Auckland FC won big at the A-League’s Dolan Warren Awards after an impressive debut season. Head coach Steve Corica was named A-League Coach of the Year, leading the team to win the Premier’s Plate in their first year.
Even though Auckland FC didn’t make it to the grand final after losing 2–0 to Melbourne Victory in front of 29,000 fans at Mt Smart Stadium, their season achievements were celebrated. They lost the semi-final by a 2–1 total score, with Victory now set to face Melbourne City in the final.
Several Auckland FC players also received top honours. Defender Francis de Vries was voted Fan Player of the Year for his strong performances, which included two goals and seven assists.
Goalkeeper Alex Paulsen won Goalkeeper of the Year for the second time, with 73 saves and 12 clean sheets. He also took home Save of the Year for a brilliant stop against Melbourne Victory in Round 27.
In the women’s league, Claudia Jenkins from Adelaide United won Save of the Year for a long-range block in Round 9.
The Johnny Warren Medal, awarded to the league’s best male player, went to Nicolas Milanović of Western Sydney Wanderers. Auckland’s captain Hiroki Sakai placed third in the voting.
