The Western Eyre Football League held its senior presentation night on Saturday, 31 August, in conjunction with the Western Eyre Netball Association. This night acknowledged the achievements of many people.
A Grade Mail Medalist – Kingsley Bilney Jrn
This is Kingsley's third Mail Medal; he previously won in 2015 and 2018 with the Mallee Park Football Club in the Port Lincoln Football League. This is the sixth Mail Medal for the Bilney family, with Kingsley's brother winning two and his father winning one, an outstanding achievement.
Kingsley has been a regular at Mortlock Shield and has represented Eyre Peninsula at the State Country Championships on several occasions.
Kinglsey is a leader and role model who leads by example and is a model of consistency. He displays lovely skills on the football field and is respected by both teammates and opponents.
A Grade – Runner Up – Jesse Chandler
Jesse is undoubtedly a fantastic football player and very consistent. A Mail Medal winner in 2019, he finished third in 2022 and 2023 and is now second in 2024.
Jesse had a magnificent 2024, winning the Bampton Medal at the Mortock Shield as the carnival's best player, representing Eyre Peninsula at the State Country Championship, where he was named in the team of the carnival on a half-forward flank, and being selected in the South Australian State Country team.
A Grade – Best Under 21 – Cruz Polkinghorne.
Cruz finished runner-up in the 2018 Under 14’s Far West Association Medal. After completing his schooling in Adelaide, where he played Under 18’s football for Norwood, this is Cruz’s second season back at Western United. Cruz is a highly skilled midfielder who can play forward and kick goals. He is a weapon for this coach and a headache for the opposition.
B Grade – Winner - Tory Ware
This is Tory's 2nd B Grade Association media; he previously won in 2010 whilst playing for Koonibba; he was a runner-up in 2017 when he played for Western United and in 2019 when he was back at Koonibba. Tory is a hard-working inside midfielder with excellent skills. Tory has also played a number of A games this season.
B Grade - Runner Up - Simon Webb
Simon has again in 2024, like in 2023, finished runner-up best and fairest, playing a midfield role in Wirrulla B Grade. Simon has been a stalwart for the Wirrulla Football Club. He has played most of his career as a key forward, kicked 623 goals, and was twice the leading goal kicker in the Mid-West Football League.
Life Membership - Milton Chandler
Milton Chandler was honoured with Life Membership of the Western Eyre Football League for many years of service as a player, coach, official and administrator of the Far West Football League and Western Eyre Football League.
Milton's achievements include:
Playing
Association Football - 10 games (5 times in the best players and 11 goals.
Mortlock Shield - 13 carnivals as a player, 26 games (9 times in the best players and 20 goals)
Mortlock Shield - 3 winning Mortlock Shields with Far West - 1986, 1988 and 1990.
Mortlock Shield - Team runner for three carnivals.
Coaching
Mortlock Shield and Association Coach 2013-2016
Administration
President - Far West Football League - 2003
Vice President - Far West Football League - 2020
Vice President - Western Eyre Football League - 2021-2024
Mental Health Breakthrough Award Winner - Don Seneca, presented by Marnie Irvine
Don Seneca was presented with the award for tireless efforts as an advocate for mental health. At the Ceduna Blues Football Club and across the Western Eyre Football League, he has become a beacon of hope, a voice for mental health, and a tireless advocate for the well-being of others. His positivity is contagious, and his ability to connect with those who may be struggling is nothing short of inspiring.
Full details of voting can be found below:
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