The Campbelltown Blues faithful gathered at Wests Leagues Club to celebrate what is widely regarded as a great season in 2013.
Club President Keiran Buckley in his opening address pointed out the great work going on with the club’s South Pacific venture as well as the NSW Gaelic Athletics Association (NSWGAA). He also pointed out the great work the club has done in the community this year having raised $500 towards the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and in our last home game of the season we donned Pink jumpers in support of the Breast Cancer Network of Australia and raised over $4500.
First up on stage were the Under 18’s. The Macarthur Giants, a new joint venture between Camden Senior AFL and the Campbelltown Blues. Being their first year in the competition it was always going to be a tough year but it was a credit to the young players they gave it their all for the whole season. One of those players was Luke Vella who took out the inaugural Best and Fairest for the team. It was a great effort from him beating Rising Star Nominee Jordan Etto for the top prize. The Players Player award went to Tim Trautsch who capped off a great season with a Premier Division game and a goal to his name. The Coaches award went to Michael Franchi.
Reserve grade had a tough year however the excellent numbers turning up each week was a real positive for next year.
The Reserve Grade Best and Fairest was thought to be a runaway contest with Chris Jordan set to take it out. However, it was a great surprise as first year player Joshua Harris took out the honour on 44 votes, 9 ahead of Chris Jordan on 35.
"It was a great surprise, not in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would win this award," Joshua said. Players Player went to Jerrod Quick-Nadin and the Coaches award went to crowd favourite David Perse, who received a tremendous applause when receiving the award. The highlight of his season, his first goal and 150 metre celebration that had to be seen to be believed.
Campbelltown Senior Coach and 2013 AFL Sydney Coach of the Year Neil Brunton stepped up to the microphone and delivered a strong and proud message.
"We have laid the foundations for an excellent 2014, but it doesn’t stop here. I want Campbelltown to be recognised in the wider AFL community as a place for young players to thrive and grow on and off the field". Neil also stated "I want to instil a culture that rivals the Swans Culture". This was backed by Club Founder John McLaughlin who was pivotal in getting Neil to the club.
Early favourite for the Best and Fairest was Paul Green after his 7th place finish in the Phelan Medal. Club Captain Matthew Edwins was also a clear cut favourite while Hamish Sherwood and Bryce Joynson were the dark horses. After 15 rounds, Matthew Edwins and Bryce Joynson were split by 6 votes, but in the end Edwins stormed home to take the award with a staggering 73 votes beating Joynson by 20. Congratulations to both boys on their achievements. Bryce stated "I love the footy club and the people around it" after accepting his award.
Neil instituted a new award this year in which he entitled "The Spirit of the Blues" award which is given to the player who instils the core values of the Campbelltown Blues. Neil stated that the award was given to "one of the most underrated players in AFL Sydney" and everyone agreed that Hamish Sherwood was a deserving winner. The Players Player award went to GWS Academy player Taran Etto and the Coaches Award was given to Peni Mahina, which shows just how well the South Pacific venture is working.
The next award to be handed out was the Monarch Rising Star Award, given to the best young player. Taran Etto was a deserving winner not only through his season at Campbelltown but also as he was able to get into the UWS Giants NEAFL side for some games. He also made the NSW/ACT Rams Under 18’s team.
The Club would like to recognise our new Life Member Peter Icklow, CEO of Monarch Investments Group who was inducted on the night. This season Monarch celebrated 20 years as our naming rights sponsor we are pleased that Peter Icklow has been given Life Membership. We would like to thank him for all the time and effort that he has put into the club.
Plain and simple, a Football Club does not run without volunteers. So one of the most prestigious awards handed out is our Club Person of the Year. There were so many people who put in time and effort but undoubtedly the winner was unanimous. After joining the club in 2012, and having no ties to the football club David Bowen has taken on numerous roles at the club and was a worthy winner. The club recognised the many people that helped out this year and hopes 2014 will be even more successful than last!
The Football Club would like to thank Steven Winnall and Allie Smith of local band Bowtie who provided the entertainment for us all night.
The breakdown of award winners is attached.
Last Modified on 07/11/2013 13:54
