the PFA’s highest honour, the Alex Tobin OAM Medal, in recognition of his contribution to the game, Socceroos legend Kewell said he was delighted to have been chosen by the current generation of players to join the likes of Craig Johnston, Joe Marston and Johnny Warren as a Tobin Medallist.
“Marston, Schwarzer, Farina and the other Tobin Medallist are legends of our game and to join them is truly an honour,” said Kewell.
“These players did so much for Australian football. They inspired me and countless other players.
“I would also like to congratulate the other major award winners; all were truly deserving after brilliant seasons.”
Voted on all by all of the PFA’s male members, Mooy joins the likes of Tim Cahill, Mile Jedinak and Mark Schwarzer as a PFA Footballer of the Year. Having enjoyed a remarkable season with Melbourne City and the Socceroos, the midfielder said he was honoured to have won the award.
“To join the likes of Mark Schwarzer and Tim Cahill is an honour and one I am proud of,” said Mooy. “To be chosen by the players makes this award very special.
“I’m very thankful for the support of my family through the good times and bad, my teammates and all the players who voted for me. It was a great year for me and I’m very proud to have been named the player of the year.”
Becoming just the second player to have been crowned PFA Women’s Footballer of the Year on two occasions, Williams said she was humbled by the recognition of her peers.
“Over the past few years we have had a really hectic schedule and a lot of ups and downs and to have the backing of the girls means so much,” said the Matildas keeper.
“Besides the players, people don’t see what goes into being a footballer day in day out and to receive that recognition is incredible.The first time I won the award was when I was breaking into the team. This time around there has been a lot of history-making events and I have experienced so many highs with the girls and this is the most rewarding recognition I can imagine.”
Honouring outstanding achievement by an U23 footballer playing in the A-League or Australian based overseas, Maclaren said he was thrilled to join the likes Robbie Kruse and Mat Ryan as the PFA Harry Kewell Medallist.
“I am truly honoured to win the award,” said Maclaren. “It is an award that means a lot to the players.
“My family have been so supportive and so have my teammates who played such a big role in the success I had last season. I would also like to thank the PFA for their ongoing support.
“The respect of your peers means a lot and I’m very thankful to all the players who voted for me.”
