Western United Gala Night dominated by Penha and Logarzo

Daniel Penha and Chloe Logarzo dominated the Western United Gala Night, picking up six awards between them to highlight the Club’s end of season event on Wednesday.

Penha was awarded the A-League Men Player of the Season for his outstanding campaign and also won the Golden Boot, Fans’ Goal of the Season and Club Person of the Season honours.

Logarzo was the clear front-runner among both the coaches and the fans, claiming the top gong of A-League Women Player of the Season as well as the Fans’ Player of the Season.

Both Penha (seven goals, three assists) and Logarzo (nine goals, three assists) were incredible on the pitch and also left their mark off the pitch over the course of the season, making them worthy winners and role models at Western United.

Elsewhere, Western United’s next generation was recognised with Alana Cerne and Matthew Grimaldi claiming the Young Player of the Season silverware for the women’s and men’s sides, respectively.

Cerne furthered her development after winning the same award last season, playing every single minute of the 2023/24 campaign at the back, while Grimaldi shone in his first ever professional campaign with five goals, becoming an instant fan-favourite.

Speaking of fan-favourites, Tom Heward-Belle endeared himself to the Western United supporters in his first season at the Club and took out the Fans’ Player of the Season award.

Hannah Keane became the first Western United player to score double figures and win the Golden Boot in consecutive seasons with 10 goals to add to her 14 from last season.

After joining Western United in the off-season, Grace Maher made an instant impact in her new home and was recognised by her peers, coaches and club staff as the Club Person of the Season in the A-League Women side.

Kahli Johnson’s sublime long-range blast against Melbourne City in Round 3 was voted by the fans as the A-League Women Goal of the Season, while it was Penha’s strike against Macarthur FC in Unite Round that earned him that title for the men’s team.

On the night there was also special recognition for the work that goes on off the pitch at Western United with staff and volunteer members being celebrated.

Matchday Operations & Events Manager Steph Leondidis and Commercial Partnerships Executive Nathan Perrone won the Chairman’s Award for Outstanding Contribution recognising their efforts over the transition to the Club’s new headquarters in Tarneit.

Josephine Politis was recognised as the Volunteer of the Season for her consistent support across men’s and women’s matchdays, and in the office during the week.