Tara Murray
Western United star goalkeeper Hillary Beall hasn’t ruled out a return to the A-League Women’s competition to help her side go one step further.
Beall capped off her first professional season by winning United’s female player of the season award.
Speaking after winning the award on Monday night, Beall said it was a pretty special honour.
“It’s a great honour, this whole year,” she said.
“I wouldn’t be able to do these things without my teammates and credit to them, I’m very fortunate.
“Every team that I’ve been a part of, I’ve always wanted to set a high standard. for the group. So, to make a grand final in the first year, I think we’ve set that standard.”
Beall said everyone had been really welcoming to her as she made the trek from Laguna Beach to Melbourne’s west.
She said there was a really special bond with the group, who made a grand final in their first season.
“I’ve only been in one professional environment, this is very unique in terms of everyone looking after each other,” she said.
“Everybody takes care of each other, from having Chris [Pehlivanis] and Mal [Impiombato] and Amanda [Stella] on every trip with us.
“Seeing them day in and day out, it really does a lot for us as girls to see them care about us.”
Beall said there was a fight in this group which had really pushed them to that next level. United fell short in the grand final, losing to Sydney FC, 4-0.
“They love each other, work for each other every day,” she said. “I think it’s a fairy tale story. We’re proud of our group. Obviously, we wanted the result last night [but] didn’t get it, great first year”
Beall will now head back to America. She didn’t rule out coming back in the future.
“I’ve got to go home and speak with a few people, but we’ll see,” she said. “I kind of want to get redemption… might be in the future.”
Fellow American Hannah Keane claimed three awards on the night.
Keane was named the women’s fan’s player of the season, the golden boot award and club person of the year voted by the players and staff.
Alana Cerne and Kahli Johnson shared the young player award.
In the men’s awards, Josh Risdon was named player of the year.
