G’day Suns supporters, players, and AFL enthusiasts! What an arvo we had celebrating the Northern Beaches Suns AFL Club Senior Presentation Awards! The turnout was immense, with a swarm of players, members, and families filling the venue to the brim. Trust us; this is one for the memory books!
A Year to Remember
Let’s kick things off with a shout-out to how fantastic the year has been for our club. Our Women’s team made us exceptionally proud by advancing into the finals—a milestone achievement that has set a high bar for the future.
Our club’s growth isn’t slowing down either; we continue to welcome new members and supporters at a cracking pace.
Honouring the Reserves
Starting with the Reserves, Isaac Trueman snagged both the ‘Leading Goal Kicker’ and the ‘Best & Fairest Winner’ awards, an incredible double achievement! Hats off to Andy Taylor for being the ‘Most Improved’ and Nathan Wescombe for being the ‘Best & Fairest Runner Up.’ A special mention for Callum Altman for ‘Best Utility Player,’ Jonte Verwey for the ‘Coaches Award,’ and Rob Sporton for ‘MVP.’
The Barling Family Takes the Cake
A big club thank you to the Barling family for winning ‘Senior Volunteer of the Year.’ Your dedication and behind-the-scenes work haven’t gone unnoticed.
Celebrating Our Women’s Team
Now, on to our Women’s team. Domeka Wilson took home the ‘Leading Goal Kicker’ award, while Chloe Holman bagged ‘Most Improved.’ Let’s hear it for our ‘Rising Star,’ Karla Duggan and ‘Coaches Award’ winner, Lauren Pichler! Jayne Farrier pulled double duty, winning the ‘MVP’ and ‘Best & Fairest Runner Up.’ Finally, Jessica McLean stood out as our ‘Best & Fairest Winner.’
Our Senior Men’s Achievements
For the Senior Men, Lachie Roach stole the spotlight as the ‘Leading Goal Kicker.’ Alex Trueman clinched ‘Best Utility Player.’ The ‘Coaches Award’ went to Leo Clun while Cam Fielding impressed everyone with his ‘MVP’ win. Up-and-comer Brok Lythgo walked away with the ‘Rising Star’ award.
Last but not least, our ‘Best & Fairest Winner’ was David Hedlam, with Nathan Wescombe as the runner-up.
Club Person of the Year and Milestones
Big ups to Locky McLean, who was voted the Optus Club Person of the Year 2023 for his remarkable contributions to the club. As for player milestones, kudos to those who reached 50, 100, 150, and 200 games. You’re the backbone of this club, and we’re rapt to celebrate you!
Representative Honours
Lastly, a huge congrats to the players who made it to the AFL Townsville Teams of the Year; you make us proud beyond words.
So here’s to the Suns, may we continue to shine brighter with each passing season. A massive thanks to everyone involved, and remember—once a Sun, always a Sun!
Below is an Extensive list of the Awards during the afternoon:
Reserves:
Reserves Leading Goal Kicker: Isaac Trueman
Reserves Most Improved: Andy Taylor
Reserves Best Utility Player: Callum Altman
Reserves Coaches Award: Jonte Verwey
Reserves MVP: Rob Sporton
Reserves Best & Fairest Runner Up: Nathan Wescombe
Reserves Best & Fairest Winner: Isaac Trueman
Senior Volunteer of the Year: The Barling family won this for all their behind-the-scenes work for the footy club.
Womens:
Womens Leading Goal Kicker: Domeka Wilson
Womens Most Improved: Chloe Holman
Womens Rising Star: Karla Duggan
Womens Coaches Award: Lauren Pichler
Womens MVP: Jayne Farrier
Womens Best & Fairest Runner Up: Jayne Farrier
Womens Best & Fairest Winner: Jessica McLean
Seniors Mens:
Senior Leading Goal Kicker: Lachie Roach
Senior Best Utility Player: Alex Trueman
Senior Coaches Award: Leo Clun
Senior MVP: Cam Fielding
Senior Rising Star: Brok Lythgo
Senior Best & Fairest Runner Up: Nathan Wescombe
Senior Best & Fairest Winner: David Hedlam
Optus Club Person of the Year 2023: Locky McLean – Voted by the club members for outstanding contributions towards the club.
Club Player Milestones:
50 Games for the Suns: Arron Edgar, Callum Altman, Keyshawn A’Hang
100 Games for the Suns: David Hedlam
150 Games for the Suns: Sam Toulson, Isaac Trueman
200 Games for the Suns: Hayen Littlejohn
Representative Honours
AFL Townsville Women’s Team of the Year: Domeka Wilson, Aroon Edgar, Jayne Farrier, Chloe Holman, Jess McLean
AFL Townsville Men’s Team of the Year: David Hedlam