The Function Centre at Yarra Glen Racecourse played host to the 2016 ERCA Coach of the Year awards night on Wednesday.
Coaches and officials from clubs in the Eastern Football League and AFL Yarra Ranges gathered for the night the recognizes the men and women behind the board. EFL Media Team member Joshua Dawe was MC for the evening with former Coldstream Junior Lindsay Gilbee the guest speaker.
Gilbee who played 206 games for the Western Bulldogs is currently a Development Coach at St Kilda under former EFL Premiership Coach Alan Richardson. Gilbee spoke about the enjoyment he gets working with the younger group as well as keeping the game simple. Being a former Bulldogs Gilbee was delighted with the Western Bulldogs win on Saturday and joined the boys in the rooms after the game.
Check out all the winners below;
YOUNG COACH OF THE YEAR: Sam D’Argenio – Donvale Football Club
AUSKICK COACH OF THE YEAR: James Storey – Ringwood Auskick
JUNIOR COACH OF THE YEAR: Travis Reddaway – Warrandyte Junior FC
YOUTH COACH OF THE YEAR (U13-U15): Jason Stone – Wantirna South JFC
YOUTH COACH OF THE YEAR (U16-U19): Tim Wilson – Lilydale Football Club
SENIOR COACH OF THE YEAR: Brendan Donovan – Olinda Ferny Creek FNC
COACH OF THE YEAR – EASTERN REGION GIRLS FL: John Hilton – Ferntree Gully JFC
COACH OF THE YEAR – FEMALE: Andrea McGuiness – Belgrave JFC
UMPIRE COACH OF THE YEAR: Sean Clarke – Eastern Football League (Junior)