Arsenal 30yo wins PFA Player of the Year award | OneFootball

Arsenal‘s Steph Catley has won the Australian PFA Women’s Player of the Year award for the second time, having also claimed the accolade in 2020.

Catley was honoured alongside Jackson Irvine, who won the men’s PFA award for his contributions to St. Pauli and the Socceroos.

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Catley played a key role in Arsenal’s Women’s League Cup victory and their third-place finish in the Women’s Super League. She also stepped in as Matildas captain in Sam Kerr‘s absence, demonstrating leadership and consistency at both club and international levels.

“Receiving this award is a massive honour,” Catley said. “It’s one of the greatest you can receive as a player because it is peer-voted. This award reflects my development, with many new experiences and challenges.”

Catley faced competition from Matildas teammates Mackenzie Arnold, Ellie Carpenter, Caitlin Foord, Michelle Heyman, Clare Hunt, and Mary Fowler.

Jackson Irvine, captain of St. Pauli, won the men’s PFA award, beating former Arsneal goalkeeper Mat Ryan, Cam Burgess, Massimo Luongo, and others.

“Anything voted for by your peers is particularly special and it’s a huge reward for what has been an amazing year,” Irvine said. He led St. Pauli to the German second division championship and promotion, while also excelling for the Socceroos during the Asian Cup qualifying campaign.

Catley and Irvine’s awards recognise their outstanding contributions over the past year. For Catley, the accolade reinforces her place among the elite defenders in women’s football and her importance to Arsenal’s ambitions.