Perth Glory midfielder Steven McGarry has crowned off a wonderful season, winning three awards including the most prestigious prize, the 2013 Most Glorious Player at last night’s gala event at Challenge Stadium.
Perth Glory midfielder Steven McGarry has crowned off a wonderful season, winning three awards including the most prestigious prize, the 2013 Most Glorious Player at last night’s gala event at Challenge Stadium.
In front of more than 500 guests, McGarry polled 22 votes to win the MGP by just 3 votes from left full-back Scott Jamieson in a thrilling count.
“It’s pretty unbelievable, I honestly didn’t expect it. It’s my first award from Perth Glory and to walk away with three awards, including the big one is a great feeling.” McGarry said
“Looking back, I thought that I had a really consistent season and was lucky enough to stay away from injury. I played most of the games so that put me in good stead for it.
“It’s a career highlight to win the most valued player award especially with Perth Glory because it’s a club I’m pretty fond of so it’s really special.”
Perth Glory coach Alistair Edwards was full of praise for the versatile midfielder acknowledging McGarry’s stellar season.
“In the short time I have been at the club, Steve’s contribution to the team’s playing performance has been immense, his versatility is a major plus for the club”, Edwards said.
“Steve is highly respected by the playing group and everyone associated with the club.
“He also has a highly infectious jovial attitude which alongside his outstanding playing performances and winner mentality provides the club and football in Western Australia with a valuable asset moving forward.”
McGarry, 33 years old, missed just one game this season and scored three vital goals, including a stunning strike against Brisbane Roar back in December 2012.
That goal against the Roar was judged the ‘Goal of the year’, a new award that is chosen by Perth Glory Chairman Tony Sage.
To cap a sensational season for the Scottish star, McGarry was also voted the Players’ Player of the year by his fellow teammates.
Dashing full-back Josh Risdon, midfielder Liam Miller and forwards Shane Smeltz and Travis Dodd were also award winners on the night.
Risdon claimed the Supporters’ Player of the year, Miller was voted the Volunteers’ Player of the year, Smeltz won QBE’s Golden Boot award while Travis Dodd was also recognized for his his outstanding efforts on and off the field, taking out the Clubman of the year.
Perth Glory’s Youth team and W-League side were also part of the club’s night of nights with Riley Woodcock and Aivi Luik winning major awards.
Woodcock, who signed a professional contract with the club late in the season was named NYL Player of the year while Luik, a Westfield Matilda was awarded the W-League Player of the year.
2012/13 Award winners
Most Glorious Player: Steven McGarry
Players’ Player: Steven McGarry
Clubman of the year: Travis Dodd
Volunteers’ Player: Liam Miller
Supporters’ Player: Josh Risdon
Golden Boot: Shane Smeltz
Goal of the year: Steven McGarry
NYL Player of the year: Riley Woodcock
W-League Player of the year: Aivi Luik
