Katrina Gorry has been rewarded for her brilliant performances for the Westfield Matildas, shortlisted for the AFC Women’s Asian Player of the Year award.
While Western Sydney Wanderers FC goalkeeper Ante Covic was a shock omission from the men’s category, Gorry is a worthy nomination after a superb 2014 season.
The 22-year-old caught the eye in this year’s Women’s Asian Cup, scoring three goals as the Westfield Matildas made it through to the final against Japan.
The Japanese went on to win the title, with two of their stars – Aya Miyama and Nahomi Kawasumi – the other two candidates to win the prestigious player of the year gong.
Gorry, nicknamed ‘Mini’ due to her small stature, of Brisbane Roar FC in the Westfield W-League also plays for FC Kansas City in America’s National Women’s Soccer League.
While Gorry is a worthy nomination for the women’s award, the snubbing of Covic has caught everyone by surprise.
The 39-year-old goal-keeper was voted player of the AFC Champions League tournament, guiding the Wanderers to an incredible triumph against Al-Hilal with a string of spectacular performances.
But it wasn’t enough to make the short-list with Al Ain’s Ismail Ahmed, Khalfan Ibrahim of Al Sadd and disgraced Al Hilal striker Nassir Al Shamrani – the player who headbutted and spat at Matthew Spiranovic after the ACL final – the three players nominated.
