It was a tough year for the Weston Bears’ first grade but Saturday's annual club awards showed the future's bright.
Greg Anderson capped off a great year on field taking out three awards including the Cessnock Advertiser Player of the Year award.
Anderson also won John Wolinski Memorial Supporters Club Most Consistant First Grade Player and the first grade player of the year awards.
Jake Barner celebrated a break out year with first grade players’ player award, Alan Cooper Youth Achievement award and the Weston Workers Club George Robinson Memorial Most Improved award.
Player of the year awards were presented by out-going coach Trevor Morris and went to: Ben Clouton (under-13); U/14’s Callan McNamara (U-14); Harlan De Jong (U-15), Jay Sneddon (U-17), Joel Barner (U-19) and Shane Farmer (U-22).
Lesley Millar was an extremely popular winner the the Neville Ridley Club Person of the Year award.
Zack Wheat won the Ken Sander Memorial award for the club’s leading goal scorer and the Claw Bear Golden Glove for least goals conceded went to under 19s keeper Jed Horder.
It was a family affair when the Jack Turnbull Memorial – Encouragement award was presented by Jack’s daughter Brooke Cunningham to her son Thomas.
The biggest applause, followed by the most laughs, was reserved for coach Trevor Morris who officially ended his tenure on the night.
One of the Bears favourite sons Morris was presented with a wooden spoon to sit along his premiership trophy.
Morris paid tribute to the hard-working committee, volunteers, players and coacing staff and thanked former club secretary Shane Johnson for his commitment to the club.
He predicted better times for the Bears first grade team under new coach Steve Piggott and the support of technical director Kew Jaliens.
Club president Rod Henderson thanked Morris for his commitment, positive attitude and good humour during a trying year for the senior team.
Henderson said the club was glad Piggott had agreed to return.
“I don’t think as a club we were ready for Steve’s direction the first time around. I think we are ready to fully commit to that path now,” he said.
Players’ Player Awards: Jackson Eckford (U-13), Callan Fry (U-14), Aidan Armstrong (U-15), Jay Sneddon (U-17), Joel Barner (U-19), Jake Millstead (U-22), Jake Barner (first grade).
Coaches Awards: Blayden Laverick (U-13), Leo Byrne (U-14); Kyle Eriksson (U-15); Thomas Cunningham (U-17); Liam Kulupach (U-19), Connor Mason (U-22), Isaac Peek (first grade).
