Melbourne City FC has named its Players of the Year at Carousel in Albert Park on Monday, with Bart Schenkeveld, Lauren Barnes and midfielder Josh Cavallo awarded the top accolades.
As City prepares for its fourth consecutive A-League finals campaign this Friday night, the Club’s players and staff came together to celebrate the collective achievements of its teams, following the conclusion of the A-League regular season. City face Brisbane Roar in a home Elimination Final at AAMI Park this Friday night.
Schenkeveld, 26, featured in 25 of City’s 27 regular season matches in his inaugural campaign, after joining from Dutch Eredivise club PEC Zwolle in August last year.
- The Dutch defender was integral to the A-League team’s improved defensive performances during the 2017/18 season, finishing the regular campaign with the most interceptions (52) and as the most accurate passer (90.8 per cent accuracy)
- Schenkeveld leads his teammates in both duels and aerial duels won, and was a contributing factor to City securing nine clean sheets across the course of the season – the most in one season in the Club’s history
- Head Coach Warren Joyce said; “Bart is a strong and passionate player for us who has adjusted well to the A-League, but most importantly has provided a key link between defence and midfield. He’s played a pivotal role in breaking down the opposition and moves the ball forward quickly. We wanted to build the team’s foundations around a strong defensive set up and Bart has helped to drive the team from the back.”
Barnes, 28, was a picture of consistency throughout City’s W-League Championship defence, leading the W-League in total passes and was one of the competition’s most influential players.
- The American defender, who is currently playing for Seattle Reign FC in the USNWL, helped City to a league-high seven clean sheets, finished with two assists to her name and was recognised in the Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) W-League Team of the Year.
- W-League Head Coach Patrick Kisnorbo said; “Lauren has been exceptional for us in an outstanding team. She is one of the most hard-working and dedicated athletes, plays with her heart on her sleeve and set out to achieve wonderful things with this team. She has been a positive and inspirational role model for our younger players who led by example throughout the season.”
Josh Cavallo was named the Y-League Player of the Year for his form for the Y-League and National Premier League teams.
The Club also presented the following awards during the evening;
- Etihad Supporters’ Player of the Year:
- Daniel Arzani, who enjoyed a breakout A-League campaign, was presented his award by Melbourne City blue member Sally McLennan, after winning three straight Etihad Player of the Month awards, ahead of 11 different nominees across six months.
- A-League Golden Boot:
- Scottish striker Ross McCormack finished the season as City’s top goal scorer in the A-League, netting an impressive 14 goals in 17 appearances, setting a record in the A-League as the fastest player to 13 goals in their debut season.
- W-League Golden Boot:
- Jess Fishlock’s contribution of seven goals from City’s midfield saw her top the City’s goal scoring charts for the W-League team, with her tally including a superb chipped finish in the Grand Final.
- Clubman & Coach’s Award:
- Luke Brattan and Steph Catley won the Clubman and Coach’s Awards for their respective teams, an award which recognises the players who best embody the spirit, character and values of Melbourne City FC.
- Rising Star:
- In a standout campaign, Nathaniel Atkinson capped off his emergence with the A-League team, earning the Rising Star, awarded to the youth player at the Club whose development has most excelled over the past 12 months.
- La Trobe University Education Award:
- Denis Genreau received the La Trobe University Education Award, presented to the player who has demonstrated a willingness to learn and develop their skills outside of football. Genreau has been accepted into university to study a Bachelor of Arts, commencing in July.
Melbourne City FC 2017/18 Awards Summary
Hyundai A-League Awards
Player of the Year: Bart Schenkeveld
Golden Boot: Ross McCormack (14 goals)
Etihad Supporters’ Player of the Year: Daniel Arzani
Clubman Award: Luke Brattan
Westfield W-League Awards
Player of the Year: Lauren Barnes
Golden Boot: Jess Fishlock (7 goals)
Coach’s Award: Steph Catley
Foxtel Y-League Awards
Player of the Year: Josh Cavallo
Club Awards
Employee of the Year: Andrew McKenzie, Head of Human Performance, Melissa Missailidis, Events and Ticketing Coordinator
La Trobe University Educational Award: Denis Genreau
Rising Star: Nathaniel Atkinson
Volunteer of the Year: Chloe Gatt and George Apostolidis
