Newcastle Jets utility Josh Brillante has capped off a stellar season by being named the Club’s Player of the Year for 2013/14.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets utility Josh Brillante has capped off a stellar season by being named the Club-s Player of the Year for 2013/14.
Brillante, who was one of three finalists along with striker Adam Taggart and defender Kew Jaliens, accepted his award at Hunter Stadium on Saturday night.
The versatile Brillante made 24 appearances for the Jets this season, featuring prominently in both central midfield and at the right fullback position.
Brillante contributed three goal assists during the 2013/14 campaign and his consistent performances on a weekly basis earned the praise of many pundits.
Being named Jets Player of the Year for 2013/14 completes an outstanding 12 months for the 20-year-old, which saw him make his Socceroos debut, represent the Young Socceroos at the FIFA U-20 World Cup and be named Australian Young Footballer of the Year for 2013.
Jets interim head coach Clayton Zane said Brillante was a thoroughly deserving recipient of the A-League Player of the Year accolade.
“Josh has had a standout year and was excellent for us all season, which is a testament to his attitude and work ethic,” Zane said.
“He has continued to grow and develop as the season went on, doing his job week-in, week-out no matter what position he played in.
“The manner in which Josh has carried himself throughout the season and the character he-s shown on and off the football pitch indicates he has a bright future in the game ahead of him.”
Despite narrowly missing out on the top prize, Taggart did not leave the awards night empty handed, picking up the Members Player of the Year Award and winning the Club-s Top Goal Scorer accolade after bagging 16 goals this season.
Radovan Pavicevic was named National Youth League (NYL) player of the year, while Kale Bradbery received the NYL Top Goal Scorer award.
The Jets- W-League Player of the Year award was presented to Gema Simon.
The 23-year-old performed at a consistently high level for the Jets women throughout the season and was a worthy recipient of the prize.
Newcastle Jets 2013/14 Award winners:
A-League Player of the Year: Josh Brillante
A-League Members Player of the Year: Adam Taggart
A-League Top Goal Scorer: Adam Taggart
W-League Player of the Year: Gema Simon
National Youth League Player of the Year: Radovan Pavicevic
National Youth League Top Goal Scorer:Kale Bradbery
Club Person of the Year: Brent Anderson
