>>>   click here to see the awards night pics   

The English Premier League based Socceroo won the gong for the first time and accepted it by video from the UK. Mark Schwarzer (2009-10, 2010-11) and Matt McKay (2011-12) the previous winners.

Central Coast Mariners goalkeeper Mat Ryan took out his second consecutive Male U20 Footballer of the Year award, while Melbourne Victory's Stephanie Catley won the women's equivalent.

Matilda Sally Shipard took out the Female Footballer of the Year also accepted her award by video as she's in Japan with Canberra United for the Womens' Club World Championship

New FFA CEO David Gallop presided over his first awards ceremony and labelled the night a success.
 
"I congratulate all the winners for their contribution to a stellar year for the game in 2012," Gallop said.

"It’s a wonderful night for the game to celebrate the diversity of Australian football and pay tribute to everyone from the volunteers through to the superstars,” said Football Federation Australia CEO, David Gallop. 

“The AFAs are an important occasion to show that the national governing body wants to nurture that connection to the grassroots.

"My goal is for everyone who plays, watches and works in the game to feel like they belong in football."

However the lack of Matildas, past or present, at the FFA-organised awards night, hosted by Fox Sports Mel McLaughlin and Andy Harper, sparked a social media backlash.
 
Most current Matildas are in China for the East Asian Cup qualifiers, but former Matilda Sarah Walsh and ex-skipper Melissa Barbieri were uninvited.
 
Pregnant keeper Barbieri took to Twitter when she found out and won widespread support.
 
NSW A-League clubs each had tables at the event at Sydney's Sofitel Hotel in th CBD, with marquee stars Alessandro Del Piero and Emile Heskey greeting a queue of starstruck fans all night.

FFA chairman Frank Lowy also mingled with well-wishers, still jubilant at this week's announcement of the new $160million TV deal.

As well as the big name award winners, non-professional category teams, volunteers, coaches and referees from around the nation were also recognised

The Senior Team of the Year went to the Senior Men’s team from Eureka Football Club from Football Far North Coast of Northern NSW whilst the Junior Team of the Year Award went to the U16 Women’s Team of the Avalon Soccer Club from the Manly Warringah Football Association of NSW.

The male coach of the year award went to Darren Cook of Tasmania and the female coach of the year went to Queenslander Fiona Stevenson.

The referee of the year went to Brenton Hayward from Victoria and the volunteer of the year award was presented to John Wainwright from the Tinonee Football Club from the Mid North Coast of Northern NSW.

In addition a new award category of Pararoos Footballer of the Year was presented with Chris Pyne of NSW being named the inaugural recipient.

   >>>   click here to see the awards night pics  

2012 Australian Football Award Winners

PROFESSIONAL AWARDS
Footballer of the Year (male): Brett Holman, Aston Villa FC

Footballer of the Year (female): Sally Shipard, Canberra United

U20 Footballer of the Year (male): Mathew Ryan, Central Coast Mariners

U20 Footballer of the Year (female): Stephanie Catley, Melbourne Victory

 

NON-PROFESSIONAL AWARDS
Team of the Year (Senior): Senior Men’s Team - Eureka Football Club (NNSW)

Team of the Year (Junior): U16 Women’s Team - Avalon Soccer Club (NSW)

Volunteer of the Year: John Wainwright (NNSW)

Referee of the Year: Brenton Hayward (VIC)

Coach of the Year (male): Darren Cook (TAS)

Coach of the Year (female): Fiona Stevenson (QLD)

Pararoos Footballer of the Year: Chris Pyne (NSW)