Melbourne Victory and CommBank Matildas sensation Alex Chidiac has clinched the prestigious Julie Dolan Medal for a second time following an outstanding 2024-25 season in the Ninja A-League.
Chidiac has become just the fifth player in history to secure the Julie Dolan Medal on two occasions, having previously triumphed while playing for Victory in the 2022-23 season.
Before Chidiac’s recent achievement at the Dolan Warren Awards on Tuesday night, only four players had claimed the honour twice: Sam Kerr (2016-17, 2017-18), Clare Polkinghorne (2012-13, 2017-18, shared with Kerr), Michelle Heyman (2009, 2020-21), and Taryn Rockall (2000, 2004).
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The recipient of the Julie Dolan Medal is determined each season through a voting process conducted after every regular-season match in the Ninja A-League.
Votes are cast by representatives from three different panels—comprising technical officials, former players, media members, and match referees—who assess the performances of players during each game.
Each panel selects the top three players from every regular-season match, awarding three votes to the standout performer, two to the second-best, and one to the third.
These votes are totalled to establish the winner of the Julie Dolan Medal at the season’s conclusion.
Chidiac wrapped up the voting count with 26 votes, finishing just ahead of Adelaide United’s Erin Healy.
At the Dolan Warren Awards ceremony, Chidiac was awarded the Julie Dolan Medal and received a touching embrace from Julie Dolan herself while accepting the accolade—something she missed out on in 2023 when she won for the first time due to being overseas.
Standing next to Julie Dolan with the medal draped around her neck, Chidiac reflected on the significance of being just the fifth player to achieve this feat.
“I think I’m still trying to wrap my head around it,” Chidiac expressed.
“While I’d prefer it to be a group award after such a successful season with the team, it’s a tremendous privilege. I invest a lot of effort behind the scenes to maintain my consistency as a player, and that’s something I strive for season after season, to be that reliable player the team can count on during challenging times.”
“It’s a huge honour.”
Chidiac also acknowledged the support of Victory head coach Jeff Hopkins for allowing her to truly express herself at the club where she has now claimed two Julie Dolan Medals.
“It’s all about Jeff and the culture at the club and the teammates I have who drive me every single day,” she noted.
“Honestly, Jeff has given me the trust to be myself and has pushed me into different roles. This season has seen me play in a varied capacity. All credit goes to him and the club for what they’ve accomplished throughout the season.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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