Frenchville Sports Club Celebrates Central Queensland’s Sporting Excellence at 2025 Sports Awards
Wednesday, 18th February, 2026.
Frenchville Sports Club took centre stage on Friday night, hosting its prestigious 2025 Sports Awards at the Club’s Function Centre in Rockhampton.
More than 200 of Rockhampton’s leading athletes, special guests and regional dignitaries gathered to celebrate the outstanding achievements of local sportspeople across the Club’s nine affiliated sports.
The annual Frenchville Sports Club Sports Awards recognise individual and team performances throughout the year, highlighting the depth of sporting talent in Central Queensland and the Club’s ongoing commitment to grassroots and elite sport development.
Club Chairman Graeme Brady OAM said the evening was an opportunity to celebrate the dedication, perseverance and success of the Club’s sporting community.
“Each of our nine sports and their athletes have achieved tremendous results throughout the year, so it was fantastic to bring everyone together under one roof to recognise those accomplishments,” Mr Brady said.
“For 77 years, Frenchville Sports Club has proudly fostered and celebrated sport in Central Queensland while also supporting our broader community. Each year, the Club contributes more than $1 million back into local initiatives. That is more than three times the state average and a remarkable achievement made possible by our members, guests and valued sponsors.”
The 2025 Sports Awards once again reinforced Frenchville Sports Club’s position as one of Rockhampton’s leading sporting and community organisations.
See below for the full list of 2025 Frenchville Sports Club Sports Award winners.
Commencing in 2009 this award is provided to encourage and enthuse young people to become involved in officiating in their favorite sport.
Lachlan Watson – Frenchville Roos Football
Lachlan has been involved with Frenchville Roos for eight years as a player and took on refereeing for the first time in 2025 as a Junior Referee with Football Queensland. He officiated numerous junior matches, served as linesman for senior FQPL games, and contributed to refereeing at the Central Coast Grand Finals. Recognised for his professionalism, consistency and enthusiasm, Lachlan was awarded 2025 Central Coast Junior Referee of the Year. Alongside refereeing, he played for the FQPL U16/17 team and supported the Premier League U23s, demonstrating maturity and strong commitment to both playing and officiating.
Nominees: Ashlyn Hill, Iszy Smyth, Lachlan Chirio, Sam Loughnan, Zafeera Gibson
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.
Samuel Grice – Frenchville Roos Football
Samuel played for the Premier League U23s and Community Men’s teams in 2025 and showed remarkable improvement throughout the season. Developing from a quiet beginner into a key team player, his technical skills, game awareness and teamwork progressed significantly. Samuel demonstrated an exceptional training and playing attitude, attending sessions consistently and working tirelessly to refine his skills. His determination, resilience and commitment to both personal growth and team success make him a standout member of the club and a role model for his teammates.
Nominees: Ace Ahuriri, Brad Taylor, Dave Price, Lauren Serfontein, Mitchell Howe, Wade Haynes
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 sportspeople in a range of sports.
Frenchville Flyers Under 16 – Softball
The Frenchville Flyers Under 16 team delivered an outstanding 2025 season, finishing as Minor Premiers before going on to win the Grand Final. Their success was driven by consistent effort at training, strong sportsmanship, and a genuine commitment to improving as individuals and as a team. The season was further recognised through representative selections across Rockhampton, Capricornia and Queensland, highlighting both the talent within the squad and the positive team environment they have created.
Nominees: Division 3 Juniors Frenchville White – Cricket; Frenchville Pioneers U15 Maroon – Rugby; Frenchville Rovers J2 – Hockey; Junior A Cobras – Netball; U16/17 FQPL Boomers – Football
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.
Senior A Mambas – Netball
Mambas Senior A produced an exceptional 2025 season, finishing first on the ladder and winning the Grand Final 76–32 to secure back-to-back premierships. With seven players involved in the Capricorn Claws program, the team balanced travel and representative commitments while continuing to perform with heart and consistency each week. Despite limited full-squad training, they demonstrated outstanding teamwork, skill and determination, while also supporting junior development and club activities, reflecting a culture of excellence.
Nominees: A Grade – Wheelchair Basketball; A2 Men – Hockey; Frenchville C Women Foxes – Softball; Frenchville Falcons A Grade – Cricket; Frenchville Panthers U23 A Men – Basketball; Frenchville Pioneers Senior Men’s A Grade – Rugby; Premier League U23s – Football
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.
Patrick Grice - Frenchville Roos Football
Patrick has been involved with Frenchville Football for 25 years and brings 15 years of coaching experience across teams from U7s through to Premier Men’s, Women’s and U23s. In 2025, he led the Premier League U23s to a Minor Premiership, Grand Final victory and Most Consistent Team award. Known for being fair, approachable and deeply committed, Patrick consistently supports player development and builds strong team culture. Balancing coaching with playing and major personal milestones, his leadership and dedication have made a lasting impact across the club.
Nominees: Anna Wright, Bob McGhee, Jenny Anderson, Jordana Brady, Mark Chirio, Robbie Mace, Sam O’Brien
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.
Joe McGahan – Cricket
Joe has been a proud Falcon for 16 years and continues to represent the club with outstanding professionalism. In 2025, he played A Grade for Frenchville while also representing the Central Queensland Seamers, North Queensland Open Team and Queensland Country Team. He enjoyed an exceptional season, scoring 268 runs at an average of 57.33 with a strike rate of 96.63 and finishing as equal leading wicket taker with 21 wickets. As captain of the CQ Seamers, he led the team to a North Queensland title and later captained CQ at the Queensland Bulls Country tournament. Joe’s leadership, consistency and team-first approach make him a standout representative of the club.
Nominees: Dylan Robinson, Ebonee Moffat, Ervin Thorpe, Jared Mahony, Kane Clough, Lani Duncan
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.
Candice Bonney - Frenchville Roos Football
Candice is a standout contributor to Frenchville Roos, playing for the Girls United Social Team while also coaching the U11 Mini Roos team and stepping in for other coaches when needed. As Committee Secretary, she supports members, liaises with football authorities, and helps keep club operations running smoothly. Candice has also played a key role in organising major club events, including Ladies Day 2025 and Senior Presentation Night 2025, as well as supporting the set-up and delivery of Grand Final Day. Her energy and willingness to jump in wherever needed have made a genuine difference across the club.
Nominees: Amber Foster, Damian Abell, Di Pettett, Jason Robinson, Sharnee Pakleppa, Sofiea Yunus, Steve Roser
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.
Sam Gassman - Frenchville Falcons Cricket
Sam debuted in A Grade for Frenchville in 2022 at just 14 years of age and has continued to show outstanding dedication to his development and the club. He trains at every opportunity, maintains excellent attendance and gives back through coaching Blast Cricketers aged 4–10, showing leadership beyond his years. His achievements include selection in the Queensland U17 team, Queensland Schoolboys U16, CQ Open Men’s, U18 Centurions and the winning North Queensland Maher-Love Challenge team. Sam’s sportsmanship, reliability and talent make him an outstanding young athlete.
Nominees: Calum Wust, Hayley Chirio, Henry Clark, Kaylee Acton, Max Ferguson, Oliver Bloomfield
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.
Nicholas Crouch - Frenchville Scorpions Softball
Nick has had an exceptional year in softball, representing Rockhampton, Queensland and Australia at elite levels. His achievements include competing in the ISC International Tournament with the Southside Stingers, playing in the NAFA World Series in the United States and representing Bar Buzz Fastpitch in Milwaukee. He also helped lead the Rockhampton Open Men’s team to a runner-up finish at the Queensland Open Men’s Championships and earned selection in the Queensland Open Men’s and Under-23 Men’s teams, as well as the Australian Under-23 Men’s squad. Beyond performance, Nick is a standout role model, mentoring juniors, assisting with coaching and supporting extra training for representative athletes.
Nominees: Amber Foster, Jeremy McMahon, Jhett Page, Logan Whitfield, Madi Day, Nelson Schneider, Sarah King
