Steven Grelli wins 2011 Sergio Melta Medal

MetroStars' midfielder Steven Grelli has claimed the 2011 Sergio Melta Medal, becoming the first player from the club to take out the Devine Super League's Player of the Year award.

Grelli finished the season on 22 votes, two clear of Adelaide City's Nicholas Orr and three votes ahead of Western Strikers' Ambesager Yosief.

The 25-year-old admitted he was surprised to hear his name called out, but privileged to have taken out the league's highest individual honour.

"It's a massive honour and privilege," he said.

"Obviously the players that have won the Serio Melta Medal in the past are great players and our league has great players involved."

"To be in the same status as them is great – a huge honour.  It was definitely a huge surprise."

The Sergio Melta Medal was a three-horse race heading into Round 18 with Grelli leading the pair on 19 votes followed by Orr and Yosief on 17 and 16 votes respectively.

All three polled maximum votes in best-on-ground performances on the final day of the season to ensure a thrilling finish to the medal count.

In a stunning run of form, Grelli polled eight votes in the final three matches of the season after trailing both Orr and Yosief at the start of Round 16 – Orr led the trio with 17 votes from Yosief (16) and Grelli (14).

The hard-nosed midfielder was judged man-of-the-match four times during the campaign and collected votes in 10 of his 18 matches.

 

Top 10 votes – 2011 Sergio Metal Medal (Devine Super League Player of the Year)

Steven  Grelli   
    

Metro Stars     
    

22

Nicholas Orr
    

Adelaide City
    

20

Ambesager Yosief
    

Western Strikers
    

19

Michael Matricciani
    

Metro Stars      
    

15

Ricardo Da Silva
    

Adelaide City
    

15

Jackson Groves
    

Metro Stars
    

13

Kym Harris
    

Adelaide Blue Eagles
    

12

Matthew Deegan
    

Campbelltown  
    

12

Michael D'Aloisio
    

Campbelltown  
    

12

Nicholas Budin
    

Adelaide City   
    

12