Despite failing to take home the Johnny Warren Medal for his dazzling footwork, and quality forward play in the 2014-15 season, Melbourne Victory’s star winger Fahid Ben Khalfallah has taken out the Victory Medal for the player of the season.
The Tunisian star signing totalled five goals and 11 assists in his debut season in Australia and takes out the award on the back of a sublime season which has seen him become a strong fans favourite.
He took out the award on 43 points, with Matthieu Delpierre (38) and Besart Berisha (37) coming in second and third place respectively.
On his successful season, Khalfallah said, “I’m very proud, I’m very happy. All my teammates deserve a trophy – I want to say thank you to my teammates. I want to say thank you to the staff, I think we’re the best team because we have the best staff.”
“I want to finish with these two people, I can’t thank you enough for bringing me here and giving me the opportunity to play in this country. When I first came over, the first thing I asked [Muscat] was can we win the trophy? He said yes, and I trusted him because he’s not only a good coach but a gentlemen.”
He also had kind words to say about departing coaching pair Jean-Paul de Marigny and Steve Mautone, praising their impact on his game, winning over the crowd with his down to earth acceptance speech.
Carl Valeri took out two awards as well as a fourth place finish in the medal (33), for the Players’ Player of the Year as well as the goal of the year for his wonderfully taken half-volley against the Western Sydney Wanderers.
Berisha on the other hand capped a stellar first season in Victory colours with the third place finish, as well as earning the honours of Victory top scorer with 18 goals in all competitions – three in the cup and two in the finals series.
The W-League’s big winner of the night was Amy Jackson, who took out the Women’s Victory Medal for her tenacious performances in the middle of the park in 2014-15.
Jackson – who has been in fine form for Boroondara Eagles during the W-League off-season – added a new string to her bow by adding a goal scoring touch, finishing second top scorer with five goals for the season.
FC Bulleen Lions’ young forward Beattie Goad took out the Young Player of the Year while Canada bound Steph Catley was the choice of her team-mates, taking out the Players’ Player of the Year.
Racheal Quigley capped her first season in Victory colours with a haul of eight goals on her way towards the Victory Golden Boot.
In the Foxtel Youth League, defender and NYL captain Thomas Deng took out the Player of the Year award, while the athletic winger George Howard took home the Victory’s Golden Boot for his nine goals.