Perth Glory defender Brian Kaltak has been rewarded for a standout first season in purple, with the towering centre-back named the club’s men’s Most Glorious Player at the end-of-season awards night on Tuesday. The 32-year-old Vanuatu international overcame a slow start to rediscover the form that helped him play a vital role in Central Coast Mariners’ memorable treble in 2024.
Kaltak becomes the 13th defender to win the men’s MGP in its 29-year history, and the first since Mark Beevers in 2023. As part of a much-improved Glory defence that conceded 17 fewer goals this season, Kaltak formed a strong centre-back partnership with fellow recruit Scott Wootton. According to FotMob, Kaltak ranked second in the league for clearances (173) and equal seventh for both blocks (22) and interceptions (33).
Meanwhile, homegrown talent Tijan McKenna cemented her rise as one of Australia’s best prospects by winning the women’s Most Glorious Player award, despite playing out of position for most of the season. The 21-year-old, who previously played full-back and central midfield, was shifted to centre-back following Naomi Chinamma’s season-ending injury and excelled. After an inconsistent start, McKenna’s on-ball composure and frequent last-ditch interventions earned her the A-League Women player of the month award for December, and she maintained her strong form throughout the season.
Kaltak also won the men’s members’ and players’ player of the year awards, breaking Adam Taggart’s streak of two consecutive MGP wins. However, the Perth co-captain did not leave empty-handed, sharing the golden boot award with Tom Lawrence and Nicholas Pennington. Goalkeeper Teresa Morrissey’s excellent first season in Perth resulted in her winning the women’s members’ and players’ player of the year awards.
Tenacious midfielder Gio De Abreu and ever-present full-back Grace Johnston were named men’s DT38 young player of the season and women’s best young player, respectively. Jaiden Kucharski took home the men’s goal of the year trophy for his sizzling injury-time winner against Auckland FC, while Rola Badawiya won the women’s golden boot and goal of the year for her round two strike against Brisbane Roar.
The club also paid special tribute to retiring legend Josh Risdon, marking his retirement from professional football after an illustrious 16-year career in which he became Glory’s all-time A-League record appearances holder.
