Cahill snubbed by Sport Australia awards

In somewhat of a surprise, Cahill was snubbed as one of seven nominations for the annual Sport Australia Hall of Fame’s The Don award.
The accolade is given for sporting excellence over the last 12 months and but also an athlete who has inspired the nation by demonstrating courage, dignity and good sportsmanship.
Emerging tennis start Nick Kyrgios (19), F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo (25) and NBA champions Patty Mills (26) were the new faces among the nominees for this year.
Aerial skier Lydia Lassila, hurdler Sally Pearson, cricketer Mitchell Johnson and marathon runner Michael Shelley round out the seven candidates for the top gong.
But it’s Cahill’s omission which is perhaps the most surprising given his stellar performances on the world stage over the last year.
The 34-year-old scored twice in Brazil, including a stunning volley against the Netherlands which was voted one of the best of the World Cup, capturing the imagination of fans right around the country and the world. 
Cahill also become Australia’s greatest-ever goal-scorer when he bagged a brace against South American’s Ecuador, taking over from former striker Damian Mori.
The New York Red Bulls star has scored 35 times in just 73 caps for the Socceroos.
The winner of this year’s award will be announced at a gala function in Melbourne on October 9.