Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Getty Images

Palm Beach SC’s Justyn McKay and Nik Mirkovic secured the major awards at the club’s presentation night on Saturday.

Sharks captain McKay was honoured with the Player’s Player Award and promising attacker Mirkovic the Coach’s Award at the event.

Midfield playmaker McKay proved a dominant force in the Sharks team that finished the season in fifth position - delivering a club best seven goals in 20 PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland appearances.

Sharks coach Grae Piddick said despite the side not replicating last year’s return of silverware, McKay’s performances were again top-shelf.

“I think his performances this year were even better than last year. I think he took another step up and that’s great to see for an experienced player.”

Mirkovic was singled out by Piddick after becoming a major contributor to the team after his pre-season was severely hindered by glandular fever.

The 20-year-old winger scored twice in 19 league appearances and was also top goalscorer in the Sharks’ Westfield FFA Cup run.

“He was hospitalised a few times and had no training coming into the season, but second half of the year I thought he was sensational,” Piddick explained.

“Coming from a situation where he was not well at all to then become one of the top players in the side, that’s why I thought he deserved the award.”

Jason Campbell was also recognised for a break-out year, claiming the Tommy Oar Rising Star Award and the Coach’s Award in the club’s Youth Men’s team.

Piddick said he expects the 18-year-old midfielder, who is currently completing Year 12 and is based in northern New South Wales, to take on an increasing role next season.

“Jason was in our plans right from the start but with his schooling and travel commitments to get to training was difficult for him.”

“But he was someone that came into the first team reckoning later in the year and he proved he is more than capable of becoming a future star in coming seasons,” Piddick concluded.

Palm Beach SC Award Winners

Senior Men
Player’s Player Award - Justyn McKay
Coach’s Award - Nik Mirkovic 
Tommy Oar Rising Star Award - Jason Campbell

Youth Men
Players Player - Zaymin Tselespy
Coach’s Award - Jason Campbell

 

Under 18 Boys
Players Player - Harry Liebke & Josh Mussels
Coach’s Award - Harry Liebke

Under 16 Boys
Players Player - Josh Langdon
Coach’s Award - Cai Tipaldo

Under 15 Boys
Players Player - Ethan Archer
Coach’s Award - Connor Pegg

Under 14 Boys
Players Player - Dylan Marshall
Coach’s Award - Cooper Jones

Under 13 Boys
Players Player - Sean Smith
Coach’s Award - Sean Smith

Under 12 Boys
Players Player - Taj Rich
Coach’s Award - Charles Miller