Carle polled 284 votes, easily ahead of Melbourne Victory trio Daniel Allsopp (258 votes), Kevin Muscat (235) and Archie Thompson (200).

Carle’s brilliant solo effort against Adelaide lat EnergyAustralia Stadium in round 10 of the A-League also won him the goal of the year award.
Others to receive awards at the Opera House in Sydney were, predictably, Melbourne Victory. Daniel Allsopp took out the Golden Boot Award with 11 goals and Adrian Leijer won the Rising Star Award for the most outstanding U/20 player.

Ernie Merrick was given the Coach of the Year gong. He also proved to be the highlight of the night with an acceptance speech full of self-deprecating humour concerning his expressionless demeanour on the sidelines.
No surprises as Mark Shield was again named the Zurich Referee of the Year award and Perth Glory, represented by Jamie Harnwell, took out the Fair Play Award.

The night was hosted by Fox Sports’ Simon Hill with the help of model and waterskiier Lauryn Eagle.