A-League: Riley McGree wins Adelaide United’s player-of-the-season award
Riley McGree became Adelaide United’s youngest ever winner of the Aurelio Vidmar Club Champion award after a standout season.
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Riley McGree has become the youngest winner of Adelaide United’s player-of-the-season award.
The 21-year-old midfielder was named the Aurelio Vidmar Club Champion at the Reds’ virtual presentation ceremony on Thursday.
“I’m extremely proud to win this award given some of the great players that have won it previously,” said McGree, who scored a club-high 10 goals and had five assists in 23 A-League appearances this season.
“To be the youngest-ever player at the club to achieve this is also incredibly special and humbling and I guess the reward of hard work.
“I want to thank my family and my teammates for allowing me to play to the best of my ability.”
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While unhappy with the Reds’ failure to play finals football, McGree was confident of there were better times ahead.
“In the end it was a difficult season and disappointing we could not make finals. However, the club’s future looks really promising with so many young, talented players coming through,” the former Melbourne City and Newcastle Jets player said.
McGree’s teammate Paul Izzo won the players’ players award for his good season in between the posts. The goalkeeper was named members’ player of the season.
Young midfielder Louis D’Arrigo received Adelaide’s rising star award in a season which included 21 A-League appearances.
American winger Mallory Weber was named the Reds’ W-League player of the season and also won the players’ player award.
“I’m honoured and really appreciative,” said Weber, who scored four goals in 11 games.
“When I first arrived in Adelaide, from day one I immediately felt welcomed and a part of the team.
“While it was a frustrating season as a collective because I believed the results didn’t reflect our performances, I still really enjoyed my time in Australia and I’d like to thank (coach) Ivan Karlović and the club for the opportunity.”
Chelsie Dawber was named Adelaide’s W-League rising star.
Lachlan Brook and Taras Gomulka shared were Youth player of the season honours.
Originally published as A-League: Riley McGree wins Adelaide United’s player-of-the-season award