Most Hyundai A-League observers had already etched the name of Adrian Mierzejewski onto the 2017/18 Johnny Warren Medal.
But down in Melbourne, a dynamic Dutchman is making a late run to be crowned the competition’s best player.
Some believe he may even have moved into pole position.
Leroy George has been simply sublime in recent weeks, scoring in three successive games as Victory poured ten goals into the back of Adelaide, Melbourne City and the Mariners’ nets.
But he hasn’t just come from nowhere in March; from the moment George arrived in the Hyundai A-League, he’s caught the eye with his audacious range of skills.
When you check the stats, one stands out above all others.
Leroy George has provided 14 assists for his Victory team-mates this season.
Fourteen.
There is daylight between him and the next best in the competition; in fact, no-one else is even in double figures.
Besart Berisha and Kosta Barbarouses have been the main benefactors of George’s creativity, netting 20 goals between them as Victory get set for another run deep into the finals series.
George also leads Victory in crossing and dribbling and has played more games than anyone else on the roster, including first-team regulars Berisha, Barbarouses, James Troisi, Carl Valeri and Rhys Williams.
Kevin Muscat’s men have three matches to go before the finals, the third of which is a repeat of last year’s showpiece against Sydney FC when George will square off against Mierzejewski and his mates for the third time this season.
While the Jets and Melbourne City will have something to say, there’s every chance the pair will come face-to-face again in the Grand Final in the first weekend in May.
Both have been superb in 2017/18 and each presents a glowing case to have the Johnny Warren Medal around his neck at season’s end.
Adrian looked like a shoe-in not so long ago, but could the Dutchman earn the Hyundai A-League’s highest individual honour?
By George, he just might.
