Katrina Gorry named 2014 AFC Women’s Player of the Year

Matildas midfielder Katrina Gorry has been voted the 2014 AFC Women’s Player of the Year.

The 22 year old won the award ahead of Japan duo Aya Miyama and Nahomi Kawasumi.

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"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.

“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."

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Gorry was instrumental in the Matildas run to the 2014 AFC Women’s Asian Cup final, scoring 3 crucial, and spectacular, goals along the way.

Her efforts saw her named the second best player in the tournament behind Nadeshiko captain Miyama.

“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."

The Queenslander becomes just the second Australian to win the prestigious award, following from Kate Gill's win in 2010.

Gorry is set to be a key member in Australia's Women's World Cup squad, an experience she welcomes.

“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."

Australian Football received widespread recognition at the AFC Awards Night with Mile Jedinak (AFC International Player of the Year), Tony Popovic (AFC Coach of the Year) and the Western Sydney Wanderers (AFC Club of the Year) also claiming awards.