Alessandro Diamanti has continued his dominance of the A-League award season being named the Western United Player of the Season and taking out the supporter voted awards for Player of the Season and Goal of the Season.
Diamanti, who led Western United through its inaugural season and first final win, was in good company at this week’s virtual awards with Connor Pain runner-up for player of the season, Besart Berisha being awarded the club’s Golden Boot, the dashing Dylan Pierias being named Young Player of the Season and goalkeeper Ryan Scott getting the nod for Club Person of the Season.
Diamanti becomes the first recipient of the top award as well as the two supporter-voted awards and was honoured from his home in Melbourne lockdown.
“I’m delighted to receive these awards, I’m even more honoured that two of them came from the Western United supporters,” Diamanti said.
“A huge thanks to my teammates and staff as this would not have happened without you supporting me and my jokes!
“This is special and thanks for making this happen, now let’s all make next season even more special.”
Western United die-hard supporter Blake Welsh, who won the honour of announcing Diamanti as the fan voted player of the season, explained why he thinks Dia is the best.
“Dia is my player of the year because of the energy and skill he brings to the team,” Welsh said.
“He plays like a true captain always brings the lads up as well as delivering moments of individual brilliance in every match he plays.”
John Anastasiadis, Western United Assistant Coach was pleased to announce the Young Player of the Season award to Dylan Pierias.
“The coaches selected the player we believed had the most significant impact on the field during the season and displayed the greatest potential of growth into a senior, professional footballer,” Anastasiadis said.
“We congratulate Dylan on being the first ever young player to get this recognition and we look forward to him continuing this form into our second season as a club.”
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The first ever WUFC Awards also celebrated people that have helped build the club beyond the playing squad.
Jeremy ‘Jez’ Downes from Ballarat was recognised as the Volunteer of the Season and Event Manager Jess Sage was honoured with the Chairman’s Award for her outstanding effort in delivering match day and other club event experiences.
Western United CEO Chris Pehlivanis thanks everyone that has been part of building the club in it’s first year, a year that has spanned almost 365 days from our first match in Wellington to now.
“It’s been one for the ages, an epic first season. The support has been amazing and we’re chewing at the bit to get back out there for season two,” Pehlivanis said.
“I congratulate all the award winners and also take this opportunity to thank each individual that has been part of building this club, forever you’ll be part of Western United from the start and always have a place in the club’s history.”
Western United 2020 Award Winners presented by Tasman Logistics
Player of the Season presented by Probuild – Alessandro Diamanti
Young Player of the Season presented by Victoria University – Dylan Pierias
Golden Boot Award presented by Kappa – Besart Berisha
Club Person of the Season presented by Foodbank Victoria – Ryan Scott
Forever West Award (Fans’ Player of the Season) presented by Wyndham City – Alessandro Diamanti
Emerald Goal Award (Fans’ Goal of the Season) presented by Werribee & Western Automotive Group – Alessandro Diamanti
Volunteer of the Season presented by 5 Star Trophies – Jeremy Downes
Chairman’s Award presented by Tasman Logistics – Jessica Sage
