Western Sydney Wanderers’ Sophie Harding wins 2023/24 Julie Dolan Medal as all award winners named

Western Sydney Wanderers striker Sophie Harding has won the Julie Dolan Medal, first year coach named league’s best as all A-League W awards are revealed. See all the winners HERE.

Western Sydney Wanderers forward Sophie Harding is following in the footsteps of Sam Kerr, Michelle Heyman and Claire Polkinghorne- winning the Julie Dolan Medal.

Harding, 24, had a standout season with the Wanderers scoring 12 goals and registering four assists in the regular season- a new club record for most goals scored in a season.

Her efforts almost landed Wanderers in the finals series- finishing the season seventh, on equal points with Newcastle Jets.

Harding’s efforts on the pitch even impressed Matilda’s coach Tony Gustavsson- called in to her first national camp for the Olympic qualifiers against Uzbekistan.

She is just the second player from Western Sydney Wanderers to be awarded the prestigious medal- with American Kristen Hamilton the first in 2019-20.

Western Sydney Wanderers’ Sophie Harding has been awarded the 2023/24 Julie Dolan Medal. Picture: Getty Images

With the traditional awards ceremony scrapped by the APL- Harding was presented the medal at half time of the A-League's Women’s grand final between Melbourne City and Sydney FC.

City’s teenage sensation Daniela Galic was named the Young Footballer of the year.

The 17-year-old scored 7 goals and registered six assists this season. The Young Matilda’s even earned a senior call up as a training partner.

Daniela Galic of Melbourne City has been named the A—League’s Women’s Young Footballer of the Year. Picture: Getty Images

Central Coast Mariners’ coach Emily Husband was named Coach of the Year. The season was Husband’s first as a head coach in the A-League and she took the league’s newest team through to the semi-finals- an incredible feat.

Perth Glory’s keeper Morgan Aquino won Goalkeeper of the Year. She had an impressive year between the sticks making 129 saves- 34 more than her closest rival.

Mariners coach Emily Husband has been dubbed the 2023/24 A-League's’ Women’s Coach of the Year. Picture: Getty Images

Canberra United striker Michelle Heyman won the Golden Boot with her 17 goals. While Canberra didn’t get to play finals Heyman had a great season which saw her recalled to the Matildas’ to take the injured Sam Kerr’s spot. She also became the first player to score 100 goals in the league.

Goal of the Year went to Newcastle Jets captain Cassidy Davis for her long range shot against Western Sydney Wanderers in Round 3.

Cassidy Davis celebrating what would end up as Goal of the Year. Picture: Getty Images.

Wellington Phoenix’s Alyssa Whinham won the playmaker of the year award and her teammate Brianna Edwards took out Save of the Year.

Fellow Phoenix player Mariana Speckmaier was named Fan Player of the Year.

A-League's Commissioner, Nick Garcia said it had been a record breaking year for the league.

“These award winners represent an incredible group of footballers and role models who have contributed immensely to a memorable season and continue to inspire the next generation of fans, players, coaches and referees in our sport,” Garcia said.

“It’s fitting to acknowledge this group in Female Football Week and with fans in our showpiece event of the year. We congratulate them on their hard work, dedication and success, and we look forward to seeing them continue to grow alongside women’s football in the years to come.”

Originally published as Western Sydney Wanderers’ Sophie Harding wins 2023/24 Julie Dolan Medal as all award winners named