Ben Sigmund made Wellington Phoenix history on Tuesday night after being named the club’s player of the year for a second time.
Ben Sigmund made Wellington Phoenix history on Tuesday night after being named the club’s player of the year for a second time.
The popular defender took home four awards in all, winning the players’ player, the media player and members’ player gongs as well.
The 31-year-old was the first player to be named player of the year twice after winning the same award last season.
Sigmund’s heart-on-the-sleeve and never-say-die attitude played a huge part in getting the Phoenix to the playoffs for the third successive time.
He also scored some crucial goals too – the match-winner against Perth in December and Wellington’s second in the 3-2 elimination final win against Sydney last month.
Just how important he has been to the team was no better illustrated than in the minor semi-final against Perth Glory when injury forced him off midway through the second half and a 2-1 lead evaporated and the Phoenix went on to lose 3-2 in extra time.
Paul Ifill won the golden boot and Tim Brown goal of the year which prevented a Sigmund clean sweep.
Ifill was the club’s top scorer with eight goals this season, despite missing several games through injury.
Brown’s award was reward for his stunning long-range volley against Sydney FC which caught Liam Reddy off his line in round eight. It was a fitting farewell for the midfielder, who has retired from football and will head to Britain to pursue his studies.
