Westfield Matildas defensive duo take out the prizes at the PFA Players’ Awards.
Voted on by their fellow players, vice captain Steph Catley has claimed her first PFA Women’s Footballer of the Year, with Ellie Carpenter awarded the Young Footballer of the Year.
Catley was rewarded for another exceptional season for club and country as she once again led her Melbourne City side to a Premiers Plate-Championship double in the Westfield W-League.
The defender played in every game of the season and even scored Melbourne City’s lone goal in their Grand Final win over Sydney FC.
The 26-year-old is now plying her trade with Arsenal in the FA WSL.
Edging out Westfield Matildas team mate Sam Kerr and fellow national team and Melbourne City player Emily van Egmond for the award, Catley was full of praise for her team mates and modest about the honour.
“It’s an absolutely incredible feeling and very unexpected, especially being nominated alongside Sam [Kerr] and Emily [Van Egmond] who have both had incredible seasons.” Catley said.
It’s very humbling and there’s no better award then being recognised by your teammates; that definitely hits home and it’s a proud moment for me for sure.”
It was double the delight for Melbourne City with Catley’s team mate Ellie Carpenter taking out the PFA Young Footballer of the Year award.
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Another player who has stood up and delivered in the green and gold of Australia and the light blue of Melbourne City, this is Carpenter’s first PFA award.
She played in every game of this Westfield W-League season, contributing two goals to her side’s double winning heroics.
Beating out fellow young guns Kyra Cooney-Cross and last year’s winner Karly Roestbakken, the 20-year-old has made the move abroad signing for European powerhouse Olympique Lyon.
“I’m so happy to win the PFA Young Women's footballer of the year award. I have had such a great time playing football over the past 12 months and have been fortunate enough to be supported by my very talented teammates.” Carpenter said.