Australia

Michelle Heyman wins Julie Dolan Medal in comeback season for Canberra United



Michelle Heyman has been named the Julie Dolan Medallist for her standout comeback season in the W-League.

Heyman came out of retirement for this season and played a crucial role in Canberra United’s return to finals football, scoring 10 goals in 12 games.

“It means a lot, coming out of retirement, to be able to put my boots back on and have some fun with Canberra United and to show that I’m still capable of playing,” Heyman said.

“I think it’s a big thing for myself but it’s just the recognition that you enjoy playing football. You can always succeed and that’s always been my motto.

“As long as I’m enjoying it, loving it and smiling, I usually play well and I think that’s what we noticed from Canberra United this season.”

The striker won the award with 19 votes ahead of Golden Boot winner Emily Gielnik and breakout star Kyra Cooney-Cross, who had 17 votes apiece.

Sydney forward Cortnee Vine and Adelaide’s Emily Condon rounded out the top five with 15 votes apiece.

Cooney-Cross, who recently made her Matildas debut, was named W-League young player of the season, while Sydney FC defender Joel King won the A-League equivalent.

Recent Matildas debutant Teagan Micah (Melbourne City) won the W-League goalkeeper of the season award

Sydney’s Andrew Redmayne and Central Coast’s Mark Birighitti shared the A-League’s award.

Jeff Hopkins won the W-League coach of the year award after leading Melbourne Victory to their first championship since 2013-14.

Milos Ninkovic and Ulises Davila have become the first players to share the A-League’s Johnny Warren Medal. 

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Sydney playmaker Ninkovic is now a two-time winner, having previously received the award in 2016-17.

He and Wellington captain Davila both received 34 votes from a panel comprised of former players, technical experts, match officials and media representatives.

Davila scored seven goals and provided seven assists, while Ninkovic scored four and provided another four.

Last season’s winner, Western United captain Alessandro Diamanti, finished third on 31 votes, with Golden Boot winner Jamie Maclaren (29 votes) and Central Coast Mariners skipper Oliver Bozanic (27 votes) rounding out the top five.

Melbourne City coach Patrick Kisnorbo was named A-League coach of the year after winning the Premier’s Plate in his first year at the helm, ahead of leading his team in Sunday’s grand final.

Maclaren was named captain of the PFA’s A-League team of the season, after receiving the most votes from his fellow players.

He was one of five City players in the starting XI, while Kisnorbo was named coach.

Davila was named in midfield while fellow Johnny Warren Medallist Ninkovic was listed on the bench.



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