The honours continue to stack up for Westfield Matildas skipper Sam Kerr, who was named Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) Women’s Footballer of the Year on Thursday night.
It’s the third year in a row Kerr has taken out the prestigious award and fourth overall (2013, 2017 and 2018).
The 26-year-old won from a star-studded pool of nominees including Westfield Matildas teammates Alanna Kennedy, Caitlin Foord and Hayley Raso.
“It’s a really proud moment. I count this as one of the best awards to win, one that is voted on by your peers and to receive it with this bunch of girls is an amazing feeling because I respect them very much and I feel really honoured and lucky,” Kerr said.
“Everyone knows this is a team sport and this doesn’t happen without your teammates. I feel very lucky to be part of the Matildas at this time, I feel like it is the best generation of girls coming through.
“There is a lot of hard work and sacrifice that went into it, so it was nice to have mum and dad there who have been through all of it.”
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It’s another accolade in what has been a huge few months for the Australian captain.
Kerr was named the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) MVP in the United States, as well as taking out the Golden Boot for the third year in a row with a record-breaking 19-goal haul.
She also led the Westfield Matildas at June’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in France - scoring five goals in four matches – while she was one of 20 nominees in the running to claim the prestigious Ballon d’Or.
Kerr wasn’t the only award winner on the night, with Australia teammate and Canberra United defender Karly Roestbakken voted by her peers as the PFA Young Women’s Footballer of the Year.
Roestbakken was also named the inaugural Collette McCallum medallist, a new award presented to an Australian player at youth international level who exemplifies exceptional standards, commitment and courage while representing their country.
“I feel very honoured to receive both of these awards. It is amazing to see the recognition that females are getting today for their hard work and talent, so to be able to be on the receiving end of these awards means a lot to me,” Roestbakken said.
“To be the first recipient of the Collette McCallum Medal is honestly an incredible feeling and something I am very proud of. Thank you to everyone who voted for me and has supported me so far, you guys are awesome.”
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