The Winner is… (#FTSAwards)
Season 2012/13 has now finished so what better time to announce the winners of our inaugural season. Over the last two weeks we have asked our followers to vote in the #FTSAwards and the results are now in.
Player of the Year – Shinji Ono (Western Sydney Wanderers)
The Japanese International was a clear winner in this category and beat the likes of Rojas, Del Piero and McGlinchey. Ono was paramount in the success of the Wanderers and an important part of the Premiership success. Fans will be very pleased Ono has decided to stay in Australia for at least one more season. Games Played: 26 Goals Scored: 8
Coach of the Season – Tony Popovic (Western Sydney Wanderers)
The quality of coaching we have at A-League level currently is very solid. There were three or four that could have won the award, but once again a clear winner. Tony Popovic took a squad of 25 players who had never played together, some who had already been rejected at A-League level and turned them into the phenomenon that was The Wanderers. No person in their wildest dream could have predicted a Premiers plate and a grand final reason, but this happened; and Tony Popovic was a major part of this.
Moment of the Season – Wanderers clinch Premiers plate
On a wet Friday evening over 7000 Western Sydney fans made the trek to Newcastle to see their team write history into the new archives of the club history. Once Mark Bridge slotted his second goal on the 33’ the RBB went into party mode and ‘Who do we Sing for’ was sung with the most gusto it had been, ever. Sure the Premiers plate wasn’t on hand to be presented to the winning team at the final whistle, but at least the fans were; What a night!
Goal of the Season – Shniji Ono (Vs Melbourne Victory)
What a special goal, no reason for me to describe it. Here it is…
Keeper of the Season – Ante Covic (Western Sydney Wanderers)
Released by Melbourne Victory at the conclusion of last season Covic found himself without a club but I’m sure he wasn’t too worried. The player of the season at Victory had been outstanding the previous season and prospective employers would be pounding the door down to win his signature. Western Sydney won the race, and signed the premier shot stopper and as they say the rest is history. Covic saved 4 for 4 penalties during the season (McBreen scored in the final) and combined with Topor-Stanley and Beauchamp to become the best defence in the league.
Match Previewer of the Season – Eric Berry (Western Sydney Wanderers)
Eric has made his reports legendary, and found himself writing articles for the Parramatta Advertiser and was even heard on the favourite channel of most bingo halls, Sydney’s 2GB. All our match reviewers have struck a chord with football fans across the country (and across the ditch). The site cannot thank our regular contributors enough; they’re the backbone of the site and a wonderful addition to the site.
Favourite A-League player on twitter – @10Archie & @jarradtyson
Both players have taken to twitter like a duck to water. Jarrod Tyson uses the twitter to engage with his fellow supporters and there is not too many requests that go unnoticed his loyal fans. Archie Thompson gives us a tremendous insight to both the Victory and Socceroos camps. Archie isn’t afraid to hit back at criticism from fans which usually results in twitter gold.
Team of the Season (Selected by ‘From the Stands’ team)
COVIC
TRAORE TOPOR-STANLEY SAINSBURY FRANJIC
MCGLINCHEY MILLIGAN ROJAS ONO
DEL PIERO MCBREEN
The Western Sydney Wanderers cleaned up in the first edition of the #FTSAwards and this reflects both the incredible debut season and our large Wanderers supporter base.
To all the fans who follow us on Twitter, Facebook or just have a passing glance on our site Thank you for all your support throughout the season. To those who have contributed, RT’ed or played any part in our first season it has been great to see the site grow throughout the season through the many passionate fans we have following our game.
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