Melbourne Victory hosted its 16th annual Victory Medal proudly presented by Bluestar Global Logistics this evening.
With lockdown protocols still in place in Melbourne, the Club was required to host its end of season awards night online for a second year running.
While the Club has presented Victory Medal awardees tonight, as it does every year regardless of ladder position, the players and the Club are in no way celebrating how the team has fared.
Looking ahead the A-League team will use the disappointment of this season to harden their resolve to come back more focused and determined to achieve the high standards that our club, members and fans expect.
Based on the points that were accumulated after the final round of the A-League 2020/21 season, Robbie Kruse was awarded his first Victory Medal in what he said was a bittersweet moment.
“As a playing group and a Club, we are under no illusion as to how difficult this season was, but I am proud to be receiving the award,” Kruse said.
“We had a poor season, but the playing group stuck together and continued to work hard. I think we unearthed a couple of talented young players in the back half of the season and hopefully that will help hold the Club in good stead going forward while we work hard to make sure there is no repeat of this season.
“I’d like to dedicate this award to the members and fans, we haven’t delivered the results you deserve but you continued to turn up week in, week out. We really appreciate all your support and hope you get back behind the Club next season.
“The Club is taking the right steps in order to turn things around and getting back to being the Club we all want it to be.”
Lleyton Brooks was also recognised for his solid back half of the season which included nine games and two goals. The 20-year-old was tonight awarded the Young Player of the Season.
“I had a rocky start to the season but it all came together in the second half of the year and I really enjoyed it,” Brooks said.
“My goals for next season are to work hard for my position in the squad, to get more game time and as an attacker to score as many goals as possible.
“I just need to push really hard, be extremely focused and prepared during the upcoming pre-season.”
2020/21 VICTORY MEDAL AWARD RECIPIENTS
A-League Victory Medal – Robbie Kruse
A-League Players’ Player Award – Jake Brimmer
A-League TAC Golden Boot – Jake Brimmer, Rudy Gestede and Elvis Kamsoba
A-League TCL Goal of the Season – Callum McManaman
Young Player of the Season – Lleyton Brooks
