Jackson Irvine and Steph Catley acknowledged by fellow players in winning PFA awards

The performances of Jackson Irvine and Steph Catley for their clubs and Australia have earnt them award-winning recognition from their peers.

Matildas captain Steph Catley has won the PFA women’s footballer of the year award. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

The form of Socceroos midfielder Jackson Irvine and Matildas captain Steph Catley has been recognised by their peers, with the star pair winning PFA footballer of the year awards.

For Arsenal defender Catley, it’s the second time she has won the women’s gong, having also secured the award in 2020, while for Irvine – the captain of German Bundesliga club St. Pauli – it’s his maiden PFA men’s player of the year honour.

“It was a little bit of a surprise,” said Irvine, who is in Socceroos camp ahead of Thursday night’s FIFA World Cup qualifier against China at Adelaide Oval.

“We had so many players that had such incredible seasons last year, who achieved

amazing things, promotions and trophies and some amazing individual seasons as

well.”

Irvine won the award ahead of fellow nominees Mat Ryan, Cam Burgess, Massimo Luongo, Adam Taggart, Josh Nisbet, Brian Kaltak and Tolgay Arslan.

Socceroos midfielder Jackson Irvine has won the PFA men’s player of the year award. Picture: Hector Retamal/AFP

Steph Catley has been similarly recognised by her peers. Picture: Alex Livesey/Getty Images

“Anything voted for by your peers is particularly special and it’s a huge reward for what

has been an amazing year for myself,” said the 31-year-old Melbourne product, who last season led St. Pauli to the German second division championship and promotion.

“The things we achieved as a club were special, but also, I think my performances for

the national team through the Asian Cup and the last 12 months have been some of the

best football of my career.

“I’m very proud of the progress I’ve made in my own career, as well as the help that has

been given to me by my teammates and coaches I’ve worked with, and it has led to me

being able to achieve something like this.”

Catley, 30, helped Arsenal win the English Women’s League Cup and secure third place on the English Women’s Super League ladder.

She also took over the Matildas captaincy from the injured Sam Kerr.

“Receiving this award is a massive honour,” Catley said.

“It’s one of the greatest you can receive as a player because it is peer voted.

“This award reflects my development. For me personally there were many new experiences and new challenges.

“Going into the (2023 Women’s) World Cup, I was thrown into the captaincy and leading

the team at the last minute, which was massive.

“It made me have to think about more things than just my performance, and that

elevated how I was playing and the responsibility I was taking on the field.”

Other nominees for the women’s award included Catley’s Matildas teammates Mackenzie Arnold, Ellie Carpenter, Caitlin Foord, Michelle Heyman, Clare Hunt and Mary Fowler.