Culina, Thwaite win top gongs

World Cup-bound Culina picked up the top prize, named Player of the Year, while Thwaite was voted Players’ Player of the Year and Members’ Player of the Year award.

In 26 A-League appearance since his return to Australia from Dutch giant PSV Eindhoven, marquee man Culina scored three goals and produced the highest number of assists in the competition (10).

Thwaite played every minute of every game for Gold Coast to land two major awards.

A-League Golden Boot winner, New Zealand international Shane Smeltz, picked up the same honour for his club with 19 goals in 26 appearances.

Goal of the Year went to Zenon Caravella for his Round 25 strike against Melbourne Victory, his only goal for the campaign. The midfielder also scored the Most Improved Player award.

Cote d'Ivoire U-20 international Adama Traore received the Star of the Future award after the left wing-back produced a series of exciting displays in an injury plagued season.