Fresh from claiming the Aurelio Vidmar Medal, Ben Halloran admits his focus has completely shifted to Adelaide United’s massive Semi-final against Sydney FC on Saturday night.
Halloran said it was a tremendous honour to have received the highest award bestowed to an A-League player at the Club and is a testament to his consistency.
“It’s great to get recognised,” Halloran told the media at Coopers Stadium.
“It’s a team sport and to be recognised at an individual level for what I think I’ve had a pretty consistent season is always great.
“But at the same time waking up this morning just switches straight away to the weekend because you want to win as a team at the end of the day.”
The 29-year-old started all 26 regular season matches while scoring four goals and providing a further five assists.
Halloran’s name will forever be etched in Reds folklore, joining the likes of Craig Goodwin, Cássio, Isaías and Eugene Galekovic as fellow Aurelio Vidmar Medal recipients.
He is hoping his individual success will translate into team success as the Reds are one win away from reaching a fourth title decider.
“I’m definitely proud to have won the award,” he said.
“A lot of great players over the last few years have won this award and to be standing alongside those guys is an incredible honour.
“I’m happy with the season I’ve had, but if we don’t win these next couple of games then it doesn’t mean a whole lot.”
The winger, who is looking to add more goals to his game, said they can take confidence from their last performance in the Harbour City against them.
He believed Adelaide was more than capable of advancing to the Grand Final if they bring the same desire and resoluteness against Brisbane Roar.
“I think the last time we played in Sydney we played really well against them,” he said.
“I think we dominated them in terms of possession and it finished 2-2 and we probably should’ve won in the end.
“But I think if we show the same fighting spirit and belief that we did against Brisbane than I think on our day definitely good enough to beat them.”
Match details:
Saturday, 19 June vs Sydney FC
A-League 2020/21 – Semi-final
Kick-off 6.35pm ACST
Venue: Netstrata Jubilee Stadium
Broadcast: Fox Sports
Stream: Kayo Sports, MyFootball Live App