Melbourne’s Kemp delighted with Team of the Season inclusion

Injured Melbourne Victory defender Matthew Kemp said he was delighted to be voted by his peers as one of the best eleven players in the A-League for season 2009/10.

The former Adelaide United man, who made his international debut for Australia earlier this year, was selected in the Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) A-League Team of the Season yesterday and the inclusion was well-received by the 29-year old.

“I was very happy to get an award like that, especially one that is voted on by the players," he told Sportal.

"It's nice to know you have got that respect from your fellow professionals."

Despite the accolades, Kemp’s season was ended in the second last match of the regular season when he seriously injured his knee, causing him to miss yet another Grand Final after hitting top form with the Victory.

“I was very happy with the way the season was going and it was definitely the best year personally that I'd had but for it to end the way it has is frustrating," he added.

"This is actually my third grand final in four years but I have only played in one of them (after he missed the 2007 grand final loss due to suspension when he was with Adelaide).

"That is so frustrating but I am just so glad I got the one last year and we won (when Melbourne beat Adelaide 1-0) but it would be great to go back-to-back because I still feel I played a role because I still played most of the season.

"I am just dying to get out there, watching the boys play these big games is so tough.

"You just want to be out there, I am not good at watching and I get so much more nervous watching than playing.

"When you are playing you know you have got a job to do and you just get out there and you know you can influence the game but when you are stuck on the sidelines you can't do anything."