Award honour for Bell
Hawks teen makes history
“We’re very proud of Cooper and of all the previous winners of Ryan’s very special award.
A young club-minded Drysdale footballer has been acknowledged for his dedication to the Hawks, both on and off the field.
Cooper Bell, 14, received the prestigious Ryan Gatgens Memorial Trophy last Thursday night at a special presentation.
Bell made club history, becoming the youngest Drysdale member to receive the award since its inception in 2019.
The trophy was created by the club to honour the memory of Gatgens, who died five years ago at the age of 32 following a mental health battle.
Bell played his first games for the club at an under-9 level that same year.
Both Ryan’s parents, Libby and Shane, personally handed over the award to the 14-yearold late last week.
New president Trevor Hume said Bell had been acknowledged for not only his footballing contributions, but helping usher in the next generation at Drysdale despite his young years.
He said Bell had officiated all of the club’s under-9s fixtures last season while also helping out in other areas, always stepping up to put others first when called upon.
“We’re just really proud as a club to be able to honour Ryan’s memory and his amazing contribution to our football club, not only as a senior bestand-fairest winner and twotime premiership player, but also his true club and team-first spirit,” Hume said.
“Drysdale is very fortunate, as most local sporting clubs are, to have a band of people who tackle every task required to run a sporting club, week in and week out, and to be able to recognise the next generation of outstanding club people is a real honour.
“We’re very proud of Cooper and of all the previous winners of Ryan’s very special award.”
Bell played in the under-14s competition for Drysdale last year, playing 10 games, kicking two goals against Colac and being named in the best players on two occasions.
However, his impact was arguably greater off the field.
On the club’s Facebook page, the Hawks said Gatgens was a “true club person” who had a willingness to give back to the Hawks, either at an onfield level or to the wider footballing community.
“Cooper is a very worthy winner, as he has volunteered his time to champion and care for our juniors, assisting coaches and parents, as well as his peers,” the club said.
Previous winners have been Bailey Bardelmeyer, Bianca Deckker and James Wimshurst.