Perth Glory Women’s captain Tanya Oxtoby has claimed her second Most Glorious Player award, edging out English import Katie Holtham and Young Matilda Mackenzie Arnold for the award.
Perth Glory Women-s captain Tanya Oxtoby has claimed her second Most Glorious Player award, edging out English import Katie Holtham and Young Matilda Mackenzie Arnold for the award.
The 29-year-old is the only Perth player to have played and captained all 40 matches the team has played in the Westfield W-League and was a fitting winner, according to coach Jamie Harnwell.
“As captain of a young and inexperienced team she had to shoulder a lot of the load on and off the park and rather than detracting from her performance, it acted as a spur to push herself on,” Harnwell said.
“Her leadership and drive on the field was something that held the team together at times and her willingness to put her body on the line stopped a number of goals being conceded.
“Tanya also started many attacks and was always looking to play out from the back - she is a deserved winner.”
Oxtoby was understandably thrilled to claim the team-s top individual prize for best and fairest.
“The season wasn-t as successful as we would have liked from a team point of view, however I-m still extremely proud to have won this award for a second time,” said Oxtoby.
“When I began playing for the Glory, I would have never envisaged having the honour of being the captain, and certainly wouldn-t have ever imagined winning this award once, let alone twice within my career.
“It-s a fantastic honour and it-s something I will hold very close to my heart.”
One of the other major awards presented was the Player-s Player award, which was claimed by Holtham.
The Doncaster Rovers Belles captain played nine matches in season 2010/11 - her first in the Westfield W-League - and won the hearts of teammates and supporters alike with her hardworking and no-nonsense approach to the game.
Glory goalkeeper Arnold, 17, also finished runner-up in the voting for the Player-s Player Award.
“Initially used as a centre half, Katie linked up well with Tanya Oxtoby before being pushed into midfield in the final games where she provided us with a great deal of push and drive through the middle,” commented Harnwell.
“She worked hard and it-s a great tribute to Katie that her fellow players recognised her qualities and awarded her with this trophy.”
The Golden Boot award was claimed by Young Matilda Marianna Tabain, who finished with three goals in a tough season for the Glory.
Tabain rallied hard all year and her outstanding individual performance and goal lead Perth to their memorable Week 11 victory against Newcastle Jets.