Former Western Sydney Wanderers star Nicolas Milanovic has been awarded the prestigious Harry Kewell Medal following a standout Isuzu UTE A-League 2024-25 season.
The award, which recognises the most outstanding under-23 player during the 2024-25 campaign, is voted on by PFA members, with Socceroo Milanovic taking out the award for the first time.
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Scoring 12 goals and registering six assists in 26 games, Milanovic’s excellent form was enough to see him take home the Johnny Warren Medal at the end of the campaign, before capping off a memorable season with a lucrative transfer to Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen.
Furthermore, Milanovic’s impressive campaign saw him capped by CommBank Socceroos head coach Tony Popovic for the first time, as he made his international debut for Australia during their 1-0 win over New Zealand in September.
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“To be named the Harry Kewell medallist is an honour that’s up there with the best I’ve had,” said Milanovic after receiving the award.
“Even to get nominated, I was pretty surprised (but) actually winning is such a huge thing, especially voted by your peers.
“I think that makes it a bit extra special. I think individual medals are great. To be recognised as one of the better players at my age proves to yourself that you can do it.”
He continued: “He (Harry Kewell) was one of my idols growing up. I play a similar position as him, so he was always, as a kid, one of the guys like him, Tim Cahill, and some of these big, big, huge players were idols for young boys that (dreamed of becoming) Socceroos.
“So to have a medal in his name is, personally to me, it’s hard to comprehend that, but it’s special. So I’m really grateful for it.”
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In an Isuzu UTE A-League season where young talents often stole the headlines, Milanovic polled highest in the votes, seeing off competition from Kasey Bos, Noah Botic, Adrian Segecic, Ryan Teague, and Archie Goodwin, all of whom have now sealed moves overseas.
Milanovic is now the 15th recipient of the Harry Kewell Medal and joins the likes of Alex Paulsen (2024), Jordan Bos (2023), Denis Genreau (2022), Connor Metcalfe (2021), Liberato Cacace (2020), Chris Ikonomidis (2019), Daniel Arzani (2018), Alex Gersbach (2017), Jamie Maclaren (2016), Mat Ryan (2015, 2014, 2012) Marco Rojas (2013), Robbie Kruse (2011), Mitch Langerak (2010) and Nikita Rukavytsya (2009).
The PFA Footballer of the Year Awards have been awarded annually since 2009, when former Socceroo Tim Cahill won the inaugural PFA Men’s Footballer of the Year.
The PFA Women’s Footballer of the Year was introduced the following season, which was won by Servet Uzunlar in 2010.
