Stars honoured at 2016 PFA Awards

​The 2016 Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) Players’ Awards have honoured the best from the Caltex Socceroos, Westfield Matildas and Hyundai A-League.

Legendary Caltex Socceroo Harry Kewell was honoured as the Alex Tobin OAM Medallist,  whilst Lydia Williams, Jamie Maclaren and Aaron Mooy were also recognised for their outstanding form during the 2015/16 Season.

The major award winners for the night included:

  • Harry Kewell, the PFA Alex Tobin OAM Medallist
  • Aaron Mooy, PFA Footballer of the Year
  • Lydia Williams, PFA Women’s Footballers of the Year
  • Jamie Maclaren, PFA Harry Kewell Medallist (U23)

For more on the awards, head to www.pfa.net.au

Kewell said he was delighted to have been chosen by the current generation of players to join the likes of Craig Johnston, Joe Marston and Johnny Warren as a Tobin Medallist.

“Marston, Schwarzer, Farina and the other Tobin Medallist are legends of our game and to join them is truly an honour,” Kewell told www.pfa.net.au

“These players did so much for Australian football. They inspired me and countless other players.

“I would also like to congratulate the other major award winners; all were truly deserving after brilliant seasons.

“To join the likes of Mark Schwarzer and Tim Cahill is an honour and one I am proud of,” said Mooy. “To be chosen by the players makes this award very special.

“I’m very thankful for the support of my family through the good times and bad, my teammates and all the players who voted for me. It was a great year for me and I’m very proud to have been named the player of the year.”

Westfield Matildas keeper Williams said she was humbled by the recognition of her peers.

“Over the past few years we have had a really hectic schedule and a lot of ups and downs and to have the backing of the girls means so much. 

“Besides the players, people don’t see what goes into being a footballer day in day out and to receive that recognition is incredible.The first time I won the award was when I was breaking into the team. This time around there has been a lot of history-making events and I have experienced so many highs with the girls and this is the most rewarding recognition I can imagine.”

And Hyundai A-League sharpshooter Maclaren said he was thrilled to join the likes Robbie Kruse and Mat Ryan as the PFA Harry Kewell Medallist.

“It is an award that means a lot to the players.

“My family have been so supportive and so have my teammates who played  such a big role in the success I had last season."