"Archie's had his best season yet for Melbourne Victory," said Merrick. "When he arrived in season one he was a terrific player, but he has continued to develop and is now a quality goal scorer, provider, creator and ball winner.

"Personally, his injury is an enormous setback, but I'm sure he'll return bigger and stronger than ever."

Merrick was speaking in the wake of Thompson claiming his second Victory Medal in five seasons in front of more than 500 guests at the club's annual awards night at Peninsula at Central Pier last night. Merrick paid tribute to Thompson, who netted 11 goals in 26 matches in 2009/10 and overcame a broken foot to score the Major Semi Final winner in extra time against Sydney FC earlier this month.

"Thompson has improved enormously and the consistency of his performances made him a worthy winner of the Victory Medal," added Merrick.

Thompson, 31, who will been sidelined until early next year following a knee reconstruction on Tuesday, was first named Melbourne Victory's best player in 2007/08 and joins Kevin Muscat and Danny Allsopp as only the third player to win the award more than once.

In other awards, Costa Rican Carlos Hernandez was rewarded for his outstanding season with the Players' Player of the Year and SEN TAC Player of the Year, as well as the club's Golden Boot for his 13 goals in 2009/10.

Robbie Kruse was named The Age Young Player of the Year following his first campaign with the club, while Matthew Kemp, who is also overcoming a recent knee reconstruction, won Clubman of the Year.

Aziz Behich and Julianne Sitch won the Victory Youth and Victory Women Medals respectively, with Melissa Barbieri taking out Melbourne Victory Women's Players' Player of the Year and Katrina Gorry the Clear Solar Young Player of the Year.