14 May 2019

Sport: Roy Krishna crowned A-League's best player

6:45 am on 14 May 2019

Roy Krishna has been crowned the A-League's best player after becoming the third Wellington Phoenix footballer to win the Johnny Warren Medal.

The 31 year old Fiji captain picked up 31 votes, two clear of Adelaide United midfielder Isaias and Perth's Neil Kilkenny to win the competition's highest individual accolade.

Roy Krishna.

Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Krishna also collected the trophy for winning the A League golden boot, after scoring 18 times during the season to help return the Phoenix to the playoffs for the first time in four years.

"This is for all the kids that have been dreaming, back on the island," said an emotional Krishna on receiving the award.

Growing up in rugby-mad Fiji, Krishna said he tried to give the national sport a go until his parents convinced him to swap codes."And here I am," he said.

"If you have the right people around you that are honest with you, you can achieve everything."

Roy Krishna of Wellington Phoenix controls the ball in front of Leigh Broxham of Melbourne Victory.

Roy Krishna is the all-time leading scorer for the Phoenix. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Roy Krishna joined the Phoenix in January 2014 but is out of contract and said he will decide on his future by the end of the month.

"Wellington is very close to me ... it all comes down to my family and the decision I'm going to make is going to be good for everyone," he said.

Wellington Phoenix teammate Filip Kurto, who is also out of contract, was named goalkeeper of the year, while Perth Glory pair Tony Popovic and Chris Ikonomidis were recognised as the league's best coach and young player respectively.

-AAP