Wellington Phoenix striker Nathan Burns says getting a Socceroos recall was the biggest driver behind his barnstorming campaign which earned him the A-League Player of the Year award on Monday night.
Burns, the only Australian player in the top five, took home the Johnny Warren Medal, receiving 577 votes from his playing peers ahead of Adelaide United playmaker Marcelo Carrusca (366 votes), Melbourne Victory’s Fahid Ben Khalfallah (307 votes) and Kosta Barbarouses (277 votes).
Reds’ Sergio Cirio (245 points) rounded out the top five.
“There’s so many good players in the A-League now it’s really hard to think you’re up there with the best,” a surprised Burns said.
“I’ve still got to pinch myself.
“It’s the biggest award of the year and on a personal level it’s fantastic.
“I actually thought Ben Khalfallah was going to win so when I saw his name called third I was wondering who was going to win.
“I don’t how I got over the line.”
Burns first burst on to the A-League scene with Adelaide United in 2006 before heading abroad with stints in Europe and Asia.
He returned home to join the Newcastle Jets in 2013 but it was with the Phoenix this season that the 27-year-old frontman really made a name for himself.
He netted an impressive 13 goals and earned a place in the Socceroos’ squad, playing a key role in their triumphant Asian Cup campaign.
“It was definitely a drive to come back and get back in the Socceroos,” Burns said.
“That was the whole incentive in coming back to the A-League. To get back and start playing well.
“So to be called up for the Socceroos was a great honour and to be involved in the Asian Cup.”
Burns credited Phoenix mentor Ernie Merrick for his form.
He said the attacking style Merrick implements, which had Wellington looking like title contenders before falling away to finish fourth on the ladder, brought the best out in him.
“The Wellinton Phoenix system that I was playing in under Ernie Merrick – he really got the best out of my performance, he knew how to change me as a playuer and make me more attacking.
“So I think that’s been the differerce to the previous years.”
Sydney FC’s Austrian marquee player, Marc Janko, took home the Golden Boot award with his 16 strikes making him the league’s top goal scorer this season while Melbourne Victory’s premiership-winning coach Kevin Muscat was named A-League Coach of the Year ahead of Sunday’s grand final show down against the Sky Blues.
In other awards Socceroo shotstopper Eugene Galekovic collected the A-League Goalkeeper of the Year Award for a record fourth time while Adelaide’s James Jeggo was named the Young Footballer of the Year.
Adelaide United defender Tarek Elrich’s superb solo effort against Melbourne City FC in the final round of the regular season was voted the A-League Goal of the Year.
Meanwhile Jarred Gillet was named the Referee of the Year award for the second time.
Bondy
Guest
AZ_ Jedi use to be captain and play every game, now Pardew's gaffa he plays occasionally a situation that Mile wouldn't like obviously ....
AZ_RBB
Guest
Something tells me Jedinak might struggle at the Pardew managed Palace. Fewer and fewer clubs are playing the long ball brutish football. He might end up in the Championship next season unless Pardew wants someone like that in his set up. He was tasked with marking Fellaini on the weekend and did a somewhat reasonable job although he was going to ground unnecessarily on several occasions.
The artist formerly known as Punter
Guest
I watched Crystal Palace play another bottom 10 club & you understand why Jedinak, who struggles against fast, skillful Asians but thrives in the EPL, they are just big brutes battering their way to goal.
AZ_RBB
Guest
Yeah I've seen a few games of Newcastle's horrible recent run. They can barely string two passes together. Lower down the table Leceister and Villa are both playing fairly decent football. I watched Palace take on United and thought they played the game at a good pace and positive football albeit against an out of form United. But higher up on the ladder, Tottenham are playing horrendous football. I'm paying $15 to go see them in Sydney. I'm not sure if it's even worth that much.
Fadida
Guest
For all of the hype the EPL outside the top 7-8 clubs is almost unwatchable. So many ugly and dull games.
The artist formerly known as Punter
Guest
Like I said can't argue against Khalfallah, but Burns better then other 2. He is one of the few Aussies in the A-League that consistently excites me, abit like Leckie, needs to add more goals, yes I know he got 13 goals, but his skills & potential should've been many many more. I never used to like Phoenix play until this year & Burns played a big part, together with Merrick's tactics.
Franko
Guest
And Carrusca second. He probably could have won it if he was fit for the entire season. But then if he had a body that held up to professional football he probably wouldn't be in the A-League. Can't argue with the players.
Bondy
Guest
I agree here lads the quality of football is poor there , you should be fortunate you didn't get to see Newc Utd.
Ian
Guest
Can't really argue with the people that voted. The players. The top 3 were all very good this year but the players thought Burns was the standout by quite a convincing margin.
langou
Roar Guru
Well done Burns Excellent player and well deserved.
Josh
Guest
Yes, Golec won the Asian Champions League making Juric look good in the process. #justiceforGolec
AZ_RBB
Guest
For me this season it was 1. Khalfallah - brilliant in just about every game I saw him play. Has both aggression and class. 2. Mooy - proud of the footballer he has become. Almost guided his team to a miracle grand final. 3. Golec - pretty obvious
AZ_RBB
Guest
You should have watched Hull v Burnley. I'm surprised the police didn't need to be called to that hackfest.
The artist formerly known as Punter
Guest
Likewise, I think Burns deserved it, but then again if Khafallah got it, I think it would have been deserved as well. They were the 2 standouts for me
fadida
Guest
So glad the Jets management decided not to sign him! On second thoughts it'd have ruined his career
fadida
Guest
Agree totally
fadida
Guest
Clearly he's not Franko; Mabil, Clut, Ansell, Geria, Naumoff,Risdon, Antonis ,Gersbacb, Caceres,Chapman, Melling will all have better careers. Jeggo has almost hit his plateau I think. Good A-League player and that's where it'll end
cm
Guest
You're saying you COULD have been a hack? Righto.
Waz
Guest
Burns us a worthy winner but for me the standout player was Khalfallah who surprisingly ended up in third place.
fadida
Guest
I had the misfortune of watching half an hour of Everton v Sunderland. Too many hacks play in Europe. The A-League game before it was tactically miles advanced .I wouldn't be be racing to sign many of the EPL players I saw.