2009 Gold Medal Dinner a huge success as Bradley Boardman scoops major award

The talk of the evening was on who would be crowned the 2009 Gold Medal winner replacing last season?s Champion, Sutherland Sharks? diminutive midfielder Brendan Gan now plying his trade in the senior squad at Sydney FC in the Hyundai A-League.
The evening started with the ?Fair Play? award which was presented by Football NSW Director Linda Ward with the Sutherland Sharks scooping up the night?s first silverware.
The Under 20?s Golden Boot award was up next and Sydney United?s talented young attacker Steven Veleski took this out after scoring 10 goals for the year as his side claimed the Championship after a 2-1 victory over Sydney Olympic in the Grade 20 Grand Final.
The Andreas Golden Boot award was the next award which followed and Sydney Olympic?s red-hot striker Matthew Mayora took out the plaudits after he scored 15 goals in 19 matches.
His goalscoring spree with the Blues attracted the attention of A-League side Perth Glory where the 23-year-old made five appearances as a substitute after signing on a short-term deal before being snapped up by Indonesian Super League outfit Persipura Jayapura.
Unavailable to pick up his trophy due to his commitments in Indonesia, Mayora was delighted with his season which gave him the opportunity to play not only in the A-League but in Asia as well.
?It feels great and is a great honour to have finished up as the top goal scorer in the TeleChoice Premier League.
?It was a team effort overall, I had the assistance of a number of my team-mates in getting me towards the top of the charts.

?Unfortunately it wasn?t to be this year in making the finals series but I know the club will be pushing hard for a Premiership finish in 2010?, Mayora stated to Football NSW.
Apart from picking up the Golden Boot Mayora also received a $500 gift voucher from Errea as well.
With a number of media personnel assisting the cause of promoting the TeleChoice Premier League in all facets of the media such as print, television and radio, it was fitting that both the Manly Daily and Greek Newspaper ?O Kosmos? scooped the Media Award.
Manly Daily representative Andrew Prentice was on hand to accept the award which also had John Greco as a huge influence on the Northern Beaches paper as well while ?O Kosmos? Sports Editor Panos Nikolaou and Chief Football Writer George Stavroulakis was present for the Greek newspaper.
The Manly Daily gave a terrific in-depth look at the TeleChoice Premier League and covered the competition especially assisting in Manly United?s cause while Ethnic Greek Newspaper ?O Kosmos? gave out a detailed 16-page spread on the league promoting each and every club for the entire duration of competition.
Sydney United was then presented the Club Championship Award as the club excelled as an entire group for season 2009 as they finished up with 325 points while the Sutherland Sharks finished second with 305.
The Club Championship is based on a points system from the efforts of the Grade 18, 20 and First Grade teams which are then combined and tallied at the end of the year.
Referees played a massive role in the TeleChoice Premier League this season and it was fitting that well known whistleblower Peter Vrtkovski picked up the Referee of the Year award which was presented by FNSW Director George Jackson.
The 34-year-old mechanical engineer was voted as the number one referee in the TeleChoice Premier League and won the honours in officiating the TeleChoice Championship Series Grand Final between Sutherland Sharks and Marconi Stallions.
It was the second time Vrtkovski claimed the Referee of the Year award after picking it up in 2006.
The Errea Goalkeeper of the Year Award was up next and it was Sydney United?s number one man under the posts Vedran Janjetovic that took out this prestigious honour.
The talented 22-year-old custodian spent last season with United before moving to Sydney FC?s Under 20 squad in the National Youth League where he claimed the number one jersey and won the Championship under coach Steve O?Connor.
His terrific displays for United this season have caught the attention of many A-League clubs who are on the hunt in securing the services of one of this state?s most gifted keepers.

“I am very delighted with this award, it’s of course a great feeling being given this but its all thanks to the good team I played with as well.
“The United boys in general were terrific and put me on course to keep the momentum going as the games rolled by.

“It’s a shame we didn’t end up in the Final but I know the club was happy with the way things went.” 
The Coach of the Year award was up next and Sydney United?s much travelled star former Socceroo Ante Milicic was rewarded for what was a big year for the former NSL giants in his debut season as head coach.
The former NSL and A-League pin-up marksman was the player/manager for the Reds who picked up the 2009 Premiership having been seen as the most consistent sides for the majority of the season.
His coaching credentials and expertise caught the attention of the FFA who appointed Milicic as the Young Socceroos? assistant coach at the recent U20s World Cup in Egypt.

Former Socceroo keeper Mark Bosnich was on hand as well in assisting with the awards ceremony and gave an influential speech about the TeleChoice Premier League and his time with Sydney Olympic, asked whether he would remain at the club Bosnich replied.
“At this point in time I would like to continue but we shall see what the future holds.

“George Giannaros and the club have been fantastic to me and I cannot have asked for better people in working with me at the club.”
Running for the second year in a row for Football NSW, an All Stars team was picked which showcased the best 11 players that took part in the TeleChoice Premier League in 2009.
Based on a points system which all official Football NSW journalists took part in during the course of the 22 rounds, eleven players were selected in various positions highlighting their fantastic performances for season 2009.
Each player and coach were awarded a special jersey with their name and number thanks to Errea.
Both Shane Webb and Bradley Boardman retained their spots in the All Star team after they were both inducted into the inaugural side in 2008.
The 2009 Football NSW All Star team was as follows:
1. Vedran Janjetovic (Sydney United)
2. Michael Robinson (Sutherland Sharks)
3. Shane Webb (Bankstown City Lions)
4. Joe Vrkic (Sydney United)
5. Richard Luksic (Bankstown City Lions)
6. Scott Thomas (Manly United)
7. Ali-Abbas (Marconi Stallions)
8. Panny Nikas (Sutherland Sharks)
9. Alexander Canak (Marconi Stallions)
10. Bradley Boardman (Sutherland Sharks)
11. Luka Glavas (Sydney United)
Coach: Ante Milicic (Sydney United)
The time had come to select the Grade 20 Player of the Year and after calculating all the points, Bankstown City Lions? Damian Brosque took out the major honour. Brosque, who?s older brother is none other than Sydney FC striker Alex, caught the attention of a number of National Youth League clubs but it was the Newcastle Jets who won the race in securing this talented youngsters signature for the remainder of 2009.
Brosque?s amazing displays for Bankstown saw him pip the likes of Steve Veleski, Massimo Luongo, Adam Woodbine, Blake Powell, Mirjan Pavlovic, Stefan De Jesus and Anthony Perri for the coveted award.

Brosque stated to Football NSW that it was an honour to have been given the award of best player in the Grade 20’s for 2009.

“It’s a great honour indeed to have been awarded this.

“I want to thank my club Bankstown City Lions for this as well, even though we did not make the finals series which was a shame, we did a decent job and I know the boys will be hungry in getting one back in 2010.” 
The final points tally for the Grade 20 Player of the Year ended like this:

Damian Brosque (Bankstown City Lions) 20
Steven Veleski (Sydney United) 14
Massimo Luongo (Sydney Tigers) 13
Adam Woodbine (Blacktown City Demons) 13
Blake Powell (Sutherland Sharks) 13
Mirjan Pavlovic (West Sydney Berries) 12
Stefan De Jesus (West Sydney Berries) 10
Anthony Perri (Sydney Olympic) 10
The stage was set for the final award of the evening and that was the prestigious Gold Medal for 2009.
After 22 rounds the Gold Medal was presented to Sutherland Sharks? hardworking and ever ready marksman Bradley Boardman who finished up with 24 points, a point clear of Marconi Stallions? Iraqi import and now Newcastle Jets midfielder Ali Abbas Al-Hilfi.
Boardman had a sensational season with the Sharks in what was a big year for the club who took out the honours in the TigerTurf Cup and TeleChoice Championship Series Grand Final.

“I’m really lost for words with this award, it really is unbelievable.
“To have been able to win the TigerTurf Cup Final, then win the Championship and now being crowned the Gold Medal winner really has been an unreal season.
“I want to thank my squad for making this possible as well as the coaching staff with Robbie of course.”

The 27-year-old has been one of Sutherland?s standout players ever since he joined the Shire squad in 2008 where he was runner-up in the Andreas Golden Boot award.
2009 has been a prominent year for the big striker as he has gained the attention of Singapore club Home United where Boardman however the big marksman has stated that a word on his future will be said very soon.
“At this point I cannot say too much, I had a good trial with Home United but at this stage it looks as though I may be looking at other options.

“We shall see how it pans out, for now I will enjoy this with my family and friends,” a delighted Boardman stated to Football NSW.
The final points tally for the Gold Medal ended like this: 
Bradley Boardman (Sutherland Sharks) 24
Luka Glavas (Sydney United) 23
Ali Abbas Al-Hilfi (Marconi Stallions) 22
Scott Thomas (Manly United) 19
Shane Webb (Bankstown City Lions) 16
Matthew Mayora (Sydney Olympic) 16
Steven Hayes (Wollongong CFC) 16
2009 Gold Medal Dinner Award Winners List
Fair Play ? Sutherland Sharks
Golden Boot Grade 20 ? Steven Veleski (Sydney United) 10 goals
Andreas Golden Boot 1st Grade ? Matthew Mayora (Sydney Olympic) 15 goals
Media Award ? Manly Daily & O Kosmos
Club Person of Year:
Bankstown City Lions ? Mendo Petkovski
Blacktown City ? N/A
Bonnyrigg White Eagles ? Milorad Arcaba
Manly United ? Sharon Egger
Marconi Stallions ? Craig McGowan
Penrith Nepean United ? Carmen Smith
Sutherland Sharks ? Bruce Lawrence
Sydney Olympic ? Nick Kambounias
Sydney Tigers ? John Mellino
Sydney United ? John Babic
West Sydney Berries ? Peter Mitrothanasis
Wollongong Community FC ? N/A
Club Championship ? Sydney United
Grade 20 Premiers ? Blacktown City Demons
Grade 20 Champions ? Sydney United
1st Grade Premiers ? Sydney United
1st Grade Champions  – Sutherland Sharks
Referee of the Year Award ? Peter Vrtkovski
Errea Goalkeeper of Year ? Vedran Janjetovic (Sydney United)
Coach of Year ? Ante Milicic (Sydney United)
Grade 20 Player of Year ? Damian Brosque (Bankstown City Lions)
Gold Medal ? Bradley Boardman (Sutherland Sharks)
Previous Gold Medal Winners
2000/2001 ? Steve Lazzari (Belconnen Blue Devils)
2001/2002 ? Daniel Macor (Belconnen Blue Devils)  
2002/2003 ? James Monie (Central Coast Coasties)
2003/2004 ? Ilija Prenzoski (Belconnen Blue Devils)
2004/2005 ? Robbie Cattanach (Belconnen Blue Devils)
2006 ? Tolgay Ozbey (Blacktown City Demons)
2007 ? Robbie Cattanach (Manly United)
2008 ? Brendan Gan (Sutherland Sharks)
2009 ? Bradley Boardman (Sutherland Sharks)

Previous Grade 20 Player of the Year Winners
2000/2001 ? Marc Falzon (Central Coast Coasties), Matias Gulle (Canterbury Marrickville) & Carlo   Musumeci (Sutherland Shire)
2001/2002 ? Phillip Badolato (Fairfield Bulls)
2002/2003 ? Milorad Simonovic (Bonnyrigg White Eagles)
2003/2004 ? Ben Gough (Parramatta Eagles)
2004/2005 ? Adam D?Apuzzo (Marconi Stallions)
2006 ? Ken Chun (Marconi Stallions)
2007 ? Chris Bedzo (Blacktown City Demons) & Glen Trifiro (Marconi Stallions)
2008 ? Daniel Rezo (Sydney United)
2009 ? Steven Veleski (Sydney United)

Previous Goalkeeper of the Year Winners
2000/2001 ? Darren Moore (Central Coast Coasties)
2001/2002 ? Jason Holmes (Parramatta Eagles)
2002/2003 ? John Crawley (Blacktown City Demons)
2003/2004 ? John Crawley (Blacktown City Demons)
2004/2005 ? Clint Bolton (A.P.I.A.-Leichhardt Tigers)
2006 ? Ivan Necevski (Blacktown City Demons)
2007 ? Matthew Nash (A.P.I.A.-Leichhardt Tigers)
2008 ? Matthew Nash (A.P.I.A.-Leichhardt Tigers)
2009 ? Vedran Janjetovic (Sydney United)

Previous Coach of the Year Winners
2000/2001 ? Brian Brown (Blacktown City Demons)
2001/2002 ? Tam Finlayson (Parramatta Eagles)
2002/2003 ? Brian Brown (Blacktown City Demons)
2003/2004 ? Chris Tanzey (Belconnen Blue Devils)
2004/2005 ? Chris Tanzey (Belconnen Blue Devils)
2006 ? Aytek Genc (Blacktown City Demons)
2007 ? Aytek Genc (Blacktown City Demons)
2008 ? Brian Brown (Sutherland Sharks)
2009 ? Ante Milicic (Sydney United)

Previous Leading Goalscorer Winners
2000/2001 ? Steve Lazzari (Belconnen Blue Devils) & Darren Iocca (Fairfield Bulls)
2001/2002 ? Jim Aschner (Bonnyrigg White Eagles)
2002/2003 ? James Monie (Central Coast Coasties)
2003/2004 ? Matthew Borg (Bankstown City Lions)
2004/2005 ? Adam Kwasnik (Blacktown City Demons)
2006 ? Tolgay Ozbey (Blacktown City Demons)
2007 ? Tolgay Ozbey (Blacktown City Demons)
2008 ? Robert Younis (A.P.I.A.-Leichhardt Tigers)
2009 ? Matthew Mayora (Sydney Olympic)

Previous Referee of the Year Winners
2000/2001 ? Greg Leverton
2001/2002 ? Nick Asargiotis
2002/2003 ? Greg Leverton
2003/2004 ? Jonathan Streater
2004/2005 ? Srbere Delovski
2006 ? Peter Vrtkovski
2007 ? Srbere Delovski
2008 ? Jonathan Streater
2009 ? Peter Vrtkovski
Previous 1st Grade Premiers
2000/2001 ? Blacktown City Demons
2001/2002 ? Parramatta Eagles
2002/2003 ? Blacktown City Demons
2003/2004 ? Belconnen Blue Devils
2004/2005 ? Blacktown City Demons
2006 ? Blacktown City Demons
2007 ? Blacktown City Demons
2008 ? Sutherland Sharks
2009 ? Sydney United

Previous 1st Grade Champions
2000/2001 ? Bonnyrigg White Eagles
2001/2002 ? Parramatta Eagles
2002/2003 ? A.P.I.A.-Leichhardt Tigers
2003/2004 ? Bankstown City Lions
2004/2005 ? Bankstown City Lions
2006 ? Sydney United
2007 ? Blacktown City Demons
2008 ? Wollongong FC
2009 ? Sutherland Sharks

-By Mark Stavroulakis