Sam Kerr's stellar year continues with PFA player of the year award
A day after Sam Kerr’s latest goalscoring exploits helped the Matildas to victory over Brazil, the striker’s blistering form was officially recognised by her fellow professionals as she picked up Australia’s players’ player of the year award.
Kerr was named best female footballer of 2017 at a Professional Footballers Australia ceremony in Newcastle on Sunday. Socceroos midfielder Aaron Mooy picked up the men’s honour.
It is the second time Kerr, regarded as one of the best players in the world, has received the award she first won in 2013.
Since then, her development has continued apace and she has been an
integral part of the Matildas’ recent
exploits, which culminated in them winning last month’s Tournament of Champions in the US.
The 24-year-old’s international form has been replicated for her club sides this year; she helped Perth Glory to February’s W-League grand final and for Sky Blue FC she broke a record on her way to becoming the US National Women’s Soccer League’s all-time top scorer.
Her form saw her appear on the shortlist for Fifa’s player of the year last month. The result will be announced in October.
“To be voted by your fellow players as the PFA footballer of the year is a huge honour,” Kerr said. “I have been fortunate to enjoy so many great experiences with the Matildas and with my clubs over the past 12 months and this just tops it off.”
Kerr’s latest goal came in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Brazil in Penrith and she will get another chance to add to her international tally when the two sides meet again in Newcastle on Tuesday night.
In the men’s game, Huddersfield Town player Mooy also claimed his second PFA award, backing up last year’s win after helping guide his club side into the Premier League, where he has not looked out of place so far this season.
“These awards are extra special to players because they are voted by your peers,” Mooy said. “I’m very thankful for the support of my family, my club and my team-mates at Huddersfield and with the Socceroos and all the players who voted for me.”
Mooy’s international team-mate Alex Gersbach was voted the best young male player of 2017 while 18year-old Alex Chidiac picked up the women’s equivalent.
The night also saw Cheryl Salisbury break new ground as the Matildas great became the first woman to win the Alex Tobin medal – Australia’s highest honour.