One of Australian football’s brightest young talents, Sophie Harding, has taken out the 2023-24 Julie Dolan Medal, awarded to the best player of the 2023-24 Liberty A-League Women season.
With 10 award winners announced as part of the build-up to and part of the 2024 Liberty A-League Women Grand Final, Western Sydney Wanderers star Harding headlines the list of recipients following an incredible campaign to win her first Julie Dolan Medal. Across the regular season, Harding notched 12 goals and 4 assists for the Wanderers, with her scoring achievement setting a new club record for most goals in a Liberty A-League Women season. Harding was also rewarded for her standout season with a first CommBank Matildas call-up in February.
Another of Australian football’s young stars, Daniela Galic was awarded the Boost Young Footballer of the Year award, after playing a starring role in helping guide Melbourne City to a Premiers’ Plate and the 2024 Liberty A-League Women Grand Final.
Newcastle Jets captain Cassidy Davis took out the Liberty Goal of the Year with an incredible long range strike against Western Sydney Wanderers back in Round 3 of the regular season.
For her incredible efforts in helping guide Central Coast Mariners to the Liberty A-League Women Semi Finals, head coach Emily Husband was awarded Coach of the Year. Emily will also feature as an assistant coach to the A-League All Stars Women in the weeks ahead when they face Arsenal FC Women as part of the Global Football Week Melbourne.
Liberty A-League Women legend Michelle Heyman claimed the Golden Bootafter an incredible season in front of goal. Her 17 goals not only led the Liberty A-League Women, but saw her become the first player to reach 100 career goals in the competition.
The eToro Playmaker of the Year, awarded for the best assist of the season, was claimed by Wellington Phoenix rising talent Alyssa Whinham for her exquisite piece of play against Perth Glory in Round 19.
In the Goalkeeper of the Year award, Perth Glory’s Morgan Aquino claimed top honours after a standout year between the sticks that included 129 saves during the regular season – 34 more than her closest rival. Whilst Brianna Edwards took out Save of the Year for her incredible diving save to keep out Sarina Bolden’s headed effort in Round 15.
Throughout the season fans also had the opportunity to vote for their favourite player with Wellington Phoenix’s Mariana Speckmaier taking out the Fan Player of the Year receiving the most votes.
A-Leagues Commissioner, Nick Garcia said: “What an incredible list of award winners and moments from a record-breaking season in the Liberty A-League Women.
“These award winners represent an incredible group of footballers and role models who have contributed immensely to a memorable season and continue to inspire the next generation of fans, players, coaches and referees in our sport.
“It’s fitting to acknowledge this group in Female Football Week and with fans in our showpiece event of the year. We congratulate them on their hard work, dedication and success, and we look forward to seeing them continue to grow alongside women’s football in the years to come.”
As part of the 2024 Liberty A-League Women Grand Final, the Julie Dolan Medal, Liberty Goal of the Year and Golden Boot were presented at half time for the first time ever in front of fans with Coach of the Year, eToro Playmaker of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year were presented as part of the pre-match celebrations with all winners in attendance.
| AWARD | WINNER |
| Julie Dolan Medal | Sophie Harding – WSW |
| Boost Young Footballer of the Year | Daniela Galic – MCY |
| Goalkeeper of the Year | Morgan Aquino – PER |
| Liberty Goal of the Year | Cassidy Davis – NEW |
| Coach of the Year | Emily Husband – CCM |
| Golden Boot | Michelle Heyman – CBR |
| Save of the Year | Brianna Edwards – WEL |
| eToro Playmaker of the Year | Alyssa Whinham – WEL |
| Fan Player of the Year | Mariana Speckmaier – WEL |
| Referee of the Year (announced on Wednesday) | Casey Reibelt |
