Gilbert Agius yesterday became the first player to complete a hat-trick of MFA Player of the Year awards when he was declared winner of the 2006/07 contest.
The Valletta FC and Malta skipper, who also claimed the best player award in 1997 and 2001, totalled the biggest number of points, 46.34, to beat the challenge of fellow national team members Daniel Bogdanovic (42.28), George Mallia (40.63), Kevin Sammut (39.31) and Luke Dimech (34.44).
Following last week's first stage of voting, open to a panel of journalists and MFA council members, Agius was installed as the main favourite after collecting the biggest number of votes.
With the MFA adopting a complex formula that attributes points for every appearance in domestic and international matches, the decision in favour of Agius was never in doubt.
The 33-year-old was a consistent performer for club and country last season and also boasted a controlled disciplinary record at both domestic and international levels. Agius's 2006/07 campaign was highlighted with his 100th match for Malta in a Euro 2008 qualifier against Norway in Oslo on June 2.
Andrew Cohen, the Hibernians striker, had won the honour in the last two years but was not included among the nominees for the 2007 contest.
"I wasn't expecting this award, honestly," Agius said. "With my team out of the running for the major honours, the best player award hardly flashed into my mind at the end of the season."
With the team going through a transitory period, Valletta failed to qualify for Europe after finishing fourth in the standings. They were knocked out of the FA Trophy in the semi-finals. Agius, however, produced some eye-catching performances for the Citizens, scoring nine goals in the league and being named Man of the Match on various occasions.
"On a personal level, I think I had a positive campaign," Agius said.
"We played some really good matches in the league but in the Trophy we could have done more.
"I did achieve some goals, however, along the way. Making a 100th appearance for Malta was something I'll cherish for the rest of my life."
Foreign interest
The honour caps a positive week for Agius.
In midweek, he put pen to paper on a new four-year contract, pledging his future to his first love despite interest from a foreign club. "At the moment, I have an offer from an overseas club which I am considering. However, there will be no rush decisions," Agius said.
"Their offer looks inviting but my priority has always been to captain my team to domestic honours. I've won practically all there is to win with Valletta but never as a club captain.
"These are exciting times for us. I think the new administration is doing a great job to revive the team. There has been some excellent signings and, more importantly, the committee is looking long-term.
"I've spent the best days of my career with Valletta and went through thick and thin. The prospects look good, so, I won't take decisions I will come to regret later on in my career."
2006/07 honours...
Premier League: 1. G. Agius (Valletta) 46.34; 2. D. Bogdanovic (Marsaxlokk) 42.28; 3. G. Mallia (Birkirkara) 40.63; 4. K. Sammut (Marsaxlokk) 39.31; 5. L. Dimech (Marsaxlokk) 34.44.
Division One: J.P. Muscat (Mqabba) 50.94.
Division Two: D. Scerri (Lija) 45.27.
Division Three: C. Ellul (Fgura) 45.38.
Youths: H. Bonello (Sliema) 51.01.
Women's League: C. Camilleri (Birkirkara) 56.51.