Melbourne striker Archie Thompson has put a nightmare week behind him to claim the Victory Medal as the club’s best player for season 2009/10.
Thompson ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in last Saturday’s Grand Final loss to Sydney and is set to miss at least nine months of football.
To add to a shocking night, Thompson watched on as his team lost to Sydney on penalties.
But he was recognised for his outstanding contribution to the club during the season by winning his second Victory Medal on Friday night at the club’s annual awards night in Melbourne.
Melbourne coach Ernie Merrick, who admitted earlier in the week that he had been rocked by Thompson’s injury, paid tribute to his marquee striker saying this season was Thompson’s best at the club.
“Archie’s had his best season yet for Melbourne Victory,” Merrick said. “When he arrived in season one he was a terrific player, but he has continued to develop and is now a quality goal scorer, provider, creator and ball winner.”
“He has improved enormously and the consistency of his performances made him a worthy winner of the Victory Medal.”
“Personally, his injury is an enormous setback, but I’m sure he’ll return bigger and stronger than ever.”
He joins Kevin Muscat and Danny Allsopp as only the third player to win the award more than once.
In other awards, Costa Rican Carlos Hernandez received the Players’ Player of the Year and SEN TAC Player of the Year, as well as the club’s Golden Boot for his 13 goals in 2009/10.
Robbie Kruse was named the Young Player of the Year, while Matthew Kemp, who is also overcoming a recent knee reconstruction, won Clubman of the Year.
