Gold Coast United skipper and marquee man Jason Culina has been awarded the club's inaugural Player of the Year award. Culina was brilliant in his first season back in Australia, guiding the first year club to a third-placd finish after the regular season and in turn a finals berth.

The former PSV Eindhoven midfielder netted three goals and provided 10 scoring assists - the highest in the league, and was praised by United coach Miron Bleiberg for his performances throughout the campaign.

"Jason came back to Australia with an enormous reputation, which brought with it all sorts of different pressures," said Bleiberg.

"He made a big decision career-wise and he has handled the expectation that was heaped on him like the true professional he is - letting his football do the talking."

Vice-captain Michael Thwaite was awarded the Players' Player of the Year, striker Shane Smeltz added the Gold Coast Golden Boot to his A-League award, midfielder Zenon Caravella picked up the most improved player award whilst Ivory Coast youngster Adama Traore received the star of the future award.