Volunteer recognised at Kleemann Medal

The tireless work of dedicated volunteer Kathleen Mier led to the football administrator being awarded the Great Southern Football League volunteer of the year award last Thursday night.

Mier’s years of involvement with the Royals club, as well as co-ordinating the GSFL’s country football championships team and most recently, joining the GSFL’s executive team led to her receiving the prestigious award at the Henry Kleemann Medal count.

The honour was one of several awards presented at the GSFL’s night of nights, held at Centennial Stadium for the first time.

Before the Kleemann Medal was presented to Railways’ Zane Marwick, Mt Barker veteran Ryan Ballard was crowned the winner of the Charlie Punch Medal as the fairest and best player in the reserves competition.

The Bulls veteran finished on 12 votes to edge out fellow veterans, North Albany’s Andrew McWhirter (10), Albany’s Jono Woods (10), Royals duo Brayden Parker and Hayden Johnson, and Railways’ Jordyn Pietrala (8).

Railways spearhead Adam Warren was presented with the Claremont Football Club leading goal kicker award in the reserves competition after booting 35 goals, while Mt Barker’s Kym Monteath was announced as the Sean Plaisted medallist as the leading goal-kicker in the league.

Despite a winless Landmark Country Football Championships for GSFL, midfielder Matt Orzel was awarded fairest and best as well as being named an all-star and representing WA State Country.

For the second straight year, Ryan Tindale was recognised with the umpire of the year trophy.