Maruschka Waldus and Ben Halloran have taken out top honours at Adelaide United’s annual awards night on Tuesday.
This year’s iteration, presented by Oscar Hunt, was rebranded the Alagich Vidmar Awards and held at Plant 3 Bowden, commemorating the Westfield W-League and A-League 2020/21 seasons.
Waldus claimed the Dianne Alagich Medal for an exceptional season where she demonstrated immense consistency and composure in defence.
The 28-year-old Dutch centre-back signed back in January and played 11 matches and scored two goals in a standout year under the tutelage of Adrian Stenta.
Waldus was also voted the Westfield W-League Players’ Player by her teammates.
Ben Halloran was bestowed the Aurelio Vidmar Medal following an extremely impressive A-League campaign.
The 29-year-old started all 26 matches, scored four goals and laid on a further five assists in what was a brilliant year in Carl Veart’s first full season in charge.
The Remo Paris Club Person of the Year went to Head of Women’s Football Ivan Karlović for personifying the Club’s cultural values.
Jordan Elsey was awarded the A-League Players’ Player by his teammates.
Matilda McNamara collected the Westfield W-League Rising Star for a sensational year, playing every minute of every match while scoring one goal from centre-back.
Josh Cavallo received the A-League Rising Star for a fantastic campaign in the wake of his midseason arrival, starting in 15 of his 18 appearances.
The RAA Travel Members’ Westfield W-League Player of the Year went to Charlotte Grant for a strong season, while the RAA Travel Members’ A-League Player of the Year was secured by Ryan Strain.
Craig Goodwin clinched the A-League Golden Boot in the final game of the regular season with his eighth strike of the campaign to send the Reds to the Finals Series, and breaking a three-way tie for the accolade in the process.
Chelsie Dawber won the Westfield W-League Golden Boot after scoring five goals in eight matches.
The Youth Player of the Year was accorded to Jonny Yull for his strong performances in the National Premier League South Australia.
Joe Gauci won the Adelaide United Moment of the Year after his stunning late reflex save from point-blank range to deny Patrick Wood against Sydney FC and preserve a 1-0 win.
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