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Matildas' Caitlin Foord named best women's footballer in Asia

Australian attacker Caitlin Foord has accepted her award for best women's footballer in Asia on behalf of her Matildas teammates.

The Sydney FC star edged Matildas forward partner Lisa de Vanna and China's Tan Ruyin for the gong at the Asian Football Confederation awards ceremony in Abu Dhabi.

This year Foord battled back from a broken collarbone to play a central role in Australia's Rio Olympics campaign, scoring against eventual gold medallists Germany to help the Matildas to the quarterfinals.

She has won 50 international caps since debuting at the age of 16

"I wasn't expecting this ... I accept this award on behalf of all the Matildas," Foord said on receiving her trophy.

"This is for the national team, anyone of whom could easily have been here tonight."

United Arab Emirates star Omar Abdulrahman was named men's player of the year.

Australians Kate Jacewicz and Renae Coghill was also honoured at the awards with a Referees Special Award.