Tara Murray
A big 12 months for Ben Garuccio got even bigger with the left back winning Western United’s player of the season medal on Wednesday night.
Having joined the club this season, Garuccio played a key role in the club’s first championship last weekend.
Garuccio won the medal with 83 votes, one ahead of Connor Pain, while Lachie Wales finished third on 79 votes.
Garuccio was stunned to take home the top award at the club’s inaugural awards night.
“To be honest I didn’t expect it,” he said. “To be standing here is just out of this world for me. I’m so happy to be part of this club.
“Twelve months ago I was probably in the worst place I’ve ever been in my career, but if it wasn’t for this club, all the support I’ve had since day one I wouldn’t be here.”
“You play in a championship team [and] there was so many good players this year.
“I’m playing every week to try and do the best for the team and we got the ultimate goal. The personal accolade comes afterwards. It’s a nice cherry on top but it doesn’t mean half as much if you don’t have a championship medal around your neck.”
The championship is Garuccio’s second in as many years after sitting on the bench last season as Melbourne City claimed the title.
Garuccio said this season’s group took so much confidence into the grand final and knew they had done the work.
“Everyone around us kept telling us we were going to win and when you put so much positivity out there, there’s only one thing that can happen,” he said.
“It’s just credit to the boys. We worked so hard all year when we didn’t get that premiers plate I was so upset I shed a few tears in the rooms after the Newcastle game.
“I thought this group was so good and worked so hard all year and we don’t deserve to go out with nothing. The way we were able to bounce back in the final is testament to the team and the character we have got. Everyone here deserves it so much.”
Garuccio also claimed the fan’s goal of the season award, for his stunning scorpion kick which many described as one of the greatest goals ever.
He said it was a moment that he still couldn’t believe that had happened.
Jerry Skotadis scooped the young player of the season award after a breakout season in midfield saw him make 17 appearances across the regular season and finals.
Goalkeeper Jamie Young was recognised by the fans for his remarkable season in goal as he won as the fans’ player of the season award.
Aleksandar Prijovic was recognised for his lethal season in front of goal with the Golden Boot award, scoring nine goals throughout the regular season and another four during finals, while Ryan Scott won club person of the season for a third straight year.
