An emotional Brendon Santalab said winning the Player of the Year award at last night’s Wanderers Medal ranks as the biggest achievement of his career.
The veteran striker took home the Hyundai A-League Player of the Year, an award that is voted for by his fellow teammates, for the very first time.
The 34-year-old said he was overwhelmed by the recognition of his peers.
“I have to hold my emotions in at the moment. This is the biggest achievement in my career.
“To be coached by the best, to have all the support from home, this is a dream come true.
“I hope next season I can take it to another level,” he said.
Santalab also took home the Golden Boot after scoring 14 goals in the regular Hyundai A-League season and also made history this season by breaking former Wanderer Mark Bridge’s all-time goal scorer record.
“It’s about looking after my body and I’ve been managed well by the coaching staff.
“I also have an amazing team around me,” he said.
Santalab broke the goal scoring record in Round 23 of the Hyundai A-League against Wellington Phoenix where he scored a double.
A week later, he backed it up with a memorable hat-trick against Melbourne City.
“It was a crucial moment in our season and do be able to do that was special,” he said.
