Why Victory star Chidiac believes best is yet to come
Melbourne Victory star Alex Chidiac is viewing her second Julie Dolan medal as proof she's not yet finished raising the bar.
The fifth player to claim the A-League Women's highest individual honour on multiple occasions, Chidiac says there's no ceiling - even if she's not finding reward in the Matildas squad.
She follows Michelle Heyman, Sam Kerr, Clare Polkinghorne and Taryn Rockall as two-time winners.
Her first medal came in 2023 after playing only 13 of Victory's 20 regular-season games, on loan from NWSL club Racing Louisville.
While it does little to ease the heartbreak of their grand final loss, her second medal comes after what Chidiac called her evolution into a more "complete midfielder".
Victory lost to Central Coast in a penalty shootout, after falling short of a premiership by two points to Melbourne City.
The 26-year-old was crucial in their campaign, leading the way as a commanding midfield force in 25 matches under coach Jeff Hopkins.
Chidiac's individual achievement is made more impressive given the rising talent and competitiveness in the ALW, with the domestic Australian league named the top club competition in the Asian confederation.
"I only realised halfway through - this was the first season that I was actually the oldest out of my midfield group, which was a bit weird after being in the league for like 11 years," Chidiac told AAP.
"I was always used to being the young one learning off others. I didn't really realise that players were looking to me.
"In between the two awards, I've changed a lot as a player, trying to become more of that complete midfielder that can do multiple roles.
"This award kind of shows that I'm on the right track for that, to know that each year I'm becoming a better and better player."
But Chidiac is unclear whether her efforts this season will translate into a Matildas recall.
Having last played on the international stage in November, the 33-cap Matilda won't be in the crowd when Australia host Argentina at Marvel Stadium on Friday.
"I'll be watching my partner play actually. She's been playing (Victorian) State League One," Chidiac said.
With Lyon boss Joe Montemurro widely expected to be announced as the new Matildas coach, the door for a mainstay role could open for Chidiac.
A 16-year-old Chidiac was a part of the premiership-championship winning squad in 2015/16 after being signed by Montemurro.
"That's always the case (with new coaches). For myself, there's been multiple coaches come and go and I've still not really been able to spark interest," Chidiac said.
"Once a new national team coach comes in, they've got a lot of pressure.
"It'll be definitely a transition period, but we do have such talented players here in Australia.
"And if there's anyone that can get the best out of those players, it's going to be Joe."
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