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Gongs for region’sleading players

Taylar AmoniniNorth West Telegraph

The Whim Creek Hotel was full to the brim at the weekend as footballers from across the Pilbara came together for the North Pilbara Football League’s presentation lunch.

Attendees enjoyed a buffet lunch, beverages and banter as the points were counted to decide the winner of the highly sought-after Colin Peter Matheson Medal and the De Grey Medal.

After a stellar season, Wickham Wolves’ Tim Renton was awarded the De Grey Medal for the second time in his Wolves career, coming away with 19 votes for the season. Karratha Kats’ Braedon Allison was three votes behind and runner-up.

“Its an honour to win this award as always — there are plenty of good players out there and to be judged the best and get 19 votes is really humbling,” Renton said.

“I just want to thank the North Pilbara Football League, sponsors and the umpires.

“Without those guys we wouldn’t have a competition.”

Reserves player Josh Stanley of Karratha Falcons took out the Colin Peter Matheson Medal with 10 votes, followed closely by Shaun Derschow and Anton Bilic with eight votes each.

Karratha Kats’ Shaun Derschow was the leading goal kicker for the reserves with 48 majors from 15 rounds, while Wickham Wolves’ Claude Taylor secured the league honours with 36.

With a strong history in the North Pilbara Football League, including winning six De Grey Medals and finishing runner-up twice, Michael Formanczyk was honoured for his footballing achievements and given a life membership.

“To get a life membership for the association, you don’t hear it that often — only really the guys that have been around for a long time,” he said.

“It’s one of those things you just enjoy.

“Football is your life as a young fella and I think now that I’m just over 200 games it goes real quick.

“To receive this life membership for the association, I feel quite proud at myself and also the family as well.”

Not to be left out, two NPFL umpires were honoured for their hard work.

Phil Davies won the golden whistle award and Kirwin Vincent the rising star award.

A special award was also given to Rod Barden — the NPFL volunteer award — for his dedication to umpiring.

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