The nominees for the A-League Men’s Austraffic Player of the Month award have been revealed.
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.
Florin Berenguer, Melbourne City FC
City’s French midfielder remains one of the stars of the competition, and at 33, Berenguer still holds influence for the A-League Men’s pacesetters. City went through March undefeated, and while the team boasts strong performers across the pitch, it is typically Berenguer who maintains a level of control for the Premiers and dictates their forward passages. The former Ligue 1 player netted twice and delivered one assist for City last month.
Ben Waine, Wellington Phoenix
The 20-year-old had his most prolific month in front of goal during March, scoring three goals in his four appearances, including in the ‘Nix’s 3-0 thrashing of Roar, 2-1 win over Glory and narrow 3-2 defeat of Newcastle Jets. Waine’s club form was interrupted when he was called up for national team duty with New Zealand during the month, where he scored the decisive goal against Papua New Guinea helping the All Whites on the path to qualification via an inter-confederation play-off with Costa Rica in June. While Waine’s form for his country is not considered within the nominations committee, his club form and impact for Wellington was central to his selection.
Jay O’Shea, Brisbane Roar
Brisbane Roar’s Republic of Ireland midfielder produced a productive month in March, scoring twice – against Western United and Perth Glory – and providing four assists for teammates across six games. The always influential central playmaker continues to be a pivotal feature of Roar’s play – and vital results – including wins over Glory and Wellington Phoenix – that edged them away from the bottom of the A-League Men’s ladder.
