Another name will be added to Melbourne Victory’s honour roll when the 2016/17 Victory Medal, proudly presented by Bluestar Global Logistics, is awarded on Saturday night.
For the Victory Medal, head coach Kevin Muscat and assistant coach Jean-Paul de Marigny have independently assessed each Hyundai A-League match and voted on a 3-2-1 basis.
The Victory Medal is awarded to the player who polls the highest number of votes throughout the season. Should two or more players tie, the award will be shared.
The 2016/17 Victory Medal, proudly presented by Bluestar Global Logistics, will be streamed live and free at melbournevictory.com.au from 7.20pm on Saturday night.
Take a look at some of the favourites in the running to win the 2016/17Â Victory Medal.
Alan Baro
Appearances:Â 26
Completed passes:Â 1252
Clearances:Â 148
In his first season at Victory, Spanish defender Baro became a regular at centre-back after settling in well. The 31-year-old was consistent as part of the league’s second best defence and took his performances to another level again during the Finals Series.
Besart Berisha
Appearances:Â 28
Goals:Â 21
Assists:Â 4
Berisha put together yet another strong season, matching his highest Hyundai A-League goals tally with 21. The Kosovo international shared the Golden Boot before building on his reputation as arguably the best big-game player in the country with goals in the Semi Final and Grand Final.
Leigh Broxham
Appearances:Â 29
Completed passes:Â 1172
Clearances:Â 77
Broxham once again showcased his versatility in 2016/17, shifting capably from full-back positions to midfield. Another consistent campaign saw Broxham also make a record-breaking 225th Hyundai A-League appearance for the club, ending the season on 237.
Marco Rojas
Appearances:Â 25
Goals:Â 12
Assists:Â 11
The New Zealand international lit up the competition with his performances, particularly early in the season. His 11 assists were an equal-high across the league as he starred in his first season back at Victory after a stint abroad.
Lawrence Thomas
Appearances: 28Â
Saves: 95Â
Clean sheets: 8
In his first full season as Victory’s first-choice goalkeeper, Thomas impressed and his 95 saves were a Hyundai A-League-high. He produced numerous important stops, leading a Victory side which conceded just 32 league goals all season.
James Troisi
Appearances:Â 26
Goals:Â 6
Assists:Â 6
Part of one of the best attacking thirds in the league, Troisi was a strong performer in the number 10 role. The Caltex Socceroo terrorised opposition defences at will, his touch, movement and combination with Rojas and Berisha causing problems regularly.
Carl Valeri
Appearances: 27
Completed passes: 1271
The Victory captain led by example in midfield throughout the campaign. A calming influence, Valeri impressed in his deep role, whether retaining possession and dictating the tempo, or breaking up opposition attacks.
