Socceroos coach Holger Osieck presents Western Sydney Wanderers coach Tony Popovic with his A-League Coach of the Year award. Source: Getty Images
THE Wanderers have struck the first blow of grand final week after rookie coach Tony Popovic was rewarded for his stunning debut season by being named Coach of the Year at last night's A-League awards.
Popovic, who has deflected any personal praise all season, stepped into the spotlight after his unprecedented achievement of winning the Premier's Plate and getting to the grand final was recognised by his coaching peers.
Popovic succeeded the man on the opposing bench on Sunday, Mariners boss Graham Arnold, in taking home the award, which is voted for on a 3-2-1 basis by all of the A-League coaches at the conclusion of the regular season.
To add to the Wanderers' recognition, veteran goalkeeper Ante Covic was named goalkeeper of the year for his starring role in the league's most miserly defence.
Covic's recognition came after he was released by Melbourne Victory despite being voted their player of the year in 2011-12, and agreed to join the nascent Western Sydney club as one of its first contracted players.
Furthering the piquancy ahead of Sunday's grand final against Central Coast at Allianz Stadium, Covic also succeeded his Mariners counterpart Mat Ryan, who took out the award last year.
Popovic was only formally unveiled as the Wanderers' inaugural head coach last June but 10 months later has led his hastily assembled squad to the brink of the A-League double.
The Mariners' stellar season - the third in a row they have finished in the top two - was also recognised when Daniel McBreen received the golden boot award for his 18 goals so far, including the sensational winning goal in Sunday's semi-final against Melbourne Victory.
See full list of winners below
For Victory, who were left shattered by Sunday's loss in Gosford, there was some consolation when teen wing sensation Marco Rojas won the Johnny Warren medal for player of the year and the young player of the year award.
Tracked by scouts from European clubs such as Liverpool and Juventus, Rojas enjoyed a remarkable season with 15 goals and eight assists as his form was resurrected under Ange Postecoglou.
Popovic has drawn praise from across the spectrum.
Socceroos boss Holger Osieck recently noted how impressive the former national team stalwart had been.
"It's great what he created there at Western Sydney in his first job as head coach," Osieck said.
"The way he puts things together, with a lot of improvisation, the results show what a good job he did."
THE WINNERS
A-League Player of the Year
Johnny Warren Medal: Marco Rojas Melbourne Victory (908 votes)
Alessandro Del Piero Sydney FC (449 votes)
Daniel McBreen Central Coast (280 votes)
Michael McGlinchey Central Coast (239 votes)
Dario Vidosic Adelaide United (222 votes)
W-League Player of the League
Clare Polkinghorne Brisbane
Young Player of the Year
Marco Rojas Melbourne Victory
Stephanie Catley Melbourne Victory
W-League Player’s Player of the Year
Tameka Butt Brisbane Roar
National Youth League Player of the Year
Awer Mabil Adelaide United
Golden Glove
A-League Ante Covic Western Sydney Wanderers
W-League Mackenzie Arnold Canberra United
Golden Boot
A-League Daniel McBreen (17 Goals) Central Coast Mariners
W-League Katie Gill (11 Goals) Perth Glory
Goal of the Year
A-League Marcos Flores (Rd. 5 v Wellington) - Melbourne Victory
W-League Emily van Egmond (Rd.11 v Perth Glory) - Newcastle Jets
Coach of the Year
A-League Tony Popovic Western Sydney Wanderers
W-League Mike Mulvey Melbourne Victory
Referee of the Year
A-League Peter Green
W-League Kate Jacewicz
Fair Play Award (least yellow cards)
A-League Brisbane Roar FC
W-League Sydney FC
Youth League Brisbane Roar FC
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