The 2016/17 Victory Women’s medallist will be crowned at the Victory Medal, proudly presented by Bluestar Global Logistics, on Saturday night.
The Victory Women’s Medal is awarded to the player who polls the highest number of votes throughout the Westfield W-League season. Should two or more players tie, the award will be shared.
The 2016/17 Victory Medal, proudly presented by Bluestar Global Logistics, will be streamed live and free at melbournevictory.com.au from 7.20pm on Saturday night.
Take a look below at some of the favourites in the running to win the 2016/17 Victory Women’s Medal.
Natasha Dowie
Appearances: 12
Goals: 9
Completed passes: 253
The star English forward enjoyed an excellent campaign, scoring nine of Victory’s 17 goals for the season. Dowie finished equal third for goals scored across the Westfield W-League, her power, skill and aggression a constant threat to opposition defences.
Samantha Johnson
Appearances: 11
Clearances: 84
Completed passes: 280
Johnson provided leadership and experience in the centre of Victory’s defence and her total of 84 clearances was the second highest in the league. The American, who was on loan for the season, was a solid contributor throughout.
Bethany Mason-Jones
Appearances: 6
Saves: 27
The shot-stopper was given her chance after Bianca Henninger suffered a knee injury in the Melbourne Derby in November. Mason-Jones stepped up in Henninger’s absence, performing admirably in goals for Victory.
Christine Nairn
Appearances: 12
Assists: 3
Completed passes: 464
The Victory captain was again impressive, leading her team from the middle of the park. The classy Nairn was one of the club’s best creators and also a key to retaining possession, while she also scored from halfway in Victory’s final game of the season.
Alex Natoli
Appearances: 12
Completed passes: 288
Clearances: 70
Natoli was a regular at the heart of Victory’s defence and only improved as the season went on. The centre-back developed a solid partnership with Johnson and was fifth in the Westfield W-League for most clearances.
Lia Privitelli
Appearances: 11
Assists: 3
The winger was often a threat and finished the campaign with three assists. Privitelli’s speed troubled opposition full-backs and she was also regularly a threat off the bench, including setting up two goals when coming on in a 4-1 win in Brisbane on New Year’s Day.