SENIOR CLUB 2023 MACEY MEDAL PRESENTATION DINNER
Bulldogs gun players, Brandt Job and Jasmine Wellings, have wrapped up an outstanding season respectively by securing the Warners Bay Senior Club’s 2023 Best & Fairest Awards, including the prestigious Russell Macey Medal and Rebecca Sinclair Medal.
Job capped off a stellar season in which the 23-year-old topped the count ahead of midfielders Corey Deverell and Harrison Harkness. Job’s standout season was also recognised with selection in the 2023 AFL Hunter Central Coast Men’s Cup Team of the Year. Job also took home the Steven May Award for Leading Goal Kicker.
Warners Bay Men’s Head Coach, Nathan Harkness, said Job is well-deserving of the accolades.
“Brandt had an extraordinary season. To do what he did was remarkable. He works extremely hard and gives everything each time he runs out in the red, white, and blue, it’s testament to his hard work and attitude,” Harkness said. “On behalf of everyone at the club I congratulate Brandt on being named our 2023 club champion. He is a deserving Macey Medalist and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for him.”
The medal is named after Warners Bay three-time premiership captain, Russell Macey. Macey played 328 games for the club which included premierships in 1984, 1988 and 1993.
Young gun Joe Harrison took home the Nathan Brennan Award for Young Footballer of the Year. The 17-year-old sets very high standards for himself and cemented himself as a key leader amongst a young midfield. A popular member among the team, Harrison’s performance in 2023 was outstanding, voted by his teammates as the David Metcalfe Award for Player’s Player.
Jake Cerniauskas capped off a strong season to take home the Coach’s Award. Jacque Bonnay was named Most Determined Player whilst Guy Roast was named Most Improved Player.
FINAL VOTES
1. Brandt Job – 122 votes
2. Harrison Harkness – 113
3. Corey Deverell – 113
4. Lachlan Deverell – 92
5. Joe Harrison – 72
Jasmine Wellings took home the 2023 Women’s Cup top gong by claiming her fifth Rebecca Sinclair Medal, edging out Rickelle Peris. Welling’s award comes off the back of a stellar season where she was selected in the AFL Hunter Central Coast representative squad which defeated South Coast.
Young gun and first season Bulldog, Jessie Ingram, was winner of the inaugural Elizabeth Brown Award for Young Footballer of the Year. The award was reward for a consistent season enhancing her status as one of the finest young talents in the competition.
Women’s Coach, Shaun O’Leary, recognised Gabriella Meek’s impressive season with the Coach’s Award. Jaz Hooke collected the Sorenson/Buckley Award for Leading Goal Kicker. Rickelle Peris was voted Player’s Player. Tegan Foley was judged Best First Year Player. Grace Hamilton was awarded Most Determined and teammate Amelia Bentley, Most Improved.
FINAL VOTES
1. Jasmine Wellings – 89 votes
2. Rickelle Peris – 68
3. Halle Graigie – 48
4. Grace Hamilton – 47
5. Jessie Ingram– 44
Archie Wiltshire took home the Simon Denham Medal for Men’s Plate Best & Fairest in his first season at the club beating veteran Bulldog Ian Bird. Having moved up from Geelong with his family, Wiltshire had a strong season breaking into the Men’s Cup side throughout the season.
Key forward Ryan Clarke collected the Steven May Award for Leading Goal Kicker, Dylan Baxter claimed the Coach’s Award, Kyle Ross-Evans was the Most Determined Player and returning Junior, Harrison Welsh, was awarded Most Improved Player.
FINAL VOTES
1. Archie Wiltshire – 44 votes
2. Ian Bird – 31
3. Guy Roast – 14
4. Kyle Ross-Evans – 11
5. Ryan Clarke – 11
The recipient of the 2023 John McKeown Award for Club Person of the Year was Rickelle Peris. The award recognises club members who have strived above and beyond the normal call of duty for the club in a voluntary capacity during the year for the overall benefit of the club and its members. Rickelle has dedicated countless hours over the last few seasons to foster a fun and enjoyable club culture. Another dedicated Bulldog who has given so much time to the club is Alice Chandler, who was recognised by her peers with the “The People’s Bulldog” blazer for her substantial contributions to the club’s welfare and spirit.
