The Newcastle Jets have celebrated their Player of the Year Awards in a ceremony at Newcastle’s City Hall this evening.
The Club’s Hyundai A-League and Westfield W-League squads gathered with staff, sponsors, volunteers, and fans to reflect on the season past and celebrate the individuals who shone in 2018/19.
Nikolai Topor-Stanley proved the evening’s big winner, taking out the Hyundai A-League Player of the Year and the Ray Baartz Medal.
The Club’s vice-captain has been a pillar in defence, playing every minute of every game across the Hyundai A-League, AFC Champions League and the FFA Cup.
The 34-year-old leads the league in interceptions (135), break-ups (134), duels won (156), and aerial contest wins (111).
It’s the second time the towering defender has been named Player of the Year, taking home the award in 2010/11 during his first stint with the Club – the first outfield player in Jets history to win the award twice.
Topor-Stanley’s feats were matched by Clare Wheeler in the Westfield W-League, with the tireless midfielder taking out the Player of the Year and the Cheryl Salisbury Dedication Award.
It’s the second consecutive year she’s secured the Cheryl Salisbury Dedication Award.
Golden Boots Roy O’Donovan (11 goals) and Cortnee Vine (4 goals) were acknowledged for their feats in front of goal, as they topped the goal scoring charts in their respective squads.
Vine also took out Goal of the Year in the Westfield W-League courtesy of a stunning strike against Canberra United in Round 3, while a Dimi Petratos’ bomb against Melbourne Victory in Round 21 topped voting in the Hyundai A-League.
The Club’s Members had their say, with Britt Eckerstrom and Glen Moss voted Members Players of the Year after some exceptional performances between the sticks.
Moss also picked up the Community Player of the Year Award for his dedication to and involvement with the next generation of footballers within the Jets ranks.
Jets CEO, Lawrie McKinna said the Awards were a wonderful way to bring the entire Club together.
“Nights like tonight are a great reminder of why being part of football, and a Club like the Jets is so enjoyable,” McKinna said.
“It’s not often you’re able to get everyone together in this sort of setting, from sponsors to Members to volunteers, the people who support us day in and day out – they’re all such a valued part of our Club.
“I’d like to congratulate all of tonight’s winners on their efforts throughout the year.
“We’ve got a fantastic crop of players in both our Hyundai A-League and Westfield W-League squads.
“Nikolai and Clare are deserving Player of the Year winners and are both wonderful representatives for this Club and city of Newcastle on a national stage.”
Newcastle Jets Player of the Year Award recipients:
Hyundai A-League Player of the Year: Nikolai Topor-Stanley
Hyundai A-League Golden Boot: Roy O’Donovan
Hyundai A-League Goal of the Year: Dimi Petratos (Round 11 v Melbourne Victory)
Ray Baartz Medal: Nikolai Topor-Stanley
Members’ Player of the Year: Glen Moss
Westfield W-League Player of the Year: Clare Wheeler
Westfield W-League Golden Boot: Cortnee Vine
Westfield W-League Goal of the Year: Cortnee Vine (Round 3 v Canberra United)
Cheryl Salisbury Medal: Clare Wheeler
Members’ Player of the Year: Britt Eckerstrom
