Tara Murray
Western United star Josh Risdon said the playing group was keen to regroup and get back into the A-League Men’s finals next season.
After winning the championship last season, a slow start proved costly for United this season, with the team finishing seventh.
Risdon was recognised for his individual season, named United’s male player of the year.
“It feels great,” he said. “It’s an honour to be named player of the season.
“Individual awards are a really great thing, [but I’m] disappointed with the season we had.
“I would have loved to be playing in the finals right now. I’m extremely grateful for this award and thankful to all my teammates helping me out.”
Risdon said despite not being able to back up from their success the previous season, the good club culture remained.
He said it was a big part of them being successful as a sporting team.
“Culture you create in the dressing room is huge and we’ve done that the last couple of years,” he said.
“We showed last year by winning it, things didn’t go our way this year, but the dressing room culture was still there.
“We kept pushing and fighting towards the end, unfortunately it wasn’t to be, but it has been a pleasure to play with these boys all season and coming in every day, it’s really great.”
Risdon said the group was already looking ahead to next season. The vice-captain will be in the second year of his second contact with the club.
“To be back in finals is important,” he said. “It’s disappointing we didn’t make them this year, obviously after winning last year.
“We’ll focus on making finals, getting back in pre-season and working hard, taking it day by day and see how we go.”
Risdon was also awarded the fan’s player of the season and the male club person of the year.
Noah Botic was named the male young player of the year on the back of an impressive season, which included scoring his first professional goal and representing Australia on international duty for the Olyroos.
Botic also claimed the men’s golden boot award.
On the women’s side, Hillary Beall was named player of the season, while Hannah Keane took home three awards.
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.”
