Canberra United’s Ellie Carpenter enhanced her reputation as an emerging star by scooping the Westfield W-League’s NAB Young Footballer of the Year honour at Monday night’s Dolan Warren Awards.
She follows in the footsteps of Westfield Matildas team-mate Larissa Crummer and fellow teenager Remy Siemsen in snaring one of Australian football’s most prestigious accolades.
“It’s definitely a huge honour to receive this award,” said Carpenter.
“I’d like to thank my club, Canberra United, my coach Heather Garriock, and my team mates. I couldn’t have done it without you guys.
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Congratulations to @CanberraUnited's @CarpenterEllie, who is the @WLeague @NAB Young Footballer of the Year. #DolanWarren pic.twitter.com/IV9BIcEzga
— Liberty A-League (@aleaguewomen) April 30, 2018
Having moved from Western Sydney Wanderers in the off-season, Carpenter quickly established herself as a player of immense value to Canberra United.
Her immediate impact on Heather Garriock’s side was recognised with the club’s Player of the Year award, won for a standout season in which the Canberra boss described her as a “born leader”.
This latest tribute comes as no surprise.
Carpenter was a rock for Canberra throughout the 2017/18 Season, contesting over 100 hundred duels and making 15 clearances.
Her versatility was a feature, too, as the 18-year-old regularly stepped into midfield, which resulted in a fine return of two goals, two assists and nine chances created.
No other Canberra player managed double figures in both goals and assists, suggesting the 21-time Australia international could be set for a more permanent stay further afield.
Regardless of her position, there can be no doubt over the bright club and international future of the newest NAB Young Footballer of the Year.
