Perth Glory’s most glamorous night of the year, the Most Glorious Player Awards, certainly lived up to its name with players, coaches and who’s who of WA football turning out to acknowledge and reward the efforts of the club’s Hyundai A-League, National Youth League and Westfield W-League squads.
Perth Glory-s most glamorous night of the year, the Most Glorious Player Awards, certainly lived up to its name with players, coaches and who-s who of WA football turning out to acknowledge and reward the efforts of the club-s Hyundai A-League, National Youth League and Westfield W-League squads.
A red carpet entrance greeted guests with pre drinks overlooking the beautiful Swan River at the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre. Social photographers dashed around capturing the more than 400 guests that included VIP-s Tony Sage (Perth Glory owner) and his wife Lucy, Opposition Minister for Sport, Hon. Ken Travers and Football West Chairman Kevin Campbell.
Click here to see the Red Carpet pics from the 2008/09 MGP Awards night
Perth Glory-s newly appointed advisory board were also out in force with Deputy Chairman Lui Giuliani joining Declan Kelly (General Manager 96fm/6PR) and Paul Kelly (National Manager, Advertising & Sponsorship – Members Equity Bank).
Some of Australia-s leading fashion designers had their frocks on display including Ruth Tarvydas and Pierucci, while the Perth Glory players stood out from the crowd, suited-up thanks to club partner Tony Barlow Menswear.
Guests were greeted to a lavish design as the double doors to the Bellevue ballroom were thrown open. A dramatic display of three massive video screens surrounded the room while the tables were beautifully decorated with submerged orchids and candles.
The evening was guided by host Peter Vlahos (6PR) with guests given a breathtaking and haunting Phantom of the Opera themed performance from Impact Dance to open the proceedings. The local flavour continued throughout the night with WA musician Steve Parkin entertaining guests with his brilliant vocals.
A stirring slideshow dedicated to Glory great Jason Petkovic captured the audience as it showcased his long and illustrious career with Perth. The retiring goal keeper was honoured on the evening for his dedication to the club and presented with a signed and framed Glory shirt.
Click here to see the pics from inside the ballroom at the 2008/09 MGP Awards night
While a number of award winners were on overseas duty they were there in spirit, Nikita Rukavytsya (Golden Boot & QBE Players- Player of the Year) sent a personal message which was read by Captain Jamie Coyne while Eugene Dadi (Golden Boot & Supporters Player of the Year) was larger than life in a video message to the audience.
Best clubman went to loyal servant Jamie Harnwell, the third time he has taken out the award, and on-the-rise goal keeper Tando Velaphi was named Young Player of the Year.
Scott Neville deservedly took home the Members Equity Bank Most Glorious Youth Player for his efforts in the inaugural National Youth League competition while Tanya Oxtoby was the Perth Glory Westfield W-League player of the Year.
Adriano Pellegrino was the toast of the night with the star midfielder claiming the Volunteers Player of the Year and the big prize, the ‘Most Glorious Player- for the 2008/09 season.
As the formal side of the evening came to an end the dance floor quickly filled with everyone dancing the night away as DJ Carlo pumped out some classic under the disco lights.
