Locals in AFL Gippsland awards

Local coaches and volunteers are in the running for awards at this year’s AFL Gippsland Coaches and Community Awards.

AFL Gippsland and the Gippsland branch of the Australian Football Coaches Association have announced finalists for the awards, which will be presented at a gala dinner on Friday.

Trafalgar coach Clinton Eisendel has been shortlisted for the senior coach of the year, while Warragul Gulls coach Warwick Baum and Warragul Industrials under 16 premiership coach Robert Hefford are finalists in the youth category.

Bunyip Youth Girl’s coach Steve Shaw is a finalist for the female coach of the year award, while it is understood local field umpire Josh Nooy is a finalist for umpire of the year.

All category winners go into the running for the overall Gippsland coach of the year award as well as the state equivalent for their category.

An abundance of nominations for volunteer of the year led AFL Gippsland to shortlist 10 finalists, including Tim Mackenlay (Hill End), Julieanne Keily (Gippsland All Abilities), Robert Beecroft (Buln Buln) and George Morgan (Warragul Auskick).

Trophies will also be presented for the coach of the year in each of the region’s eight senior football leagues, along with the Auskick coach of the year and Auskick coordinator of the year.

AFL Gippsland region general manager Travis Switzer said the response to the call for award nominations had been very pleasing.

“It’s great to see members of so many clubs, leagues and associations put forward their peers for recognition,” he said.

“Narrowing the lists down was a big challenge for our awards panel but there are some fantastic stories among our finalists and I look forward to sharing and celebrating them with the wider football community.”

Tickets are still available for the gala dinner at Traralgon’s Premiere Function Centre, which features former Gippsland Power TAC Cup coach and current Hawthorn assistant coach Damian Carroll as guest speaker.

The night will also feature entertainment from comedian Wayne Deakin and local musician Matthew Bentley.

Cost is $45 per head, including a two-course dinner and a welcome drink, and can be bought at www.trybooking.com/ RPIS or by calling AFL Gippsland on 5134 8733.