Melbourne Victory Women star Melissa Barbieri was crowned the inaugural Westfield W-League Goalkeeper of the Year at the Westfield W-League Awards in Sydney yesterday.
Melbourne Victory Women star Melissa Barbieri was crowned the inaugural Westfield W-League Goalkeeper of the Year at the Westfield W-League Awards in Sydney yesterday.
Barbieri lived up to her reputation as Australia-s top goalkeeper and picked up the prestigious award after enjoying a superb season in goals, where she kept five clean sheets.
The Westfield Matilda said she was humbled to receive the award.
”I didn-t think I had an outstanding season, but I guess I just had just a better season than the other goalkeepers,” Barbieri joked.
“It was fantastic to win it and a really nice surprise,” she added.
Barbieri felt the first Westfield W-League season ran as smoothly “as could be expected” and that there is tremendous scope for the competition.
”I think given the circumstances the year was a tremendous success.”
”It was put together quite quickly and for the competition to be as even as it was obviously bodes well for the future.
”If someone had of said Melbourne Victory Women would finish just two points out of the Finals Series before the season, not many people would have believed that.
”So from our point of view we have a lot to get excited about and look forward to.
”The girls are very hungry to take the next step next year.”
Victory Women striker Brittany Timko was nominated for Player of the Year, which was won by Queensland Roar-s Lana Harch, while Daniela Digiammarco was nominated for Goal of the Year.
