Away from the bright lights and off a podium on the centre of the AAMI Park pitch, the newly-crowned Julie Dolan Medallist walked into the press box.
Sophie Harding was shaking. Still visibly coming to terms with the highest individual accolade in the Liberty A-League.
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The Western Sydney Wanderers star had just been crowned the competition’s best player for the 2023-24 season. It was not something she had seen coming.
“I actually did not even think I was going to get this award,” Harding told reporters. “I was just standing there, like why am I actually standing here?
“I thought maybe I was getting joint goal of the season or something. I did not think I’d ever, even in my wildest dreams, get this award. It’s crazy.
“I’m shocked I’ve got the award but so grateful and honoured.”
Asked how she would celebrate, Harding said: “Just relaxing with my mum. I brought my mum here. She’s probably passed out in the crowd somewhere. I have to go check her pulse.”
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Harding etched her name in the history books after a breakout campaign, having broken Western Sydney’s individual goalscoring record in the league with 12 goals in 2023-24.
She also earned her maiden international call-up with the Matildas.
“It’s unreal. So many things have come together for me, on and off the pitch. I’ve had so many good chances. I’ve made people around me proud. To get this honour has topped it off,” Harding said.
“Honestly, I’m going to keep doing the little things. This is such a great honour but I don’t want to get too ahead of myself and put pressure on myself for the future. I want to keep doing the little things right.”
It had been a special season for Harding, who previously spoke to aleagues.com.au about the motivation behind her form – her father who sadly passed away more than two years ago.
“That’s why I was crying up there,” she said.
“Honestly, this whole season he’s been at the back of my head. I’ve just wanted to make him proud. I think he’d be so proud up above.”
