Midfielder Aaron Mooy has collected three top honours at the Melbourne City FC Player of the Year awards night on Tuesday evening, following a standout first season with the Club.
Mooy was awarded the Golden Boot, Etihad Supporters’ Player of the Year and the Player of the Year at the event, held at the Grand Hyatt in Melbourne.
Former Irish international Damien Duff won the Clubman Award for his contribution both on and off the field, while Phil Petreski was crowned the National Youth League Player of the Year.
Mooy made 27 appearances for City during the Hyundai A-League 2014/15 season, missing just one match – the Club’s Round 24 win over Brisbane Roar while on international duty – during a season in which he established himself as the team’s pre-eminent performer in midfield.
The 24-year-old found the back of the net seven times this season and made eight assists for his teammates – the only player in the A-League to top both categories for his club – on his way to City’s Golden Boot award.
Mooy ended the season having contributed to 47 per cent of City’s season goals, led the entire A-League for balls into the penalty area, completed crosses, completed through balls and shot assists, while defensively he was second in the competition for effective tackles.
The Sydney-born midfielder also topped the league in total crosses (250) and chances created (92), earning him widespread praise and Fox Sports’ Alex Tobin Award.
Testament to his form, Mooy was also rewarded by Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou with a call up for international friendlies against Germany and Macedonia in March this year.
Melbourne City FC Head Coach John van’t Schip said Mooy’s hard work, commitment and ability made him a deserving winner.
“We knew Aaron’s capacity and potential and this is one of the reasons we wanted him at the Club in the first place; we knew what he could offer us,” van’t Schip said.
“What he has achieved with us this year is credit to his hard work and professionalism. His creativity is evident from the amount of goals he has scored and set up this season and his defensive work sets a great example to everyone in the team.
“After his first season, Aaron has demonstrated what a quality player he is and has been invaluable for us. On behalf of everyone at the Club, we congratulate Aaron on these achievements.”
The Clubman Award was presented to Damien Duff for his work both on and off the field, which embodies the spirit, character and values of the Club.
Duff played 15 matches for Melbourne City FC before injury ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign in February. However, the winger remained a key part of the Club’s culture during his rehabilitation at the City Football Academy.
Midfielder Massimo Murdocca received the La Trobe University Education Award, presented to the player who has demonstrated a willingness to learn and develop their skills outside of football. Murdocca is currently undertaking a exercise and sports science degree in between his football commitments.
The Club’s Operations Coordinator Luke Wyman was awarded the Employee of the Year, while Travis Davidson won the Westpac Volunteer of the Year award, which seeks to acknowledge the effort of the volunteer whose commitment to Melbourne City FC is indispensable to the organisation.
2014/15 Awards Summary
Player of the Year: Aaron Mooy
Golden Boot: Aaron Mooy (7 goals)
Etihad Supporters’ Player of the Year: Aaron Mooy
Clubman Award: Damien Duff
Employee of the Year: Luke Wyman
La Trobe University Educational Award: Massimo Murdocca
NYL Player of the Year: Phil Petreski
NYL Coach’s Award: Hernan Espindola
Westpac Volunteer of the Year: Travis Davidson
