Michelle Heyman scoops major Westfield W-League award

The Central Coast Mariners Westfield W-League team has scooped the pool at today?s 2009 awards ceremony, taking away five of the ten categories on offer. 
After finishing second on the ladder just a point behind Sydney FC after ten rounds, the Mariners now also officially boast the league?s best player, goalkeeper, and coach. 
Michelle Heyman, who picked up awards in three categories, Jillian Loyden, and coach Stephen Roche, all represented the Mariners on the awards dais. 
Heyman was well and truly the star of the show, after being named player of the year, and being presented with the prestigious Julie Dolan Medal. 
“She had no idea,” said Mariners Westfield W-League head coach Stephen Roche.
“I certainly thought she was a chance, she had to be in the mix with the amount of goals she scored and the amount of games she changed.
“Every goal she scored was an important goal.”
Heyman finished the season with 11 goals from the ten rounds and picked up the Golden Boot for that haul, as well as recognition for her stunning hat-trick in the 6-nil demolition of Adelaide United in round seven.
“Michelle has had an outstanding season. It?s due to the fact everyone in the team is happy, they want to play and work for each other, and that makes it a lot easier,” said Roche.
American import Jillian Loyden was recognised by her peers as the best goalkeeper in the league for the 2009 season, while Roche was rewarded for his work in making the Mariners genuine title contenders, by being voted joint coach of the year, alongside Canberra United mentor Ray Junna.
“It?s always good to be recognised by your peers and by my fellow coaches. I have a healthy respect for all the coaches I coach against, so it?s great to be recognised.
“Most of it (the credit) should go to them, because if they?re not receptive to what we?re trying to do … it doesn?t matter how good you are as a coach, so hopefully I have earned their respect, as they have earned mine as players,” said Roche.
It?s now hoped the Mariners? success at the function will prove to be a confidence boost heading into Sunday?s Westfield W-League semi final against defending champion Brisbane Roar at Bluetongue Stadium.
After finishing the regular season in second, the Mariners can book a spot in the Grand Final should they overcome the Roar, and in fact, could host the showpiece, should Canberra United beat premier Sydney FC in the other semi final.
860 fans cheered on the Mariners women in last Saturday?s final round clash against Sydney, and the side is hoping for another big crowd this Sunday as it pushes for a spot in the decider.
“It was a fantastic turnout from the Coasties, and with the men and the youth team at home on Saturday, and then us on Sunday with a Major Semi, it?s a bit of a football feast for the Coast this weekend so hopefully we can do the triple for the first time, all at home,” Roche said.
Central Coast Mariners Chairman Peter Turnbull was equally as delighted to have seen a throne of awards head the club’s way after an outstanding year for the women’s squad.
What a great achievement for the girls, everyone at the Club is very proud of them.
?I must especially pay tribute to the contribution of Football NSW as it is only with their generous help and support, that we?ve been able to field this team in such a professional and successful manner.?
Gates open at Bluetongue Stadium at 2:00pm with tickets $5 for adults, $2 concession, and Mariners Members and kids under 4 free. Tickets will be available at the gate.
The second season of the Westfield W-League continued an exciting new era in women?s sport with stars of the games recognised for their outstanding contribution at the Westfield W-League Awards in Sydney, today.
Six players, two teams, one referee and two coach were amongst those honoured.
?The Westfield W-League has continued this season to showcase the fine footballing talents of some of our most exciting female athletes,” said FFA CEO, Ben Buckley.
“This season has seen the Westfield W-League build on its place in the Australian sporting culture and shows the potential for elite female competition in Australia to continue to develop at a professional level”.
Perth Glory?s Samantha Kerr was voted Players? Player of the Year following a sensational season and also took home Goal of the Year for her long range effort in Round 8.
The Young Player of the Year Award saw joint winners, Brisbane Roar?s Elise Kellond-Knight and Canberra United?s Ellyse Perry.
?We are very pleased with the second season of the Westfield W-League. It further cements the place of football for women and girls in the sporting landscape and gives talented female athletes a strong domestic competition,? said Buckley.
Westfield W-League Awards
* Julie Dolan Medal – Player of the Year: Michelle Heyman, Central Coast Mariners
* Players? Player of the Year: Samantha Kerr, Perth Glory
* Goalkeeper of the Year: Jillian Loyden, Central Coast Mariners
* Young Player of the Year: (tied) Elise Kellond-Knight, Brisbane Roar and Ellyse Perry, Canberra United
* Coach of the Year: (tied) Stephen Roche, Central Coast Mariners and Ray Junna, Canberra United
* Referee of the Year: Kate Jacewicz
* Golden Boot: Michelle Heyman, Central Coast Mariners ? 11 goals
* Goal of the Year: Samantha Kerr, Perth Glory ? Round 8, Perth Glory v Sydney FC
* Hat Trick Award: Michelle Heyman, Central Coast Mariners ? Round 7, Adelaide United v Central Coast Mariners and Tameka Butt, Brisbane Roar ? Round 10, Newcastle United v Brisbane Roar
* Fair Play Award: (tied) Sydney FC and Canberra United