The highlight of the gala evening at Carriageworks in Sydney, the Warren Medal is voted on by all A-League players and Burns took it out by a massive 211 votes from second-placed Marcelo Carrusca of Adelaide United.
Burns received 577 votes, Carusca 366, Fahid Ben Khalfallah (Melbourne Victory) 317, Kosta Barbarouses (Melbourne Victory) 277 and Sergio Cirio (Adelaide United) 245.
Wellington Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick said it was terrific to see Burns, who he rescued from the footballing wilderness at the start of this season, being recognised by his peers.
“Only special players win this award and to do it in such convincing fashion is great for Nathan who has had a tremendous season,” Merrick said.
“It is also something special for the team and the club because Nathan has thrived in the environment at the Phoenix where the players are such a close-knit unit.
“Nathan has worked hard from the moment he arrived in Wellington and throughout the season has played the best football of his career.”
For Burns, who made a return to the Socceroos for the Asian Cup, it was a welcome surprise to earn the backing of his peers.
“That’s one of the most important things. The players you train with or play against have voted for me so it means a lot,” the Socceroos attacker said.
“It’s so difficult to pick. I remember when I had to vote it was so difficult because there’s so many good players and so many entertaining games out there.
“I didn’t expect that with such potential of the players that are here it’s just unbelievable to get the award,” Burns said.
“I felt I had a good season and I thought if I’m in the top three or five would be a massive honour. To get the number one spot is fantastic.”
Burns paid credit to coach Ernie Merrick for helping him rediscover his best and most consistent form, while admitting he feels Phoenix have unfinished business after a disappointing end to the campaign.
“Honestly, leading into tonight I didn’t think that I was going to get the win but now I’ve won I’m obviously very honoured and priviliged to have this award with such big names that have previously won it.
“I’m going to enjoy the moment because in football it’s really hard to get these really high moments.”
As a club the Wellington Phoenix won the A-League Fair Play Award for accruing the least number of red and yellow cards during the season.
For more on the Wellington Phoenix go to http://www.wellingtonphoenix.com

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