Melbourne Heart FC goalkeeper Clint Bolton has capped off a stellar season by claiming back-to-back Player of the Year awards at tonight’s gala event at Federation Square.
Melbourne Heart FC goalkeeper Clint Bolton has capped off a stellar season by claiming back-to-back Player of the Year awards at tonight-s gala event at Federation Square.
Following a milestone campaign highlighted by the 36-year old climbing to second on the all-time Australian national league appearances list and earning selection to the PFA-s A-League Team of the Year, Bolton-s remarkable consistency saw him claim the prize ahead of a top five featuring Eli Babalj, Mate Dugandzic, Fred and Michael Marrone.
Outgoing head coach John van ‘t Schip said Bolton, who produced seven clean sheets in 29 appearances, was a deserved recipient of the Player of the Year award, which seeks to recognise consistency and excellence throughout the Hyundai A-League season.
“Clint-s professionalism and thorough approach to match day preparation and training has allowed him to perform at an elite level for an incredibly long time,” van ‘t Schip said.
“Throughout the season, Clint was called upon time and time again to produce key saves and guide our defence, which is among the key reasons we were able to qualify for the Finals Series.
“On behalf of everyone at the Club, we congratulate Clint on his achievement and the consistency he has now demonstrated across two seasons.”
Awarded to the individual who recorded the highest cumulative performance rating during the season, the Player of the Year is the ultimate accolade for a member of the Heart squad.
At the conclusion of each match, participating players received a rating from the Heart coaching staff, with the best 18 scores across the season calculated before contributing to an overall aggregate total.
The Player of the Year wasn-t the only prize distributed on the evening, with Bolton and Fred named co-winners of the Supporters Player of the Year and Eli Babalj recipient of the John Aloisi Golden Boot for leading goal scorer.
The Clubman Award, which honours the player who has best embodied the spirit, character and values of the Club, both on and off the field was awarded to Aziz Behich.
Sponsorship Account Manager Rebecca May was the recipient of the Chairman-s Award, which recognises the staff member whose work has best reflected the ethos of the Club.
With over 200 volunteers donating their time to Heart throughout the season, the Volunteer of the Year award is a prize of particular significance, recognising the contribution of an individual who has made an indelible impact throughout the season.
This year, the prize was awarded to Peter Bradley for his tireless work in orchestrating small sided games and half time activities on match day.
2011/12 Awards Summary
Player of the Year – Clint Bolton
Supporters Player of the Year – Clint Bolton and Fred (co-winners)
John Aloisi Golden Boot Award – Eli Babalj
Clubman Award – Aziz Behich
Chairman-s Award – Rebecca May
Volunteer of the Year – Peter Bradley
