Melbourne City and Matildas legend, Melissa Barbieri, will be recognised for her incredible contribution to Australian football by the Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) in July.
The former Matildas captain will be recognised with the PFA’s highest individual honour, the Alex Tobin OAM Medal at the 2023 Oakberry Players’ Awards on Monday 17 July.
The Alex Tobin OAM Medal is awarded by the PFA Executive to current or former players who showcase the four attributes that Alex Tobin represented during his career; leadership, achievement as a player, commitment to fellow professionals, and service and dedication to the game.
Bubs will become only the second female to be awarded the Alex Tobin OAM Medal, joining fellow Matildas great Cheryl Salisbury. Past winners include Joe Marston, Johnny Warren, Craig Johnston, Mark Viduka, Frank Farina, Mark Schwarzer, Harry Kewell and Paul Okon.
Speaking to the PFA, Melissa Barbieri said: “The Tobin Medal is probably the single most prestigious honour I’ve ever received. I’m truly humbled. Being alongside some of the greats of our game in this country, let alone being alongside Cheryl, my former captain, it’s such a blessing.”
On behalf of everyone at Melbourne City, we would like to congratulate Bubs for her incredible achievement.
