Auckland FC Shines at 2024-25 Dolan Warren Awards

Corica named Coach of the Year, Paulsen secures double honors, De Vries voted Fan Favorite

By Eddie Meireles | #pitchsidehq

AUCKLAND, New Zealand — Auckland FC’s sensational debut season in the Isuzu UTE A-League was capped with a trio of major honors at the 2024-25 Dolan Warren Awards, cementing their rise as one of the league’s most exciting new clubs.

Head coach Steve Corica was named Coach of the Year, goalkeeper Alex Paulsen earned both Goalkeeper of the Year and Save of the Year, and Francis de Vries received the Fan Player of the Year accolade.

“It means a lot to me,” said Corica. “We’ve managed to win a trophy in our first season, and I’m incredibly proud of everyone at the club.”

A Season to Remember

The awards ceremony, held to celebrate excellence across both the men’s and women’s competitions, saw Auckland FC’s influence strongly felt.

Paulsen, a cornerstone of the team’s defense, secured 13 clean sheets during the campaign—including a crucial shutout in the playoff semi-final. His acrobatic save to deny Melbourne Victory’s Nikos Vergos in Round 27 earned him the prestigious Save of the Year.

Meanwhile, De Vries, a consistent presence at left back and a New Zealand international, captured fans’ hearts with his tenacity and leadership, winning the public vote for the Fan Player of the Year.

Not Just the Men

Across the women’s competition, New Zealand goalkeeper Claudia Jenkins was recognized for her phenomenal stop against Newcastle Jets in Round 9, earning her the Save of the Year in the Ninja A-League Women’s division.

Other notable winners included Nicolas Milanovic of Western Sydney Wanderers, who took home the Johnny Warren Medal, and Alex Chidiac of Melbourne Victory, who received the Julie Dolan Medal for best female player.

🏅 Full List of Award Winners:

🧔 Isuzu UTE A-League Men:

• Johnny Warren Medal: Nicolas Milanovic (Western Sydney Wanderers)

• Coach of the Year: Steve Corica (Auckland FC)

• Fan Player of the Year: Francis de Vries (Auckland FC)

• Young Footballer of the Year: Archie Goodwin (Adelaide United)

• Playmaker of the Year: Zac Sapsford (Western Sydney Wanderers)

• Goal of the Year: Jordan Lauton (Western United)

• Goalkeeper of the Year: Alex Paulsen (Auckland FC)

• Save of the Year: Alex Paulsen (Auckland FC)

• Fair Play Award: Adelaide United

👩 Ninja A-League Women:

• Julie Dolan Medal: Alex Chidiac (Melbourne Victory)

• Coach of the Year: Adrian Stenta (Adelaide United)

• Fan Player of the Year: Isabel Gomez (Central Coast Mariners)

• Young Footballer of the Year: Indiana Dos Santos

• Playmaker of the Year: Sophie Hoban (Newcastle Jets)

• Goal of the Year: Alana Jancevski (Melbourne Victory)

• Goalkeeper of the Year: Sarah Langman (Central Coast Mariners)

• Save of the Year: Claudia Jenkins (Adelaide United)

• Fair Play Award: Melbourne City

🗣️ Final Thoughts

The Dolan Warren Awards not only honor elite performers but also signal the emergence of a new footballing force in Auckland FC. With Corica at the helm, Paulsen guarding the posts, and de Vries rallying fans, the future looks bright for the expansion club.

Their success is more than individual—it reflects a cohesive culture and a shared belief in excellence from day one.