Another Victory W-League Medallist will be crowned on Saturday after the club’s improved campaign.
Victory fell short of the finals, but saw the likes of young guns Kyra Cooney-Cross and Melina Ayres shine.
Natasha Dowie enjoyed another fine season, while defender Laura Alleway and midfielder Christina Gibbons also impressed.
We take a look at some of the Victory W-League Medal contenders.
Laura Alleway
Apps: 10
Back at Victory, the Westfield Matilda led the club’s back four with her commanding presence and bravery. Alleway was crucial in leading a youthful Victory, with her positioning and tackling a highlight.
Melina Ayres
Apps: 11
Goals: 2
Ayres, 19, showed good signs throughout the season and scored two stunning goals, including the equaliser in the Melbourne Derby. Playing mostly out wide, Ayres was a constant menace to opposition defences.
Angela Beard
Apps: 12
Assists: 4
Beard was the only player to play every minute of the Westfield W-League campaign for Victory. The left-back’s set-pieces also caused opposition defences several problems throughout the season as she finished with four assists.
Natasha Dowie
Apps: 12
Goals: 6
Last year’s winner, the club’s all-time leading goalscorer produced another fine campaign. Dowie scored six goals and was again the focal point of Victory’s attack, while she worked tirelessly to pressure opposition defences.
Jeon Ga-eul
Apps: 10
Goals: 1
The South Korea international took time to settle at Victory before being a constant threat thanks to her trickery in the number 10 role, including developing a fine combination with Dowie.
Christina Gibbons
Apps: 10
Goals: 1
The American midfielder settled straight in at Victory and was a constant presence in the middle of the park. Gibbons’ passing ability was a key for the club, while the 23-year-old also scored a Melbourne Derby winner.
