By Tyhe Clarkeson
The Warwick’s Gardens Galore Redbacks celebrated a season to build upon on Friday night at the annual Steve Gray presentation night at their club house in Warwick.
The event drew one of the largest crowds in recent memory, with players, families, supporters, and friends coming together to acknowledge the significant strides made both on and off the field this year.
The 2024 season was challenging, with 25 debutants making their mark in a tough competition. Despite early setbacks and heavy defeats, the team’s determination and commitment to improving for one another led to remarkable progress.
By the final home game, the Redbacks had battled their way to a draw, a testament to their hard work and resilience.
Among the new recruits, Zac Wall shone brightly, earning the Rookie of the Year award and finishing as runner-up in the prestigious Steve Gray vote count.
Augustus Macdade also made a strong impact, winning the Colin Pope Players’ Player award in his debut senior season.
Ben Willett claimed the Most Improved award after a season of relentless effort, narrowly edging out fellow debutant Erik McConnell, who also showed remarkable development.
Brendan Iles secured his second consecutive Leading Goal Kicker award and finished third in the vote count, excelling in a new role and proving invaluable up forward.
Vice-captain Anthony Rixon was named Defender of the Year for his outstanding season, consistently shutting down the opposition’s most dangerous forwards and leading a young defensive unit with poise.
Chris Wynd, the Best Under 18 Player, displayed courage and determination well beyond his years, while Casey Hutson was honored with the Senior Volunteer of the Year award for her tireless contributions, taking on so many roles at the club, from working the bar, team manager, water runner and even being Jacks babysitter. Junior Volunteer of the Year, Austin Knopke, also stood out for his eagerness to assist, regularly running water and delivering messages.
Jake Peasnell received the Coaches Award for his dedication to the team, overcoming injuries to support the Redbacks from the sidelines with the same passion and commitment he showed on the field. Meanwhile, Jack Drewery earned the Presidents Award for his leadership, countless volunteer hours, and organizing one of our major fundraisers, continuing to put the club first.
Tyhe Clarkson won the most consistent award along with his 6th Steve Gray Medal after another strong season.
Clarkson was also awarded life membership to the Warwick Redbacks after 13 years of dedication to the red and blue.
The evening was a celebration not only of the team’s on-field achievements but also of the significant progress made off the field.
A huge Thankyou to our club President Shelley Doyle for organising such a great event and leading our club to the strong position we have found ourselves in. Our season saw several big grants landed and facilities improving, from our huge Lighting project, ground resurfacing, Solar power and security to name a few, all of which Keith Clarke has been working tirelessly in the background to help us achieve.
Thankyou to our host Darryl Brooks who has been our MC at the last three Steve Gray nights, he is an incredibly inspiring man an honour to have involved at our club.
With the momentum gained in 2024, the Redbacks are poised for an even more exciting 2025. The future looks bright for the Red and Blue—bring on next season.
Award Winners
Steve Gray medal – Tyhe Clarkson
Runner up – Zac Wall
Colin pope players player – Augustus Macdade
Most consistent- Tyhe Clarkson
Leading goal kicker – Brendan Iles
Rookie of the year – Zac wall
Most improved – Ben Willett
Defender of the year – Anthony Rixon
Best under 18 player – Chris Wynd
Senior volunteer of the year – Casey Hutson
Junior volunteer of the year – Austin Knopke
Presidents award- Jack Drewery
Coaches award- Jake Peasnell
Life membership inductee – Tyhe Clarkson
