A change to the Annual Peter Leis Medal and Senior Awards Night format and scheduling proved to be a winner when the Village Motors Dolphins gathered to unveil the season’s best performers last night. The Club normally celebrates its annual awards after the finals each year but a decision was made to bring it forward to allow the night to be more relevant to the BRL A Grade and Colts players who finished their seasons recently.
The Dolphins General Manager of Football Grant Cleal said it was important that all grades had the opportunity to come together and celebrate their seasons. “There would have been a long break for the 20’s and BRL if the Intrust Super Cup team went deep into the finals so we wanted to keep the night front of mind for them. Voting for individual awards presented on the night stops at the end of the season proper so that made the decision even easier.”
Front Rower Jordan Grant collected the Peter Leis Medal as the Redcliffe Cruise and Travel Player Of The Year, joining a distinguished list of former winners including Petero Civoniceva, Troy Lindsay and Danny Burke. This year’s Medal presentation held some extra meaning for the players and guests gathered, given that Peter passed away just six weeks ago. Peter and Nerida Leis’ daughters presented the Medal to Jordan on behalf of their parents. “Dad lived for rugby league and loved his Redcliffe Dolphins. We are proud to be here and see his legacy live on through this Award,” they said.
With the vote count tied up after 21 rounds, Jordan managed to secure the points needed in the last two rounds to claim the Award. Grant Cleal said there couldn’t be any argument about Jordan’s win. “He topped many of the competition stats in a season where he led by way of actions each week. Jordan came to the Club after winning the Mackay Cutter’s Best and Fairest award in 2018 and I’m confident this will be the first of many accolades he receives at the Dolphins.” As well as picking up the Peter Leis Medal, Jordan took home a $3000 Travel Voucher from awards sponsor Redcliffe Cruise and Travel
Another high performer of the season, Trai Fuller, picked up the “Tony Obst” Trophy for Player’s Player. Described as an ‘excitement machine who has fearlessness as a trademark of his game’ Trai was in the running for the Peter Leis Medal for most rounds. Originally hailing from Eidsvold in Central Queensland, he will add the Players Player Trophy to his growing collection which includes Best Player in a Grand Final in 2018.
Other Award Winners
Colts
“Dick Turner” Trophy (Best Local Junior in Colts) Sponsored by Glen and Sandra Edmondson
Kyle Barnwell
Best Back
Will Cahill
Best and Fairest
Patrick O’Callaghan
BRL A Grade
Best Back
Kyle Foxwell
Best and Fairest
Ben King
Highest Points Scorer
Oscar Carter, 148 Points
Try of the Year
Josh Beehag
Wally Fullerton-Smith Hit of the Year
Izaia Perese