Football Federation Australia and NAB are proud to announce Brisbane Roar’s Luke DeVere as the third nominee for the 2010/11 NAB Young Footballer of the Year Award.
DeVere was voted as the most outstanding U/21 player for the month of October.
Determined by a panel of experts the NAB Young Footballer of the Year – October nominee, the 21-year-old was judged on his performance over weeks 9-12 of the Hyundai A-League 2010/11 season during which Brisbane were unbeaten in their five games.
DeVere is the third nominated player to be announced, following North Queensland Fury-s Chris Payne and Adelaide United-s currently injured star, Mathew Leckie.
He will be joined in future weeks by four more U/21 players to qualify to be named the NAB Young Footballer of the Year at the Hyundai A-League Awards.
DeVere was pleased to be recognised for his solid performances in the heart of the Brisbane defence but highlighted team success as a key contributor to his nomination.
“It-s always good, the individual things that pop up along the way are always a nice recognition of things you-re doing well,” he said.
“I don-t know about career best form, it hasn-t been the longest career but obviously the team is doing well and I think everyone is contributing to that.”
In October, DeVere netted his first goal of the season in the Roar-s 1-1 draw against Sydney FC and also set up striker Jean Carlos Solorzano for the decisive goal in their vital home clash with Melbourne Victory.
“It-s always nice to score, but it would have been nicer if we could have got a win out of the game but it just wasn-t meant to be,” he said.
“I think it-s a combination of the gaffer wanting players to go forward, me having the confidence to do so and the opportunity just arising.”
The overall winner will receive a $10,000 personal investment portfolio, a NAB Private Client Manager to assist with a range of banking and financial services, and the inaugural NAB Young Footballer of the Year Award.
To acknowledge the vital role junior football clubs play in the development of today-s young stars as they strive to reach their potential, NAB will also present a $3,000 equipment pack to DeVere-s nominated junior club, the Gap Gators in Brisbane.
