Adelaide United goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic stole the show at the Reds’ Awards Night after he claimed a multitude of awards, including the coveted Aurelio Vidmar Club Champion Award for the second consecutive time.
The club’s night of nights at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre had a familiar semblance to last year’s event, with Galekovic taking out the two major honours, the Club Champion and Player’s Player, while midfielder Fabian Barbiero was named Best Team Man for the second year running. However there was a new name on the Rising Star Award, exciting youngster Mathew Leckie capping off an exceptional debut season in the Hyundai A-League by claiming the honour that has previously been won by the likes of Bruce Djite, Nathan Burns and Scott Jamieson.
But the night was all about Galekovic who, along with his club accolades, also took home The Advertiser’s Golden Boot and radio broadcaster Life FM’s Player of the Year. Being the recipient of a multitude of awards after he was named the Hyundai A-League Goalkeeper of the Year for the second straight season arguably confirms the 28 year olds standing as the best goalkeeper in Australia.
Just six clean sheets from the 27 rounds of the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 Season was not a true reflection of Galekovic’s heroics, the former Melbourne Victory keeper, who was the only United player to play every minute of the season, was a standout between the posts regularly reeling off world class saves on United’s last line of defence.
While he was grateful to be acknowledged, particularly by his teammates in receiving the Player’s Player Award, Galekovic said if he had the choice he would prefer to be playing off in a Grand Final this weekend in search of team success. “It’s an honour. It’s a personal achievement and it’s good to be recognised, but in the end you like to play finals football and hopefully next year we can get there and win a few trophies as a team,” Galekovic said.
After spending a night celebrating individual achievements and reminiscing on a Hyundai A-League season that failed to live up to expectations, the Reds’ focus will quickly turn to when Sanfrecce Hiroshima come to Hindmarsh Stadium for Match Day 3 of the AFC Champions League on Wednesday night. Tickets for the match are available through Ticketek.
For the full list of awards please see www.adelaideunited.com.au
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