AFC Women's Player of the Year: Katrina Lee Gorry

Fondly known as Mini, the prodigiously talented midfielder was named the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2014’s second best player after contributing three goals to Australia’s campaign which ended in a 1-0 defeat to Japan in the final. 

Gorry, 22, made her debut for the senior national team in 2012 and currently plays for Brisbane Roar and FC Kansas City in America’s National Women’s Soccer League.

She was up against stiff competition in the shape of two-time AFC Women’s Player of the Year Aya Miyama and Nahomi Kawasumi, who helped Japan win this year’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup. 

"I am absolutely ecstatic to win this award especially when up against such fantastic players in Aya Miyama and Nahomi Kawasumi. It really is an amazing honour after Kate Gill won this award in 2010," said Gorry.

"My performances leading up to the AFC Asian Cup in Vietnam were pretty good and I had some good games there. When it came to shine I put some goals away, but I can’t thank anyone more than my team-mates who helped this happen.

"I think winning this award can help to serve as an inspiration for women’s football in Australia and further the development which is growing rapidly, with bigger crowds and more media interest.

"The footballing talent of the younger girls who are coming through in Australia is crazy; we have so many quality players coming through and it’s a challenge to keep your place in the Matildas line-up. The next six months ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup are going to be exciting ones for Australian football.

"And with Australia hosting the next AFC Asian Cup in January it’s a great time for all the football supporters in Australia."