SENIOR CLUB
AWARDS
The Peter O'Connell Medal
Senior Football Best & Fairest
The Peter O’Connell Medal is awarded to the senior football best and fairest winner and is named after the inaugural coaching legend of the Lake Wendouree Football Netball Club.
“Joffa” O’Connell and Terry Simpson (Assistant Coach) had the unenviable task of forming a competitive senior side when the Lakers were formed in 1995.
A brilliant player in his own right, Joffa led the club to a final series in its first year and to grand finals in 1996 and 1997.
He was a fantastic leader on the ground and had the ability to draw the maximum effort from all his players regardless of their ability. He is one of the few genuine country football legends and has the honour of being the most capped BFL inter league player in the league’s history. In 2010 he was inducted into the BFL Hall of Fame, and then in 2016 elevated to Legend status, as well being the Lakers best and fairest winner on four occasions. His committed, eyes only for the ball approach, and his ability to play with injury or under adversity make him the role model after whom the term ‘Lakers Spirit’ was coined.
‘Joffa’s’ conduct as a player and a person, his inspirational leadership abilities and his input into developing a club culture which is second to none made the naming of the club’s highest award in his honour an easy exercise.
Winning the Peter O’Connell Medal is far more prestigious than a club Best and Fairest.
“Joffa” O’Connell and Terry Simpson (Assistant Coach) had the unenviable task of forming a competitive senior side when the Lakers were formed in 1995.
A brilliant player in his own right, Joffa led the club to a final series in its first year and to grand finals in 1996 and 1997.
He was a fantastic leader on the ground and had the ability to draw the maximum effort from all his players regardless of their ability. He is one of the few genuine country football legends and has the honour of being the most capped BFL inter league player in the league’s history. In 2010 he was inducted into the BFL Hall of Fame, and then in 2016 elevated to Legend status, as well being the Lakers best and fairest winner on four occasions. His committed, eyes only for the ball approach, and his ability to play with injury or under adversity make him the role model after whom the term ‘Lakers Spirit’ was coined.
‘Joffa’s’ conduct as a player and a person, his inspirational leadership abilities and his input into developing a club culture which is second to none made the naming of the club’s highest award in his honour an easy exercise.
Winning the Peter O’Connell Medal is far more prestigious than a club Best and Fairest.
The Sally McLean Medal
Senior Netball Best & Fairest
There is no other name more synonymous with Lakers, or BFNL netball, than Sally Mclean.
Past, present and future players, and everyone lucky enough to cross paths with her all feel the positive impact Sally had on our club
Whilst not many of us had the privilege of knowing her as a player, it is not hard to imagine her approach on court. Determined, committed, 120%, team first….and she was no different as a coach and expected nothing less of her players.
Her record as coach is clear evidence of her being the best. Whilst she was most decorated for her success in A grade, she oversaw all grades and fully invested in anyone who pulled on the green dress. Her legacy of success was and continues to be seen across all netball grades. No other club rivals this depth.
Sally’s approach to coaching also showed her fairness. Sal was honest but kind and always team first and player first. She was always the first to acknowledge milestones on and off court and she cared about the person as a priority, and then the player.
Sal created the Lakers culture that continues to attract and retain quality players, and more importantly quality people.
Sally coached five A grade premierships in 6 years from 2007 - 20012 & was named Ballarat Football Netball league coach of the year five times . Like Peter, Sally was also inducted into the Ballarat Football Netball League Hall of fame in 2014. The Senior League Best & Fairest award is now also knows as the Salle Mclean Medal.
To win the Sally Mclean medal recognises outstanding contribution to your team performed in the Lakers and Sally McLean spirit.
Dale Shorter
Most Courageous Club Person
In 2008 the Dale Shorter Award was introduced in memory of Dale.
Dale was a courageous player, friend and supporter of the Lakers since childhood and sadly passed away in Octoer 2007 after a short and courageous fight against cancer. He was only 25.
Dales playing record at the club was:
74 Junior games
33 Under 18 games
28 Reserve Games
53 Senior Games
Total of 188 Club Games
1996 Captain Under 14's
1998 Captain Under 16's
2000 Captain Under 18's.
Dale faced his battle with cancer the way he faced challenges on the footy field, with courage and a never give in attitude and this is why we have proudly named this award in his honour.
The award each year will go to the player or club person who shows the most courage and determination either on or off the football field.
The inaugural award, in 2008 was awarded to Sally McLean, who is aso fighting her own battle with cancer. Sally is an astonishing person who is so committed to the Lakers netball, and even throughout her illness, she has put her netballers first hardly missing a game through illness.
Sally we salute you.
2008 Sally McLean
2009 Ben Reus
2010 Casey Frame
2011 Billy Anderson
2012 Emma Burton
2013 Danny Holloway
2014 Leigh Williams
2015 Noela Holloway & Courtney McLean
2016 Glenn Sutton
2017 Mandy Simpson
2018 Sam Clifton
Holloway Award
2005 Chris Bambury
2006 Cathy Madden
2007 Julie Maher
2008 Jeff Hunter
2009 David Henderson
2010 Graeme Barnes
2011 Michael Taylor
2012 Gavin Maher
2013 Myles Landry
2014 Mary Clifton
2015 Ellen O'Connell & Shaun Holloway
2016 Vincent Armstrong
2017 Nick Clifton
2018 Natalie McKay
2005 Chris Bambury
2006 Cathy Madden
2007 Julie Maher
2008 Jeff Hunter
2009 David Henderson
2010 Graeme Barnes
2011 Michael Taylor
2012 Gavin Maher
2013 Myles Landry
2014 Mary Clifton
2015 Ellen O'Connell & Shaun Holloway
2016 Vincent Armstrong
2017 Nick Clifton
2018 Natalie McKay