2024 Sports Awards

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Celebrating the outstanding achievements of our athletes, teams, and volunteers, the 2024 Frenchville Sports Awards recognise the dedication, talent, and sportsmanship that define our club. From rising stars to seasoned competitors, these awards highlight those who have made a lasting impact both on and off the field.

Explore this year’s winners and join us in congratulating the individuals and teams who continue to inspire the Frenchville sporting community.

2024 Awardees - link to new page

The Frenchville Sports Club took centre stage at their annual night of nights.

Over 200 of Rockhampton’s best sports players, special guests and regional dignitaries filled the Frenchville Sports Club Function Centre last Saturday night for the 2024 Frenchville Sports Club Sports Awards.

The awards night saw each of the Club’s 9 sports and their members recognised for their achievements throughout 2024.

Club Chairman Graeme Brady OAM said, “Each of our 9 sports and their sports people have seen some tremendous achievements throughout the year so it was great to be able to celebrate those all together under one roof”.

“For over 75 years now, your Club has not only fostered and celebrated sport in Central Queensland, but we’ve also assisted our community widely. Each year we contribute over 1 million dollars back into our local community. That’s more than three times the state average, which is a remarkable achievement, and we thank you, our members, guests and sponsors, for helping us make this happen.” Mr Brady OAM said.

Capricorn RSL Sub Branch Junior Referee/Umpire Encouragement Award

Commencing in 2009 this award is provided to encourage and enthuse young people to become involved in officiating in their favourite sport.

Winner: Sam Loughnan – Basketball

In 2024, Sam had an outstanding year in refereeing, being selected to officiate the Gold Medal Championship game at the Under 16 Boys State Championships and the Under 14 National Club Championships (Basketball Australia). He also refereed Rockhampton Cyclones preseason games (NBL1) and the Queensland State League (QSL) competition. In September, Sam was selected for the National Referee Program for the second time, a crucial step towards officiating in the NBL1.

Nominees: Jemima James, Megan Materek, Hudson Trotter

Noel Ash Trophy for Most Improved Player

Noel was a long standing Board member and Frenchville Sports Club Chairman for many years. He was involved in a number of sports with his wife Fae and sons David and Paul.

Winner: Eve Collins – Netball

Eve had an exceptional year, earning selection for both the 16 Years State Age team and The Cathedral College QISSN team, marking her debut in a representative team. She consistently gives her best in everything she does, demonstrating a strong attitude and unwavering dedication. Whether on the field or supporting from the sidelines, Eve’s commitment is evident. She goes above and beyond in training, applying what she learns to her personal practice at home.

Nominees: Marley Ellis, Austin Wilson, Brianna Bloomfield, Cooper Sayers

Brian & Merril Smith Trophy for Junior Team of the Year

As you know, Brian unfortunately passed away in 2019 and Merril continues the long term commitment that both she and Brian had to the Club in encouraging and supporting many junior sports people in a range of sports.

Winner: Frenchville Pioneers U17 - Rugby

The Frenchville Pioneers U17s had a stellar 2024 season, dominating the RCL Junior Competition and going undefeated to secure the U17 Premiership. This victory marks their third consecutive premiership, following their U16 competition wins in 2022 and 2023. Their exceptional form and teamwork have solidified their legacy as an outstanding group of players, continually setting higher standards for junior rugby.

Nominees: Junior Division 3 Team – Cricket, Under-16 Frenchville Frenzy – Softball, U14's A Grade - Basketball, Frenchville Butterflies Junior D – Netball, U12/13 Community Joeys – Football

Black Family Trophy for Senior Team of the Year

The Black family have been involved in Frenchville sport from day one of the club, a remarkable achievement of over 75 years. Mrs Merle Black sadly passed away in 2023 but was our Club patron for over 15 years.

Winner: Senior A Mambas – Netball

The team had an outstanding season, losing only two games and finishing second in the rounds. After a challenging loss in the first semi-final against Jetz, they triumphed over Brothers in the prelim final to reach the grand final. In a thrilling match that ended tied at regular time, Frenchville secured a nail-biting 50-49 victory in extra time. This marked Frenchville’s first A Grade championship win in 20 years, achieved without a coach and with guidance from two senior players.

Nominees: Frenchville Panthers (Div 3 Men) – Basketball, B Men Fire – Softball, Women’s Community - Football, Rockwheelers A Grade - Wheelchair Basketball, Falcons A Grade – Cricket

Merv Walker Memorial Trophy for Coach of the Year

Merv was a former president and patron of the club. He was heavily involved in the funding arrangements to finance the first licensed clubrooms here in the late 60s and early 70s. Merv was involved in the legendary bottle drives that saw semi-trailer loads of bottles trucked to Bundaberg every couple of weeks - a great club supporter and a true gentleman.

Winner: Ben Greany – Basketball

Ben is currently coaching the Under 18 boys, A Grade, and Division 2 Women’s teams. Recently, he served as Assistant Coach for the Under 12 boys at Rockhampton Jets. Since beginning his coaching journey in 2010, Ben has coached at all grade levels, age groups, and representative levels. He is highly respected and sought after in the basketball community for his calm, patient, and strategic approach. His deep knowledge of the game, combined with a unique ability to inspire his players, makes him an exceptional coach.

Nominees: Travis Applewaite, Justin Challen, Louise Chapman, Jenny Anderson, Clayton Rowland

Maree Wahlin Trophy for Most Valuable Player

Maree was involved with sport at the club for many years and was also a director on the board. She donated this trophy to honour players who may or may not be a “star” player. Every team needs players who are reliable, enthusiastic and perform week in and week out to get the job done.

Winner: Joe McGahan – Cricket

Joe is a committed committee member and the club’s secretary, managing his responsibilities alongside his training and family life. His dedication is unmatched, always finding ways to support the club while continuously improving his own cricket skills. This season, Joe delivered an exceptional performance, scoring 622 runs and taking 44 wickets. His all-round ability earned him selections in several representative teams, from Rockhampton to the Queensland Country team. Joe is a true leader, consistently fostering team spirit and supporting the development of others.

Nominees: Selena Knott, Travis Marshall, Tauri Chapman, Dylan Robinson, Tessa Williamson

Duncan Stewart Memorial Trophy for Club Person of the Year

This award was named after Duncan in 1999. He was a cricket tragic who was heavily involved in junior cricket within our club and Rockhampton cricket. Duncan, as his name suggests, fell in love with the game in Victoria after emigrating from Scotland.

Winner: John Crawford – Rugby

John's unwavering commitment to supporting Junior Rugby in Rockhampton has significantly contributed to the success and development of the Frenchville Pioneers Junior Rugby Club. Through his involvement in competitions and club activities, he has demonstrated outstanding leadership, sportsmanship, and a strong commitment to the club’s values of integrity, fairness, and respect. John's dedication is unparalleled.

Nominees: Mark Chirio, Cameron New, Vicki Hartley, Gemma Apiata, Clayton Rowland, Jason Robinson, Amanda Crouch

Francis & Jessie Brady Junior Sports Person of the Year

Francis Brady was the Club’s first treasurer in 1954 and Jessie was the first female appointed as a Director (a position she held for 30 years). They both promoted junior sports with the vision that a strong junior base would provide players for the senior teams.

Winner: Zafeera Gibson – Rugby Union

Zafeera has demonstrated remarkable talent in both rugby union and netball. She proudly represented Australia as part of the U16 National First Nations Rugby 7s Squad at the World Championships and served as captain for several teams, earning distinctions such as U15 Girls Player of the Carnival. In netball, Zafeera has also excelled, competing at state championship levels.

Nominees: Riley Roser, Jared Mahoney, Gus Loughnan, Keiran Chirio, Tessa Manning, Jemima James

Francis & Jessie Brady Senior Sports Person of the Year

Winner: Logan Whitfield - Cricket

Logan had a remarkable season as Vice Captain of the A Grade Senior Men’s team, taking an impressive 72 wickets across all formats. His efforts earned him a spot in the Australian Country Merit Team, reflecting his dedication and hard work. As the team’s key wicket-taker, Logan consistently delivered influential performances, cementing his role as a pivotal player throughout the season.

Nominees: Chad Charlesworth, Bella Janes, Summer Laurie, Jordan Miller, Adam Schreiweis