Steph Catley named Australia PFA Women’s Footballer of the Year

Steph Catley of Arsenal has been named Australia’s PFA Women’s Footballer of the Year for the second consecutive year.

It is the third time overall that she has won the award, following her victory in 2020.

This time round she beat fellow nominees Caitlin Foord (also of Arsenal), Ellie Carpenter (now of Chelsea), Mary Fowler (of Manchester City), Alex Chidiac and Tameka Yallop.

The award is voted on by members of Australia’s players’ union, the PFA.

Mary Fowler: I put my all into it

Earlier in the week, Mary Fowler had been named young player of the year for a record third time, despite suffering an ACL injury in April.

“It means a lot for [the players] to be able to recognise the work that I’m doing and the work I’m putting into my football,” she said in a statement.

“Last year was challenging for me because we had so many more games and injuries in the team so in a way it pushed me to have an opportunity to step up.

“As a whole, I’m really happy with the consistency I had with my performances. Every game, I really tried to put my all into it and have good energy for the team.”

Steph Catley: her response to award

Catley, aged 31, was a crucial and versatile part of Arsenal’s defence as they won the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

She also assumed the Matildas’ captain’s armband in the absence of the injured Sam Kerr, featuring at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Her displays over the last season also garnered her a nomination for the Ballon d’Or, the first time she had been shortlisted for the award.

In a statement, Catley said: “Winning the PFA Women’s Footballer of the Year is an incredible honour, and one that is very special, particularly because it’s voted on your fellow peers.

“Last season was really amazing, and lifting the Champions League trophy with Arsenal was a dream come true.

“Continuing to represent the Matildas is something I will never take for granted, and I’m excited about what is ahead, especially the Women’s Asian Cup next year.

“That tournament is an exciting opportunity for us to achieve something together.”

Australia PFA Footballer of the Year: previous winners

The previous winners of the award are as follows:2024 – Steph Catley2023 – Sam Kerr2022 – Sam Kerr2021 – Ellie Carpenter2020 – Steph Catley2019 – Sam Kerr2018 – Sam Kerr2017 – Sam Kerr2016 – Lydia Williams2015 – Elise Kellond-Knight2014 – Katrina Gorry2013 – Sam Kerr2012 – Lydia Williams2011 – Elise Kellond-Knight2010 – Servet Uzunlar