It’s been Glory’s best season to date in the Hyundai A-League era, which makes predicting the winner of the 2018/19 QBE Most Glorious Player Award a tricky task.
Diego Castro is among the favourites to win what would be his third MGP after sweeping up Fox Sports’ Alex Tobin Medal, but ‘Él Maestro’ faces stiff competition from a number of other players who have been similarly influential in the club’s Premiership triumph.
So we collated all 27 Hyundai A-League Team of the Season stats to see who is in the frame and here’s what we found:
The leaders: Jason Davidson & Diego Castro (8 selections)
Davidson: R1, 2, 3, 11, 18, 19, 22, 27
Castro: R7, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27
According to Team of the Week selections, Jason Davidson and Diego Castro stand as the two favourites for the Most Glorious Player Award.
Davidson’s pace, industry and quality delivery from the left flank have established him as a firm fans’ favourite, while creator Castro is widely considered one of the league’s greatest ever imports.
Right behind the leading pack: Neil Kilkenny (7 selections)
R4, 5, 10, 11, 16, 18, 24
Just one short Davidson and Castro, Neil Kilkenny has been in superb form this year. The 2011 AFC Asian Cup Socceroo leads the club’s stats for assists and has also contributed six goals.
He’s won club honours at Melbourne City previously; can he repeat that feat with Glory on Tuesday?
The Golden Boot: Andy Keogh (5 selections)
R1, 3, 4, 19, 27
Could goals decide the Most Glorious Player this season?
Andy Keogh broke Glory’s Hyundai A-League record this season with 15 goals in 26 matches for the club and was duly recognised throughout the season for his contribution. His work-rate off the ball and movement in the box cannot be overlooked either.
Clutch moments: Chris Ikonomidis (4 selections)
No one can forget Chris Ikonomidis’ Round 2 and Round 5 stoppage-time heroics against Melbourne Victory and Central Coast Mariners.
The Socceroo has also created several key goals and regularly tormented opposition defences with his pace and direct approach.
Could he mark his debut season in purple by taking out the MGP?
Unsung heroes: Shane Lowry (4) and Liam Reddy (3)
Lowry: R2, 17, 22, 25
Reddy: R2, 6, 8
Both players were impressive throughout the regular season as key components of the league’s tightest defence.
Lowry is the current MGP Award holder and Reddy has claimed the Golden Gloves this year, so could they come into the mix?
Other Team of the Week selections this season
Tomi Mrcela (1) – R8
Fabio Ferreira (1) – R10
Ivan Franjic (1) – R13
Dino Djulbic (1) – R15
Juande (1) – R22
Matthew Spiranovic (1) – R24
#OneMission #OneGlory
