Victoria’s football community converged on Crown Palladium on Friday, September 13 to celebrate a milestone at the 2024 Victorian Football Gala, proudly presented by Senol.
Over 800 attendees, including players, coaches, referees, administrators and volunteers, united to acknowledge winners across all levels of the game, from Community clubs and Victorian Premier Leagues, through to the showpiece NPL Victoria Gold Medal Men’s and Women’s awards.
Hosted by A-Leagues broadcaster Michael Zappone and Channel Nine presenter Catriona Rowntree, the inaugural celebration was a unique opportunity to reflect on the significant growth in football, with a record-breaking number of coaches and referees, alongside 95,000 participants, taking to the pitch across the state this year.
Mario Barcia. Photo: Mark Avellino Photography.
Hume City’s Aamir Abdallah was crowned the 2024 NPLM Gold Medallist with an outstanding season, earning top honours with 32 votes. The dynamic winger delivered nine goals and six assists across 20 matches. Abdallah’s stellar year also saw him claim the prestigious Bill Fleming Medal for the best NPLM player as voted by the commentary team, as well as the Players’ Player award.
In the NPLW, the Gold Medal was shared between Bulleen’s Maja Markovski and Alamein’s Rebecca Saber, with both forwards earning 24 votes. Markovski had a standout evening, adding the NPLW Golden Boot and NPLW Media Player of the Year awards to her accolades.
The Hon. Steve Dimopoulos, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Environment and Outdoor Recreation, was in attendance and applauded the unity of the football community.
“These record participation figures show Victorians love their football and are passionate about taking part on and off the field,” Mr Dimopoulos said.
“It’s why we’re so committed to supporting football at all levels from the grassroots to the elite level, highlighted by our $42.29 million into The Home of the Matildas at La Trobe University Sports Park.”
Football Victoria President, Antonella Care, reflected on what will be her final awards ceremony leading the FV Board.
“This is a night where we recognise the very best of our game and honour all those who contribute so much at every level from the grassroots to the elite,” Ms Care said.
“It gives us the opportunity to reflect on our journey, to recognise excellence, and to express our gratitude to everyone who has contributed to our beloved sport.”
The full list of winners is below.
NPLM
- Gold Medal: Aamir Abdallah (Hume City)
- Players’ Player: Aamir Abdallah (Hume City)
- Golden Boot: Alex Salmon (Oakleigh Cannons), Harrison Sawyer (South Melbourne)
- Goalkeeper of the Year: Javier Lopez (South Melbourne)
- Coach of the Year: Esteban Quintas (South Melbourne)
- Goal of the Year: Mario Barcia (South Melbourne)
NPLW
- Gold Medal: Maja Markovski (Bulleen Lions), Rebecca Saber (Alamein)
- Players’ Player: Isabel Dehakiz (Bulleen Lions)
- Golden Boot: Maja Markovski (Bulleen Lions)
- Goalkeeper of the Year: Bethany Mason-Jones (Essendon Royals)
- Coach of the Year: Caitlin Friend (Bulleen Lions)
VPLM1
- Best and Fairest: Connor Bell (Preston Lions)
- Players’ Player: Dylan Allshorn (Brunswick City)
- Goalkeeper of the Year: Bon Scott (Preston Lions)
- Coach of the Year: Joe Palatsides (Melbourne Victory)
- Golden Boot: Michael Domfeh (Northcote City), Archie MacPhee (Langwarrin)
VPLM2
- Best and Fairest: Callum Schorah (Goulburn Valley Suns)
- Players’ Player: Graham Kelly (Essendon Royals)
- Goalkeeper of the Year: Patrick Cristea (Altona City)
- Coach of the Year: Zeljko Popovic (Melbourne Srbija)
- Golden Boot: Callum Schorah (Goulburn Valley Suns), Prince Jordan Adeyemi (Essendon Royals)
VPLW
- Goalkeeper of the Year: Brooke Bennett (Ringwood City FC)
- Coach of the Year: Liam Drury (Keilor Park SC)
- Best & Fairest: Addison Steiner (Casey Comets)
- Top Goal Scorer: Addison Steiner (Casey Comets)
Community Awards
- Inclusion Award: Footscray Rangers
- Female Coach of the Year: Rebecca Berry (Strathfieldsaye Colts United)
- Male Coach of the Year: John Topic (Surf Coast)
- Volunteer of the Year: Laurel Irvine (Sale United) and Enrico Marrone (Whitehouse United)
- Futsal Club of the Year: Fitzroy Tigers Futsal Club
- Regional Club of the Year: Wangaratta City
- Metropolitan Club of the Year: Collingwood City FC
- Female Football Champion of the Year: Michelle Williamson (Melton Phoenix)
Referee Awards
- NPLM Referee of the Year: Michael Mammis
- NPLW Referee of the Year: Courtney Van Diesen
- Female Referee of the Year: Liana Georgiev
- Male Referee of the Year: Hengsheng Li
Media Awards
- Club Media Award: Hume City
- Bill Fleming Media Award: Aamir Abdallah (Hume City)
- NPLW Media Player of the Year: Maja Markovski (Bulleen Lions)
- Les Shorrock Best Football Image Award: Matthew Johnson
