Defender Nikola Petkovic has taken out the Sydney FC Player of the Year award in his first season with the club at The Sky Blue Ball, Sydney FC’s annual red carpet event, at Doltone House tonight.
Defender Nikola Petkovic has taken out the Sydney FC Player of the Year award in his first season with the club at The Sky Blue Ball, Sydney FC-s annual red carpet event, at Doltone House tonight.
Petkovic, who joined the Sky Blues prior to the start of the season, played every minute of every match and made a number of crucial tackles, as he developed a trademark for marauding runs from the backline into the attacking third.
The Serbian also laid on two assists for the Sky Blues, as he set up Corey Gameiro-s goal in Adelaide and Matt Jurman-s equaliser against the Western Sydney Wanderers in Sydney FC-s 3-1 Sydney Derby victory.
Petkovic said he was overjoyed with the award as he looked forward to next season having already committed to Sydney FC for another two years.
“I-m honoured to have been chosen for this award,” he said.
“It means a lot to be voted by the coaches as the Player of the Year and I would like to thank them for giving me the opportunity to play for this big club.
“It has been a good year for me and I-m looking forward to hopefully winning the Championship next year and qualifying for the Asian Champions League.”
Head Coach Frank Farina praised Petkovic for an impressive season.
“Nikola has had a very good season,” Farina said.
“He has been consistent and has shown a lot of commitment to the squad, he is a model professional.
“Nikola has truly earned this award and it has been a pleasure to coach him this season.”
Iraqi International Ali Abbas claimed two awards on the night as he was awarded the Sydney FC Hyundai A-League Players- Player of the Year and Members- Player of the Year Awards.
Abbas was an ever present in the first team and played in a number of positions over the course of the season.
Westfield W-League Players- Player of the Year for the 2013/14 season went to midfielder Nicola Bolger while the Foxtel Youth League Players- Player of the Year was awarded to forward Christopher Naumoff.
Championship winning Youth League Head Coach Steve Corica won the Chairman-s Award for taking out the Foxtel National Youth League title in a comprehensive season that saw the Young Sky Blues embark on a 10 match unbeaten streak, finishing four points ahead of second place.
The Golden Boot award for the second successive year, went to Sky Blues marquee man Alessandro Del Piero who notched 10 goals, including the first goal of the 2013/14 Hyundai A-League season.
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