The AFC have announced a star-studded line-up of nominees for this year's AFC Annual Awards, with CommBank Matildas, Cortnee Vine and Ellie Carpenter headlining.
Nominated for AFC Women's Player of the Year and AFC Asian International Player of the Year (women) respectively, Vine and Carpenter were joined by former Subway Socceroos coach, Graham Arnold (Coach of the Year - Men), Young Matildas coach, Leah Blayney (AFC Coach of the Year - Women) and Daniela Galic (AFC Youth Player of the Year - Women).
Football Australia also received a nomination for the AFC President Recognition Award for Grassroots Football (Gold).
Speaking to Vine's nomination, the AFC referenced the CommBank Matildas' history-making run at the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023.
"A nerveless winning spot-kick from Vine against France last August decided the longest penalty shootout in FIFA Women's World Cup™ history and saw the Matildas become the first ever senior Australian side to make the last four of a FIFA World Cup," the AFC stated.
"The forward, who featured in each of their seven matches as they finished fourth, was also in spectacular form at club level for Sydney FC. Ten goals and six assists from Vine helped the Sky Blues seal a record fifth A-League Women championship - her second in a row - to cap off a superb 2023/24 season."
It will also be the first time the AFC Asian International Player of the Year (Women) prize will be awarded, with Carpenter or Hasegawa poised to make history as the first-ever recipient. The award was introduced due to the growth of women's football in recent years and the success of the Continent's top women's players.
The AFC Annual Awards Seoul 2023, being staged in Korea Republic for the first time, is scheduled to kick off at 6 am AEST on October 30, 2024. Passionate fans of Asian football can follow all the action from the dazzling gala on the AFC's digital channels.
You can find the full list of nominees HERE
