Socceroo legend Harry Kewell received the Alex Tobin OAM Medal in recognition of his spectacular contribution to the game.

The best of the best were honoured during a glittering night in the Palladium at Crown, Melbourne with the major award winners including: 

● Harry Kewell, the PFA Alex Tobin OAM Medallist;

● Aaron Mooy, PFA Footballer of the Year;

● Lydia Williams, PFA Women’s Footballers of the Year; and

● Jamie Maclaren, PFA Harry Kewell Medallist (U23).

Kewell, who was named as the Alex Tobin Medal recipient in October, was delighted to be on hand to receive the honour from the current generation of players.

“(Joe) Marston, (Mark) Schwarzer, (Frank) Farina and the other Tobin medallists are legends of our game and to join them is truly an honour,” Kewell said.

“These players did so much for Australian football. They inspired me and countless other players.

“I would also like to congratulate the other major award winners; all were truly deserving after brilliant seasons.”

Kewell earns top honour

Players were recognised for their outstanding form in 2015/16.

Last season, Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou described Aaron Mooy as the "best and most exciting player" in the A-League as the 26-year-old notched up 20 assists and 11 goals for Melbourne City in a breakout season. In June the midfield maestro signed a three-year deal with EPL giants Manchester City and was loaned to championship side Huddersfield Town.

Mooy joined the likes of Tim Cahill, Mile Jedinak and Mark Schwarzer in earning the PFA Footballer of the Year award, voted on by all of the PFA’s male members.

In doing so he beat out an impressive field that included Cahill, Diego Castro, Matthieu Delpierre, Golden Boot winner Bruno Fornaroli, Mathew Leckie, Jamie Maclaren, Mark Milligan, Tom Rogic and Mat Ryan.

Mooy said: “To join the likes of Mark Schwarzer and Tim Cahill is an honour and one I am proud of. To be chosen by the players makes this award very special.

“I’m very thankful for the support of my family through the good times and bad, my teammates and all the players who voted for me. It was a great year for me and I’m very proud to have been named the Player of the Year.”

Lydia Williams became just the second player to pick-up the PFA Women’s Footballer of the Year on two occasions. The 28-year-old Melbourne City star and World Cup and Olympics hero has been a rock between the sticks and a leader on the park.

The Matildas legend said she was humbled by the recognition of her peers who gave her the nod ahead of other nominees Caitlin Foord, Elise Kellond-Knight, Alanna Kennedy and Emily van Egmond.

“Over the past few years we have had a really hectic schedule and a lot of ups and downs and to have the backing of the girls means so much,” Williams said.

“Besides the players, people don’t see what goes into being a footballer day in day out and to receive that recognition is incredible.

"The first time I won the award was when I was breaking into the team. This time around there has been a lot of history-making events and I have experienced so many highs with the girls and this is the most rewarding recognition I can imagine.”

Jamie Maclaren received the Harry Kewell medal, honouring outstanding achievement by an U23 footballer playing in the A-League or an Australian based overseas.

The 23-year-old's move to Brisbane Roar proved inspired as he fired in 20 goals in 2015/16, the most of any Australian player in the A-League and second only to Golden Boot winner, Bruno Fornaroli.

The Socceroo secured the win over a field of rising stars: Jason Geria, Alex Gersbach, Jimmy Jeggo, Stefan Mauk and Dimi Petratos.

“I am truly honoured to win the award,” Maclaren said. “It is an award that means a lot to the players.

“My family have been so supportive and so have my teammates who played  such a big role in the success I had last sea son. I would also like to thank the PFA for their ongoing support.

“The respect of your peers means a lot and I’m very thankful to all the players who voted for me.”