Canberra's Nikolai Topor-Stanley is Glorys Player of the Year.

Nikolai Topor-Stanley the Canberran on the fringe of the Socceroos squad, and expected to go to the Beijing Olympics later this year as a key member of the Olyroos side, has taken out all three awards at Perth Glory's end of season presentation night

TOP OF THE CLASS

Outstanding young Perth Glory defender Nikolai Topor-Stanley has capped off a wonderful season by claiming the 2007/08 ‘Most Glorious Player’ Award, along with a host of other accolades, at the club’s presentation evening on Friday.

The event belonged to Topor-Stanley as he scooped the pool with three awards in his debut season with Perth, adding the ‘Players’ Player of the Year’ and ‘Young Player of the Year’ to his Most Glorious Player award.

“It has been an amazing night, I’m really blown away to be honest,” Topor-Stanley said.

“I have been away with the national team for a few weeks and just thought I’d come back and have good night with the boys, I definitely wasn’t expecting any of this.

“We have a great bunch of guys at the club and as a team we’re all committed to improving and stepping up our performances for the supporters next season,” said Topor-Stanley.

An enthralling vote count left a sold out crowd of more than 400 at the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre on the edge of their seats as the charismatic 22 year old made a last gasp leap to overtake fellow defender Jamie Coyne with a best on ground performance in the final round.

Coyne topped the leaderboard from round one and looked most likely to claim the club’s top honour as he held a seven point buffer with just three rounds remaining. However Topor-Stanley registered votes in each of the remaining rounds to join club luminaries Gareth Naven, Scott Miller and Bobby Despotovski on the coveted trophy.

Coach Dave Mitchell paid tribute to the endurance of the young star as Topor-Stanley combined his duties for the Glory with a key role in the Olyroos campaign.

“Not only did Nikolai perform well for us he was also playing in the pressure environment of Olympic qualification which just shows what a terrific player he has been this season,” Mitchell said.

“He came over this season and fitted in straight away with the boys. He works hard, has great skills, is a gifted athlete and made the most of his opportunities. I certainly think he has a very, very bright future in front of him,” Mitchell added.

The top three places in the MGP count went to defenders. Coyne was runner-up while Dino Djulbic attracted plenty of votes in his first Hyundai A-League season. The big bodied stopper took home the ‘Best Clubman’ trophy in recognition of his commitment both on and off the pitch.

“Dino stepped up and did very well after being thrust into the spotlight and is a great person to have around the club,” Mitchell said.

“Jamie was ultra consistent and led by example, he took the captain’s arm band on a number of occasions and I’m delighted that he has committed to the club for another two seasons,” Mitchell said.

Jamie Harnwell again proved his popularity with the fans by backing up his 2006/07 ‘Supporters Player of the Year’ win with another this season. His performances on the pitch also drawing plenty of praise with consecutive Golden Boot awards a worthy reward for his effort.

Speedy forward Nikita Rukavytsya was the night’s final award recipient when he was named the Perth Glory ‘Volunteers Player of the Year’, presented by the club’s dedicated group of helpers.

2007/08 Perth Glory ‘Most Glorious Player’ Award Presentation Evening Results

2007/08 Award Winners
Award Player
Most Glorious Player Nikolai Topor-Stanley
Players’ Player of the Year Nikolai Topor-Stanley
Young Player of the Year Nikolai Topor-Stanley
Best Clubman Dino Djulbic
Golden Boot Jamie Harnwell
Supporters Players of the Year Jamie Harnwell
Volunteers Player of the Year Nikita Rukavytsya


2007/08 Perth Glory ‘Most Glorious Player’ Leaderboard (top 10)
PlayerVotes
Nikolai Topor-Stanley21
Jamie Coyne20
Dino Djulbic14
Jamie Harnwell12
Jimmy Downey9
Billy Celeski9
Nikita Rukavytsya8
Simon Colosimo7
Leo Bertos5
Mitchell Prentice4
Jordan Simpson4


Perth Glory Most Glorious Player Award Recipients
Season
2007/08 Hyundai A-League Nikolai Topor-Stanley
2006/07 Hyundai A-League Simon Colosimo & David Tarka
2005/06 Hyundai A-League Bobby Despotovski
2003/04 NSL Bobby Despotovski
2002/03 NSL Scott Miller
2001/02 NSL Bobby Despotovski
2000/01 NSL Bobby Despotovski
1999/00 NSL Gareth Naven
1998/99 NSL Danny Hay & Scott Miller
1997/98 NSL Danny Hay
1996/97 NSL Gavin Wilkinson