Melbourne Heart FC midfielder Richard Garcia has been awarded the Club’s Player of the Year award at tonight’s gala event at Chapel Off Chapel.
Melbourne Heart FC midfielder Richard Garcia has been awarded the Club-s Player of the Year award at tonight-s gala event at Chapel Off Chapel.
Garcia also claimed the fan-voted Supporters Player of the Year and shared the John Aloisi Golden Boot Award with striker Josip Tadic.
The 31-year-old capped off his first season in the Hyundai A-League with a number of standout performances for the Red and White across 24 matches, contributing six goals and four assists.
Garcia was an enthusiastic and energetic presence either in a wide or central midfield role for the Heart and provided a key attacking outlet throughout the campaign.
Garcia, who returned to the Qantas Socceroos fray while in the Red and White, edged out fellow recruit Patrick Gerhardt by 0.5 of a vote.
Heart Head Coach John Aloisi said Garcia was a deserved recipient of the Player of the Year award, which seeks to recognise consistency and excellence throughout the A-League season.
“Richie demonstrated his key qualities on the pitch this season through a number of notable performances,” Aloisi said.
“His experience at an elite level was evident and he provided an important impetus from midfield.
“On behalf of everyone at the Club, we congratulate Richie on his achievement.”
Andrew Redmayne received 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.
Midfielder Paulo Retre was awarded Heart-s National Youth League Player of the Year, while goalkeeper Alastair Bray received the NYL Coach-s Award.
Game Development Officer Josh Bondin and Paul Jeffery, General Manager, Finance, were co-winners of the Chairman-s Award, which recognises the staff member whose work has best reflected the ethos of the Club.
With over 100 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 Daniel Hodgson for his tireless work alongside Team Manager Callum Muirhead during training.
2012/13 Awards Summary
Player of the Year – Richard Garcia
Supporters- Player of the Year – Richard Garcia
John Aloisi Golden Boot Award – Richard Garcia and Josip Tadic (co-winners, six goals each)
Clubman Award – Andrew Redmayne
Chairman-s Award – Paul Jeffrey and Josh Bondin (co-winners)
Volunteer of the Year – Daniel Hodgson
National Youth League Coach-s Award – Alastair Bray
National Youth League Player of the Year – Paulo Retre
