Young stars at Roar awards
THE accolades continued for goalkeeper Jamie Young last night when he was named Brisbane Roar’s player of the season.
Two days after winning the A- League goalkeeper of the year award for his outstanding form between the posts, Young received the Roar’s highest honour, the Gary Wilkins Medal.
It wasn’t the only honour bestowed on Young at last night’s Roar gala ceremony at Richlands venue The Lion, with the 32- year- old gloveman also earning the recognition of his peers by winning the Players’ Player of the Season gong.
“Well done to Jamie Young who joins a select group of talented footballers to earn the prestigious Gary Wilkins Medal,” Roar coach John Aloisi said.
Young well and truly established himself as the Roar’s first- choice keeper this season after replacing the injured Michael Theo after four rounds of the competition.
Veteran custodian Theo, whose eight- year Roar stint is over after he wasn’t offered a new deal, was also honoured last night by becoming just the second player to be inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame.
Theo, who joins two- time Johnny Warren Medallist Thomas Broich as a Roar hall- of- farmer, won three of his five A- League titles with Brisbane and made 170 appearances in all competitions for the Queenslanders.
“It is great to be able to highlight the significant achievements of individuals, but we mustn’t forget the hard work of the collective group that makes our club so strong,” Aloisi said.
“Congratulations to all our 2017- 18 award winners.”
Departing Italian striker Massimo Maccarone, who scored 10 goals in all competitions for the Roar, including nine in the A- League, was awarded the Golden Boot.
Young left back Connor O’Toole was named Breakthrough Player of the Year for his impressive season.
The Roar’s W- League players were also recognised for their efforts with American midfielder Celeste Boureille winning the Player of the Year award.
And 48 hours after winning the Julie Dolan Medal for her excellent season, women’s captain Clare Polkinghorne took home Brisbane’s Players’ Player of the Season prize.
Strike duo Allira Toby and Abbey Lloyd were also winners, with Toby’s five goals earning her the women’s Golden Boot award, and Lloyd claiming the women’s breakthrough honour.
“Well done to all of tonight’s award winners,” Brisbane W- League coach Mel Andreatta said.
“It was a wonderful season and I’m proud of the pride, passion and dedication all our Roar women players and staff have shown.
“It is an honour to be part of such a successful football club and we can’t wait for season 2018- 19.”