Albany celebrates its sporting night of nights as Magpies premiership player Darcy Cameron claims top award

AFL premiership player Darcy Cameron is the toast of his hometown after claiming the major honour at the reinvigorated Albany Sportsperson of the Year awards on Thursday night. Albany’s sporting elite were celebrated at the relaunched awards, which were recognised for the first time since 2018. More than 100 leading athletes, coaches and figureheads of Albany gathered at Retravision Stadium as their incredible individual achievements from 2023 were detailed. Collingwood ruckman Cameron claimed the inaugural Wellington and Reeves Albany Sportsperson of the Year title after playing in the Magpies 2023 premiership team back in September. His older brother Luke collected the award on his behalf before a pre-recorded interview with the 28-year-old — who was unable to attend the night as he prepares for the upcoming AFL season — was played from Melbourne. The North Albany product attributed his success to his Albany roots and touched on the role the city played in his development in guiding him to the game’s biggest stage. He beat a star-studded field in State beach volleyballer Tully Bew, AFLW defender Sophie McDonald, WAFL team of the year member Jacob Blight and WA Premier hockey player Julie Keymar to secure the prestigious honour. Demi Burns was awarded the Retravision Junior Albany Sportsperson of the Year after her outstanding achievements in athletics. The 15-year-old’s brilliant 2023 included finishing top eight in the 400m at the nationals and claiming gold to be crowned WA champion in the 400m earlier in the year. Burns paid a moving tribute to her late coach Basil Worner, expressing deep gratitude for his unwavering guidance and support through her training. Pararoo star Connor Bunce beat a strong field to win the J&S Castlehow Electrical Services Senior Albany Sportsperson of the Year title. The 20-year-old was dominant for WA at National Para Football Championships, earning player of the tournament honours, while he also represented his country in a big 2023. His father Justin Mosley accepted the award on his behalf as Bunce is living in Perth to further his preparation for upcoming Pararoos matches. Shooting stalwart and former senior winner Steven Hurley claimed the Sound Life Financial Services Veteran Albany Sportsperson of the Year gong. The 53-year-old won four gold medals in successive months in the sport of shooting and also was successful at the Australian Lever Arch Rifle Open Postal Shoot. Attendees were treated to a panel discussion with Olympian Nina Kennedy, West Coast Eagle AFLW star Sophie McDonald and former NRL player and Telethon fundraiser Matt Fuller. The trio and emcee Mark Readings discussed their journeys to the peak of their powers while unpacking their diligence and the sacrifices they have made to reach their ultimate goals.