Melbourne City FC named its Player of the Year at the Imperial Hotel in Melbourne on Saturday, with Yukari Kinga, Lauren Barnes and Jasmyne Spencer taking out the top accolades.
As City missed out on the 2018/19 Westfield W-League finals series through goal difference, the Club’s players and staff came together to recognise the season that was. The three-time champions faced a tough season due to injuries and player unavailability, yet still displayed some of the best football that the league has seen.
Kinga, 34, was instrumental in the middle of the park this season, playing 11 of a possible 12 matches. After another standout season in City blue, the Japanese veteran was crowned the 2018/19 Player of the Year.
- The World Cup winner scored three goals, registered one assist and played 11 key passes while anchoring the midfield.
- The Japanese import averaged a pass percentage accuracy of 81.2 per cent throughout the season, rarely giving the ball away.
Last season’s Player of the Year, Barnes, was awarded with the Coaches Award after another exceptionally consistent season in the heart of City’s defence.
- The American central defender played all 12 league matches this season, where she helped fill the void of the absence of captain Steph Catley and defender Rebekah Stott in the early stages of the season by guiding those around her.
- The 29-year-old was not only exceptional in her defensive duties but also with the ball at her feet. Barnes registered 31 clearances, six blocks and 27 interceptions, while also averaging a highly impressive pass percentage ratio of 88.4 per cent pass success.
- Barnes finished the regular season leading the competition for passes made.
American import Spencer claimed the Golden Boot award after netting four goals in her debut season in City blue.
- Spencer played 11 matches this season, where she notched three goals on her right foot and one on her left from outside the area.
- The 28-year-old played an important role in City’s attacking third, making 19 key attacking passes.
