Adelaide United’s standout performers were celebrated at Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Wednesday night, as Ryan White and Ella Tonkin claimed the Club’s top individual honours at the 2026 Alagich Vidmar Awards Night.
In an evening that recognised excellence, resilience, and the continued strength of Adelaide United’s pathway, it was White and Tonkin who took centre stage – each capping off outstanding campaigns by winning the Club’s most prestigious individual awards.
White was named the 2026 Aurelio Vidmar Medallist, completing a breakout Isuzu UTE A-League Men season that confirmed the young midfielder as one of the Club’s brightest emerging talents.
At just 20 years of age, White becomes the youngest ever recipient of the Aurelio Vidmar Medal – a remarkable achievement and further recognition of a campaign defined by growth, consistency, and match-winning impact.
Head Coach Airton Andrioli said “This award is a credit to Ryan, but also to the pathway at this Club. He is another young South Australian who has taken his opportunity and shown what is possible when talent, hard work, and belief come together,” he said.
“We are very proud of him, but we also know this is just the beginning for Ryan,” he concluded.
In the Ninja A-League Women’s competition, Ella Tonkin was crowned the 2026 Dianne Alagich Medallist, capping off another outstanding season in red.
A Football SA NTC graduate who joined Adelaide United in 2019, Tonkin has continued to develop into one of the Club’s most reliable and influential performers. The defender played every minute of the regular season for the second consecutive campaign, underlining her consistency, professionalism, and importance to the team.
A-League Women’s coach, Theo Tsiounis said “Ella represents so much of what this Club values – giving opportunities to South Australian players, helping them develop, and watching them become leaders at A-League level. This award is thoroughly deserved.”
Among the other standout winners on the night, Jonny Yull was named A-League Men Rising Star, while Ilona Melegh claimed the A-League Women Rising Star award.
Luka Jovanović was recognised as the A-League Men Golden Boot winner, while Erin Healy collected the A-League Women Golden Boot following another impressive campaign in the final third.
Jovanović’s dramatic winner against Melbourne City was also named the 1K5 Powerplay Moment of the Year, after the striker’s late goal secured Adelaide United a 2-1 win at AAMI Park and helped lock in a home Semi-Final.
Ryan Kitto and Emily Condon were recognised by the Club’s members, claiming the RAA Members’ A-League Men and Women Player of the Year awards respectively.
Ethan Alagich added to another strong campaign by claiming both the A-League Men Player’s Player and Red Army A-League Men Player of the Year awards, while Tonkin was also named A-League Women Player’s Player. Healy was recognised by supporters as the Red Army A-League Women Player of the Year.
The evening also celebrated the contribution of Dylan Holmes, who was named the Remo Paris Club Person of the Year.
Adelaide United CEO Nathan Kosmina congratulated all award winners and reflected on a season that highlighted the Club’s identity, pathway, and collective progress.
“This evening is always an important moment for the Club, because it gives us the opportunity to recognise the players, staff, volunteers, partners, members, and supporters who contribute so much to Adelaide United,” Kosmina said.
“I want to congratulate Ryan and Ella on receiving the Club’s highest individual honours. Both are outstanding examples of what this Club stands for — talented, committed, humble people who continue to maximise their opportunities and represent Adelaide United with pride.
“I would also like to congratulate all of our award winners across the Men’s, Women’s, and Youth programs, and thank everyone who has contributed to another season of progress for the Club.”
2025/26 Alagich Vidmar Awards – Winners List
A-League Women Rising Star | Ilona Melegh
A-League Men Rising Star | Jonny Yull
A-League Women Golden Boot | Erin Healy
A-League Men Golden Boot | Luka Jovanović
1K5 Powerplay Moment of the Year | Luka Jovanović winner vs Melbourne City
RAA Members’ A-League Men Player of the Year | Ryan Kitto
RAA Members’ A-League Women Player of the Year | Emily Condon
A-League Women Player’s Player | Ella Tonkin
A-League Men Player’s Player | Ethan Alagich
Red Army A-League Men Player of the Year | Ethan Alagich
Red Army A-League Women Player of the Year | Erin Healy
Remo Paris Club Person of the Year | Dylan Holmes
Dianne Alagich Medal — Most Valuable Player, A-League Women | Ella Tonkin
Aurelio Vidmar Medal — Most Valuable Player, A-League Men | Ryan White
