Veteran midfielder Steven McGarry has won three awards at Perth Glory’s annual awards night including being named player of the season.
Veteran midfielder Steven McGarry has won three awards at Perth Glory’s annual awards night including being named player of the season.
McGarry was crowned the 2013 Most Glorious Player (MGP), while also picking up the players’ player of the year award and the goal of the year prize for his stunning strike in a 1-0 victory over Brisbane Roar in December.
The 33-year-old Scotsman was named MGP after accumulating 22 votes throughout the 2012/13 A-League season, finishing three ahead of Scott Jamieson, and McGarry was clearly surprised to have won the award.
“It’s pretty unbelievable, I honestly didn’t expect it,” McGarry said after the awards night on Friday.
“It’s my first award from Perth Glory and to walk away with three awards, including the big one is a great feeling.
“Looking back, I thought that I had a really consistent season and was lucky enough to stay away from injury.
“I played most of the games so that put me in good stead for it.
“It’s a career highlight to win the most valued player award especially with Perth Glory because it’s a club I’m pretty fond of so it’s really special.”
The former Motherwell midfielder played 27 of Perth’s 28 matches this season, including 26 starts, while scoring three goals.
McGarry showed a lot of versatility in his fourth season with the Glory, having started the campaign playing as an attacking midfielder under ex-manager Ian Ferguson, before finishing it in a defensive midfield role, covering for injured captain Jacob Burns.
Perth Glory head coach Alistair Edwards, who took over from Ferguson for the last seven rounds of the season, was full of praise for McGarry.
“In the short time I have been at the club, Steve’s contribution to the team’s playing performance has been immense, his versatility is a major plus for the club”, Edwards said.
“Steve is highly respected by the playing group and everyone associated with the club.
“He also has a highly infectious jovial attitude which alongside his outstanding playing performances and winner mentality provides the club and football in Western Australia with a valuable asset moving forward.”
Travis Dodd was named Clubman of the Year, outgoing midfielder Liam Miller picked up the Volunteers’ Player award, while Josh Risdon was selected by Perth’s supporters as their best player of the season.
Shane Smeltz claimed the Golden Boot award with seven goals, while Riley Woodcock (National Youth League Player of the Year) and Aivi Luik (W-League Player of the Year) also received accolades.
