Football
ESPN staff 9y

Wellington Phoenix's Nathan Burns named A-League Player of the Year

Australia international Nathan Burns has been named the A-League's Player of the Year at the competition's end-of-season awards night on Monday.

The Wellington Phoenix striker claimed the Johnny Warren Medal after receiving 577 votes from his playing peers, ahead of Adelaide United's Marcelo Carrusca (366 votes) and Melbourne Victory pair Fahid Ben Khalfallah (307) and Kosta Barbarouses (277).

Wellington manager Ernie Merrick, who signed the out-of-contract 27-year-old at the start of the season, said it was pleasing to see the striker rewarded for what has been a fine campaign.

"Only special players win this award and to do it in such convincing fashion is great for Nathan who has had a tremendous season," Merrick said.

"It is also something special for the team and the club because Nathan has thrived in the environment at the Phoenix where the players are such a close-knit unit.

"Nathan has worked hard from the moment he arrived in Wellington and throughout the season has played the best football of his career."

Adelaide's strong season was also recognised on the night with midfielder James Jeggo claiming the NAB Young Footballer of the Year award and keeper Eugene Galekovic collecting the Hyundai A-League Goalkeeper of the Year Award for a record fourth time.

Melbourne Victory's Premiership winning manager Kevin Muscat received the Hyundai A-League Coach of the Year Award while Sydney FC's Marquee player, Marc Janko, took home the Golden Boot.

FULL LIST OF WINNERS:

Johnny Warren Medal (Player of the Year): Nathan Burns (Wellington Phoenix)

NAB Young Footballer of the Year: James Jeggo (Adelaide United)

Goalkeeper of the Year: Eugene Galekovic (Adelaide United)

Nike Golden Boot Award: Marc Janko -- 16 goals (Sydney FC)

Goal of the Year: Tarek Elrich (Adelaide United)

Coach of the Year: Kevin Muscat (Melbourne Victory)

Fair Play Award: Wellington Phoenix

Referee of the Year: Jarred Gillett

Foxtel National Youth League Player of the Year: George Blackwood (Sydney FC) and Liam Youlley (Western Sydney Wanderers)

Foxtel National Youth League Fair Play Award: Brisbane Roar

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