Ryan Strain revealed winning the Rising Star for the 2018/19 season after an impressive campaign with Adelaide United was special.
Since making his professional debut last season, Strain has gone from strength to strength and has been a consistent presence at right-back.
He featured in 22 Hyundai A-League matches, where he boasted an 81% pass completion rate, while his tackle success rate was 65%.
Strain also played 23 key passes and his tireless work rate did not go unnoticed.
Previous recipients of the accolade for the Club have included Awer Mabil, Nathan Burns, Mathew Leckie and Nathan Konstandopoulos over the years.
Strain said being in that company was a tremendous honour.
“It means a lot as you said before all the people that have won it in the past are all great players so it means a lot,” he said upon receiving his award.
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Reflecting on the season, Strain admitted lifting the FFA Cup trophy back in October has been the greatest highlight of the season to date.
He also added that he is confident in the squad to go all the way and even win the Hyundai A-League Championship, starting with the Reds’ Elimination Final against Melbourne City.
“It’s been great, winning the FFA Cup has probably been the biggest highlight – that was a great night,” he said.
“I think we can go all the way this year, we’ve got a great team and we’re all pushing each other to try and win.”
Adelaide United host Melbourne City in a Hyundai A-League 2018/19 Elimination Final on Sunday, 5 May at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 6.30pm ACST. Gates open 5.30pm.
