Mariners goalkeeper Mark Birighitti has added his name to a prestigious list, claiming the 2020 Mariners Medal sponsored by Collaborative Construction Solutions on Thursday night after a strong debut season in the Yellow & Navy.
The 2020 Mariners Medal dinner was a stark contrast to previous years, presented on a smaller scale at Mingara Recreation Club in compliance with COVID-19 protocols and with only players, club staff and club partners in attendance.
Birighitti arrived from Melbourne City during the off-season last year and quickly established himself as a bona fide number one in Gosford, making a number of stunning saves throughout the campaign including his heroics in the FFA Cup that sent the Mariners into the quarter finals.
The 29-year old made more saves than any other goalkeeper in the competition with 99, and on Thursday night was also recognised by his colleagues as the Player’s Player of the Year and the McDonald’s Fan’s Player of the Year also.
Scottish defender Ziggy Gordon picked up a couple of honours, awarded the Official Supporters Club Player of the Year for his efforts throughout, as well as receiving the Men of Football Damien Brown Medal.
After a big first season at senior level Gianni Stensness was awarded the Yellow & Navy Foundation Newcomer of the Year award, and also took home the Noel Spencer Goal of the Year gong for his bicycle kick effort in Round 21 against Western United.
Gianni Stensness’ bicycle kick stunner against Western United in @aleague Round 21 sees him win the 2020 Noel Spencer Goal of the Year Award! #CCMFC #MarinersMedal pic.twitter.com/DK1v8gfKTz
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) October 1, 2020
The Central Coast Mariners Chairman’s Award was presented to Cheyanne Pay, the Club’s event coordinator who assumed the role of COVID Officer during the restart to ensure that Players and Staff could finish the season safely.
The contribution of Volunteers to the Club, which is so valuable to Hyundai A-League matchdays and events was also recognised as Caroline Sutas was awarded the University of Newcastle Volunteer of the Year award.
A full list of awards can be seen below.
Full Honour Roll |
Mariners Medal sponsored by Collaborative Construction Solutions – Mark Birighitti
Central Coast Mariners Golden Boot – Milan Duric
Central Coast Mariners Player’s Player – Mark Birighitti
Central Coast Mariners McDonald’s Fan’s Player of the Year – Mark Birighitti
Central Coast Mariners Official Supporters Club Player of the Year – Ziggy Gordon
Men of Football Damien Brown Medal – Ziggy Gordon
Yellow & Navy Foundation Newcomer of the Year – Gianni Stensness
Central Coast Mariners Goal of the Year – Gianni Stensness
University of Newcastle Volunteer of the Year – Caroline Sutas
Chairman’s Award – Cheyanne Pay
Foxtel Y-League Player of the Year – Dan Hall
Central Coast Mariners Five Years of Service Recognition – Shaun Mielekamp, Mel Woods, Adam Pearce, Keith Bain, Dan Challinor
