By JARROD POTTER
WOMEN’S Premier League soccer star Tiffany Eliadis added to her trophy cabinet after earning back-to-back WPL Gold Medals and Golden Boots.
Eliadis, 18, from Endeavour Hills, continued her domination of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) as she ran away with the Gold Medal after earning 31 votes from her 19 games to secure back-to-back awards.
It came on the back of 24 goals that earned her back-to-back Golden Boot awards as well, capping off her sensational year for South Melbourne Women’s FC.
With Melbourne Victory W-League commitments taking her away from the end of the WPL season, Eliadis didn’t expect to poll as well this season, but was thrilled to accept her second WPL Gold Medal.
“It was a shock as I didn’t expect to win it this year, obviously because I had to leave early for Victory, but when they called my name I was so happy,” Eliadis said.
“It’s all going really well – slowly, slowly I’m building up my confidence and getting better as a player.”
She was disappointed not to play in the finals’ campaign with South Melbourne – but she was proud to be in the Victory squad once again and would barrack her heart out for her team mates on Sunday.
“A little bit (disappointed) – I worked hard to get to the grand final – but I’ll be on the sidelines rooting for the girls all the way,” she said.
The prolific WPL goal-scorer wants to net one in the W-League and showcase the talents that earned her a place in Australia’s premier soccer league.
“I definitely want to score my first goal this year – I’ve been practicing my shooting before and after training and just getting on field and getting one in those goals would be amazing.”
“Last year I had to go away half way through the season – went on a holiday – and I didn’t have much time to prove my skills and get back into the squad again.
“This year I’m 100 per cent committed to Victory and it’s a big step up for me.”
Eliadis’ South Melbourne Women will take on Heidelberg United in the Women’s Premier League grand final on Sunday from 6pm at Lakeside Stadium.
There was an Endeavour Hills themed celebration in NPL1 as well as Dandenong City midfielder Sean Seavill secured the NPL1 Best and Fairest.
Following a sensational debut year for the Endeavour Hills-based soccer club, Seavill’s 26 votes were enough to grant him the top prize as FC Bulleen Lions’ Matteo Ballan (27 votes) was ineligible due to suspension. The Bristol-born midfielder was a prime reason for team mates Dario Matkovic (12 goals), Goran Jozeljic (6) and Damien Miskulin (5) featured prominently in the goal-kicking tables.
