North Albany Football Club
Encyclopedia
North Albany Football Club or North Albany Football and Sporting Club, the Kangas, is an Australian rules football
club located in Albany
, Western Australia
playing in the Great Southern Football League.
The home ground is called Collingwood Park
. and although the main focus of the club is football the facilities are used by other sports such as cricket
and soccer.
In 1908 the 1st official premiership competition held, with Norths winning the inaugural premiership. Norths wore the colours red with white hoops.
Between 1946 to 1956 North Albany was known as Towns FC.
In 1958 the Southern Districts National Football League formed.
In 1977 the North Albany Football Club move into a new home at Collingwood Park
.
In 1978 the ‘fighting kangaroo’ adopted as the club symbol.
In 1991 the new league becomes known as the Great Southern Football League including teams from Katanning
, Mount Barker
, Tambellup
and Denmark
.
North Albany Football Club have had a number distinct periods of success when it comes to League Premiership success. In the late 1930s the club won four in a row, starting with the 1936 flag and finishing with the 1939 flag. The team made the 1940 Grand Final only to lose.
In the era 1979 to 1983 the Kangas won three League premierships (1980, 1982 and 1983), whilst unfortunately losing two (1979 and 1981).
After those back to back League flags in 1982 and 1983, the club had to settle for only premierships wins at Reserves (1985, 1988, 1997) and at Colts (1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003) level. Then in 2005 after twenty two years the Kangas tasted success at a League level, and what a break through with NAFC going on to win four GSFL League flags in a row.
The North Albany League side beat Mount Barker 22.12 (144) to 12.9 (81). http://albany.yourguide.com.au/news/local/sport/other/triumphant-kangas-aim-to-shape-dynasty/550696.aspx Club stalwart Scott McKenzie was honoured with the Alan Barnett Medal for his performance on the day.
The North Albany Reserves side beat Royals in a hard fought match, the final scores being North Albany 12.6 (78) d Royals 10.7 (67). Brendan 'Tractor' Dovey dominated the game, walking away with the best on ground award.
The North Albany Colts made the Grand Final but went down to Royals on the day.
and League winning the Grand Final at Tigerland.
The League score North Albany 13.15 (93) this time beat Railways 9.7 (61). Brad Bootsma was voted best player on the day. http://albany.yourguide.com.au/news/local/sport/other/kangas-flag-trifecta/634538.aspx
The Reserves won a close one against Railways, with Scott Ewen being the standout performer with 7 goals. Scores North Albany 11.6 (72) d Railways 10.8 (68).
In the Colts, the Kangas overcame some late season controversy surrounding player eligibility to outplay Denmark-Walpole in the final, 15.7 (112) to 10.9 (69). Joel Coyne was awarded the Panizza brothers trophy.
The League Grand Final
score was North Albany 18.19 (127) defeated Royals
15.15 (105). http://albany.yourguide.com.au/news/local/sport/general/north-deny-royals-a-fairytale-end/726660.aspx North Albany Life member Terry Williams was awarded the Alan Barnett medal for his efforts.
The Reserves score was North Albany 12.10 (82) beating Railways 6.6 (42). Youngster Brodie Sumich was awarded the Jim Hull medal.
The League Grand Final score was North Albany 15.8 (98) defeated Royals 5.7 (37). http://albany.yourguide.com.au/news/local/sport/other/kangas-four-on-the-hop/1276336.aspx North Albany coach Brad Bootsma was awarded the Alan Barnett Medal for his 'best a ground' performance. http://albany.yourguide.com.au/news/local/sport/other/bootsma-the-best-in-grand-final/1276344.aspx
The Reserves score was North Albany 4.9 (33) beating Royals 3.1 (19) http://albany.yourguide.com.au/news/local/sport/other/history-created/1276338.aspx. Brodie Sumich won his second consecutive Jim Hull Medal for his 'best a ground' performance.
The Colts score was North Albany 5.4 (34) beating Royals 3.8 (26). http://albany.yourguide.com.au/news/local/sport/other/winning-from-behind/1276339.aspx North Albany captain Joe Flavel won the Panizza brothers medal for his 'best a ground' performance.
In the Colts grand final, also against Royals, the Kangas led by Marley Williams won in convincing fashion.
Final score North Albany 16.15 (111) d Royals 11.15 (81).
North Albany dominated the Reserves Grand Final, with the final score of 15.13 (103) to 2.5 (17).
New player to the club Scott Ranford won the Jim Hull medal for his performance on the day.
The Colts victory over Railways FC continued the clubs remarkable recent history in this competition. Railways FC led by 27 points at the start of the last quarter. North Albany's never say die attitude resulted in them doubling their score and winning by 5 points.
Marley Williams made it back to back Panizza medals with a stand-out performance.
F.Brown J.Garland
K.Nesbitt B.Armstrong
F.Shenfield J.Thompson
C.McEwan G.Whitten
E.Liversey H.Armstrong
A.Kleeman R.Gillies
B.Harris L.Stephen
B.Foerte T.Croxford
F.Wilson M.Reid
J.Smith EG.Taylor
L.Cook E.Thompson
A.Colley R.Kenney
T.Lambe R.Lockhart
B.Cagnana (Snr) R.Barnett
H.Croxford R.Inman
R.Shenfield R.Sutton
K.Rule A.Rule
W.Pugh C.Philippson
M.Bootsma
Games (150+):
M.Wynne K.Stephen
R.Mountford R.Williams
M.Mustey C.Walker
T.Nichols M Norman
T.Cox B.Hitchcock
T.Williams J.Woods
B.Coyne B.Hall
(2008,
2007,
2006,
2005,
1983,
1982,
1980,
1969,
1966,
1954,
1952,
1951,
1948,
1946,
1939,
1938,
1937,
1936,
1930,
1929,
1925,
1918,
1913,
1909,
1908)
Reserves: 16
(2010,
2008,
2007,
2006,
2005,
1997,
1988,
1985,
1982,
1981,
1980,
1979,
1958,
1938,
1937,
1931)
Colts: 23
(2011,
2010,
2009,
2008,
2006,
2003,
2002,
2001,
2000,
1999,
1998,
1996,
1990,
1989,
1988,
1987,
1986,
1983,
1981,
1980,
1979,
1969,
1925)
Under 17's: 1
(2011)
2009 Graeme Ross
2008 Graeme Ross,
2007 Graeme Ross,
2006 Brett Hall,
2005 Scott McKenzie,
2004 Jono Woods,
2003 Brett Hall/ Jono Woods,
2002 Brett Hall,
2001 Brett Hall,
2000 Mat Bateman
1999 Boydan Coyne,
1998 Mat Bateman,
1997 Murray Gomm,
1996 Steve Deegan,
1995 Mick Mustey,
1994 Nathan Ashton,
1993 Jono Woods,
1992 Brad Hitchcock,
1991 Gerard Cameron,
1990 Jono Woods
1989 Ray Mountfield,
1988 Gerard Cameron,
1987 Rob Sutton,
1986 Andrew Partington,
1985 Rob Sutton,
1984 Keith Wynne,
1983 Brian Stamp,
1982 Keith Wynne,
1981 Keith Wynne,
1980 Kim Allsop
1979 Graeme Evans,
1978 Ollie Galante,
1977 Les Holt,
1976 Clive Bonney,
1975 Rod Gillies,
1974 Peter Stephen,
1973 Peter Stephen,
1972 Rod Gillies,
1971 Graham Wellington,
1970 Gary Adams
1969 Gary Adams,
1968 Peter Stephen,
1967 Peter Stephen,
1966 Peter Stephen,
1965 Len Edwards,
1964 Edward Thompson,
1963 Edward Thompson,
1962 Edward Thompson
2009 Graeme Ross Ross is the best in 2009
2006 Brett Hall http://albany.yourguide.com.au/news/local/sport/other/harsh-reality-for-medallist/582628.aspx
2003 Brett Hall & Jono Woods
1995 Jono Woods
1986 Rob Sutton
1985 Rob Sutton
1984 Gerard Cameron
1980 Rob Sutton
1979 Peter Walsh
1967 Peter Stephen
1965 Ted Thompson
1964 Ted Thompson
1961 Ted Thompson
1960 Barry Loo
2009 Kael Sumich
2008 Mark Chambers
2006 Mark Chambers
(Collingwood) and Ryan Brabazon
(Sydney), started their football careers playing for the Kangas.
Former AFL players Allen Daniels (Footscray & WA), Brad Wira
(Footscray, Fremantle & WA), Brad Bootsma
(Fremantle & WA) and Bill Shenfield (Fitzroy) have all played football in the red and white.
Jeremy McGovern McGovern drafted by West Coast was drafted by the West Coast Eagles in the 2010 Rookie draft.
http://www.swandistrictsfc.com/media/docs/WhereAreTheyNow_RonBoucher.pdf?PHPSESSID=082c200673e848198d0ef95ecb11f4ec (Swan Districts & WA), Peter Stephen (East Fremantle & WA), Stuart Hillier (West Perth & WA), Ray Nott (Claremont & WA), Doug Roberts (Claremont) and Matt Orzel (Claremont).
In 1982, playing for Deniliquin in the Murray Football League (NSW) Sutton kicked 256 goals, an Australian record. Trevor Sutton played 41 games with Nightcliff (NTFL) kicking 239 goals in 3 seasons. He averaged 5.82 goals a game. Sutton lead the North Territory Football League goalkicking twice, 1979 (103 goals) and 1982 (99 goals).
Gordon Collis
ex-Carlton
player and Brownlow medalist
coached the North Albany Football Club for two years, winning a Premiership in 1969.
In 2003 the West Coast Eagles held a pre-season Community Camp in Albany, using Collingwood Park for training and practise games during their stay.
In 2008 Collingwood Park hosted a pre-season AFL game between West Coast and Collingwood, drawing a big crowd http://albany.yourguide.com.au/news/local/sport/general/afl-makes-it-mark-in-albany/730075.aspx.
The newly formed North Albany Bears Soccer Club, made up of predominately NAFC players, won the Albany Soccer Association Trophy in its first year of competition.
Australian rules football
Australian rules football, officially known as Australian football, also called football, Aussie rules or footy is a sport played between two teams of 22 players on either...
club located in Albany
Albany, Western Australia
Albany is a port city in the Great Southern region of Western Australia, some 418 km SE of Perth, the state capital. As of 2009, Albany's population was estimated at 33,600, making it the 6th-largest city in the state....
, Western Australia
Western Australia
Western Australia is a state of Australia, occupying the entire western third of the Australian continent. It is bounded by the Indian Ocean to the north and west, the Great Australian Bight and Indian Ocean to the south, the Northern Territory to the north-east and South Australia to the south-east...
playing in the Great Southern Football League.
The home ground is called Collingwood Park
Collingwood Park (stadium)
Collingwood Park is a stadium located in the suburb Collingwood Park in the city of Albany, Western Australia.Collingwood Park is Albany, Western Australia's largest sport and recreational ground, and has hosted such events as the Crusty Demons West Coast Carnage Tour in 2007 and in 2008 hosted an...
. and although the main focus of the club is football the facilities are used by other sports such as cricket
Cricket
Cricket is a bat-and-ball game played between two teams of 11 players on an oval-shaped field, at the centre of which is a rectangular 22-yard long pitch. One team bats, trying to score as many runs as possible while the other team bowls and fields, trying to dismiss the batsmen and thus limit the...
and soccer.
History
On the 13th May 1897 football players from the North Ward formed a club called the ‘North Albany Football Club’. The colours of the club were red and blue. Games were played at the Parade St Oval.In 1908 the 1st official premiership competition held, with Norths winning the inaugural premiership. Norths wore the colours red with white hoops.
Between 1946 to 1956 North Albany was known as Towns FC.
In 1958 the Southern Districts National Football League formed.
In 1977 the North Albany Football Club move into a new home at Collingwood Park
Collingwood Park, Western Australia
For Collingwood Park in Queensland, see Collingwood Park, Queensland.Collingwood Park is a north-eastern suburb of Albany, Western Australia, just west of the Emu Point holiday resort along King George Sound on the west bank of Oyster Harbour...
.
In 1978 the ‘fighting kangaroo’ adopted as the club symbol.
In 1991 the new league becomes known as the Great Southern Football League including teams from Katanning
Katanning, Western Australia
Katanning is a town located 277 km south east of Perth, Western Australia on the Great Southern Highway. At the 2006 census, Katanning had a population of 3,808.-History:...
, Mount Barker
Mount Barker, Western Australia
Mount Barker is a town on the Albany Highway and is the administrative centre of the Shire of Plantagenet in the Great Southern region of Western Australia...
, Tambellup
Tambellup, Western Australia
The townsite of Tambellup is located in Western Australia's Great Southern Agricultural region, 317 km south-east of Perth on the Great Southern Highway where it crosses the Gordon River...
and Denmark
Denmark, Western Australia
Denmark is a town in the Great Southern region of Western Australia, south-south-east of the state capital of Perth. At the 2006 census, Denmark had a population of 2,732.-History:...
.
North Albany Football Club have had a number distinct periods of success when it comes to League Premiership success. In the late 1930s the club won four in a row, starting with the 1936 flag and finishing with the 1939 flag. The team made the 1940 Grand Final only to lose.
In the era 1979 to 1983 the Kangas won three League premierships (1980, 1982 and 1983), whilst unfortunately losing two (1979 and 1981).
After those back to back League flags in 1982 and 1983, the club had to settle for only premierships wins at Reserves (1985, 1988, 1997) and at Colts (1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003) level. Then in 2005 after twenty two years the Kangas tasted success at a League level, and what a break through with NAFC going on to win four GSFL League flags in a row.
2005
2005 was a successful year for the Kangas as their Reserves and League sides went through the season undefeated and culminating in two grand final victories.The North Albany League side beat Mount Barker 22.12 (144) to 12.9 (81). http://albany.yourguide.com.au/news/local/sport/other/triumphant-kangas-aim-to-shape-dynasty/550696.aspx Club stalwart Scott McKenzie was honoured with the Alan Barnett Medal for his performance on the day.
The North Albany Reserves side beat Royals in a hard fought match, the final scores being North Albany 12.6 (78) d Royals 10.7 (67). Brendan 'Tractor' Dovey dominated the game, walking away with the best on ground award.
The North Albany Colts made the Grand Final but went down to Royals on the day.
2006
2006 was an even better year than the year before with all three grades Colts, ReservesReserve team
Large professional sports clubs often have far more players under contract than could possibly play in a match. As a result, many of these clubs create second teams composed of players who need playing time, but have little hope of playing on the first team. The players on this second team are...
and League winning the Grand Final at Tigerland.
The League score North Albany 13.15 (93) this time beat Railways 9.7 (61). Brad Bootsma was voted best player on the day. http://albany.yourguide.com.au/news/local/sport/other/kangas-flag-trifecta/634538.aspx
The Reserves won a close one against Railways, with Scott Ewen being the standout performer with 7 goals. Scores North Albany 11.6 (72) d Railways 10.8 (68).
In the Colts, the Kangas overcame some late season controversy surrounding player eligibility to outplay Denmark-Walpole in the final, 15.7 (112) to 10.9 (69). Joel Coyne was awarded the Panizza brothers trophy.
2007
2007 again was a successful year with League and Reserves winning the grand final playing at the Collingwood Park.The League Grand Final
Grand Final
Grand Final is a predominantly Australian sport term used to describe a match that decides a league champion.It originated in Victoria and South Australia and has become specifically significant Australian culture...
score was North Albany 18.19 (127) defeated Royals
Royals Football Club
Royals Football Club or Royals Football and Sporting Club, is an Australian rules football club located in Albany, Western Australia playing in the Great Southern Football League....
15.15 (105). http://albany.yourguide.com.au/news/local/sport/general/north-deny-royals-a-fairytale-end/726660.aspx North Albany Life member Terry Williams was awarded the Alan Barnett medal for his efforts.
The Reserves score was North Albany 12.10 (82) beating Railways 6.6 (42). Youngster Brodie Sumich was awarded the Jim Hull medal.
2008
The 2008 season ended with North Albany winning all three premierships for the second time in three years. The North Albany Reserves team also completed an undefeated season.The League Grand Final score was North Albany 15.8 (98) defeated Royals 5.7 (37). http://albany.yourguide.com.au/news/local/sport/other/kangas-four-on-the-hop/1276336.aspx North Albany coach Brad Bootsma was awarded the Alan Barnett Medal for his 'best a ground' performance. http://albany.yourguide.com.au/news/local/sport/other/bootsma-the-best-in-grand-final/1276344.aspx
The Reserves score was North Albany 4.9 (33) beating Royals 3.1 (19) http://albany.yourguide.com.au/news/local/sport/other/history-created/1276338.aspx. Brodie Sumich won his second consecutive Jim Hull Medal for his 'best a ground' performance.
The Colts score was North Albany 5.4 (34) beating Royals 3.8 (26). http://albany.yourguide.com.au/news/local/sport/other/winning-from-behind/1276339.aspx North Albany captain Joe Flavel won the Panizza brothers medal for his 'best a ground' performance.
2009
Despite having home ground advantage, Norths lost both the League and Reserves Grand finals to Royals.In the Colts grand final, also against Royals, the Kangas led by Marley Williams won in convincing fashion.
Final score North Albany 16.15 (111) d Royals 11.15 (81).
2010
Norths got back to their winning ways taking home two premiership flags, one in the Reserves and another in the Colts.Kangas score Reserves Colt-doubleNorth Albany dominated the Reserves Grand Final, with the final score of 15.13 (103) to 2.5 (17).
New player to the club Scott Ranford won the Jim Hull medal for his performance on the day.
The Colts victory over Railways FC continued the clubs remarkable recent history in this competition. Railways FC led by 27 points at the start of the last quarter. North Albany's never say die attitude resulted in them doubling their score and winning by 5 points.
Marley Williams made it back to back Panizza medals with a stand-out performance.
Life Members
Service:F.Brown J.Garland
K.Nesbitt B.Armstrong
F.Shenfield J.Thompson
C.McEwan G.Whitten
E.Liversey H.Armstrong
A.Kleeman R.Gillies
B.Harris L.Stephen
B.Foerte T.Croxford
F.Wilson M.Reid
J.Smith EG.Taylor
L.Cook E.Thompson
A.Colley R.Kenney
T.Lambe R.Lockhart
B.Cagnana (Snr) R.Barnett
H.Croxford R.Inman
R.Shenfield R.Sutton
K.Rule A.Rule
W.Pugh C.Philippson
M.Bootsma
Games (150+):
M.Wynne K.Stephen
R.Mountford R.Williams
M.Mustey C.Walker
T.Nichols M Norman
T.Cox B.Hitchcock
T.Williams J.Woods
B.Coyne B.Hall
Premierships
League: 25:(2008,
2007,
2006,
2005,
1983,
1982,
1980,
1969,
1966,
1954,
1952,
1951,
1948,
1946,
1939,
1938,
1937,
1936,
1930,
1929,
1925,
1918,
1913,
1909,
1908)
Reserves: 16
(2010,
2008,
2007,
2006,
2005,
1997,
1988,
1985,
1982,
1981,
1980,
1979,
1958,
1938,
1937,
1931)
Colts: 23
(2011,
2010,
2009,
2008,
2006,
2003,
2002,
2001,
2000,
1999,
1998,
1996,
1990,
1989,
1988,
1987,
1986,
1983,
1981,
1980,
1979,
1969,
1925)
Under 17's: 1
(2011)
League Club Fairest & Best
2010 Kris Ericsson2009 Graeme Ross
2008 Graeme Ross,
2007 Graeme Ross,
2006 Brett Hall,
2005 Scott McKenzie,
2004 Jono Woods,
2003 Brett Hall/ Jono Woods,
2002 Brett Hall,
2001 Brett Hall,
2000 Mat Bateman
1999 Boydan Coyne,
1998 Mat Bateman,
1997 Murray Gomm,
1996 Steve Deegan,
1995 Mick Mustey,
1994 Nathan Ashton,
1993 Jono Woods,
1992 Brad Hitchcock,
1991 Gerard Cameron,
1990 Jono Woods
1989 Ray Mountfield,
1988 Gerard Cameron,
1987 Rob Sutton,
1986 Andrew Partington,
1985 Rob Sutton,
1984 Keith Wynne,
1983 Brian Stamp,
1982 Keith Wynne,
1981 Keith Wynne,
1980 Kim Allsop
1979 Graeme Evans,
1978 Ollie Galante,
1977 Les Holt,
1976 Clive Bonney,
1975 Rod Gillies,
1974 Peter Stephen,
1973 Peter Stephen,
1972 Rod Gillies,
1971 Graham Wellington,
1970 Gary Adams
1969 Gary Adams,
1968 Peter Stephen,
1967 Peter Stephen,
1966 Peter Stephen,
1965 Len Edwards,
1964 Edward Thompson,
1963 Edward Thompson,
1962 Edward Thompson
Kleemann Medalists
2010 Kris Ericsson Kleemann medal history made2009 Graeme Ross Ross is the best in 2009
2006 Brett Hall http://albany.yourguide.com.au/news/local/sport/other/harsh-reality-for-medallist/582628.aspx
2003 Brett Hall & Jono Woods
1995 Jono Woods
1986 Rob Sutton
1985 Rob Sutton
1984 Gerard Cameron
1980 Rob Sutton
1979 Peter Walsh
1967 Peter Stephen
1965 Ted Thompson
1964 Ted Thompson
1961 Ted Thompson
1960 Barry Loo
Charlie Punch Medal (Reserves Fairest & Best)
2010 Adam Ditchburn & Jordan Willox2009 Kael Sumich
2008 Mark Chambers
2006 Mark Chambers
AFL Players
Former AFL players Tarkyn LockyerTarkyn Lockyer
Tarkyn Lockyer is a former professional Australian rules football player who played for the Collingwood Football Club in the Australian Football League .- Early life :...
(Collingwood) and Ryan Brabazon
Ryan Brabazon
Ryan Brabazon is an Australian rules footballer in the Australian Football League.He was recruited as the number 59 draft pick in the 2005 AFL Draft from Claremont. He made his debut for the Sydney Swans in round 18, 2008 against the Western Bulldogs.He was delisted from the Sydney Swans at the...
(Sydney), started their football careers playing for the Kangas.
Former AFL players Allen Daniels (Footscray & WA), Brad Wira
Brad Wira
Brad Wira is an Australian rules footballer. He played for both the Fremantle Football Club and the Western Bulldogs. He was originally drafted from Claremont in the WAFL as a foundation selection as part of Fremantle's entry to the AFL and played mainly as a defender.After only playing a single...
(Footscray, Fremantle & WA), Brad Bootsma
Brad Bootsma
Bradley Theodore "Brad" Bootsma is a former Australian rules footballer who played for the Fremantle Football Club in the Australian Football League. He played as a half-back flanker or midfielder...
(Fremantle & WA) and Bill Shenfield (Fitzroy) have all played football in the red and white.
Jeremy McGovern McGovern drafted by West Coast was drafted by the West Coast Eagles in the 2010 Rookie draft.
WAFL Players
Some significant WAFL players that have played at the North Albany Football Club include Ron BoucherRon Boucher
Ron Boucher is a former Australian rules footballer who was highly successful in the West Australian Football League playing for the Swan Districts Football Club...
http://www.swandistrictsfc.com/media/docs/WhereAreTheyNow_RonBoucher.pdf?PHPSESSID=082c200673e848198d0ef95ecb11f4ec (Swan Districts & WA), Peter Stephen (East Fremantle & WA), Stuart Hillier (West Perth & WA), Ray Nott (Claremont & WA), Doug Roberts (Claremont) and Matt Orzel (Claremont).
Interesting Facts
One time Kangas player and footballing nomad Trevor Sutton played in WA, SA, Qld, NSW, Victoria and North Territory, representing both Queensland and NSW at state level. It is rumoured that he kicked more than 4 000 goals in his career!In 1982, playing for Deniliquin in the Murray Football League (NSW) Sutton kicked 256 goals, an Australian record. Trevor Sutton played 41 games with Nightcliff (NTFL) kicking 239 goals in 3 seasons. He averaged 5.82 goals a game. Sutton lead the North Territory Football League goalkicking twice, 1979 (103 goals) and 1982 (99 goals).
Gordon Collis
Gordon Collis
Gordon Collis is a former Australian rules footballer in the Victorian Football League.Recruited from Healesville, Collis played less than 100 games of VFL football, but his place in history is assured as a winner of one of the game's highest honours - the Brownlow Medal.Collis won the medal in...
ex-Carlton
Carlton Football Club
The Carlton Football Club is a professional Australian rules football club based in Melbourne, Victoria. The club competes in the Australian Football League, and was one of the eight founding members of that competition in 1897...
player and Brownlow medalist
Brownlow Medal
The Chas Brownlow Trophy, better known as the Brownlow Medal , is awarded to the "fairest and best" player in the Australian Football League during the regular season as determined by votes cast by the officiating field umpires after each game...
coached the North Albany Football Club for two years, winning a Premiership in 1969.
In 2003 the West Coast Eagles held a pre-season Community Camp in Albany, using Collingwood Park for training and practise games during their stay.
In 2008 Collingwood Park hosted a pre-season AFL game between West Coast and Collingwood, drawing a big crowd http://albany.yourguide.com.au/news/local/sport/general/afl-makes-it-mark-in-albany/730075.aspx.
Other sports and related clubs
The Collingwood Park Cricket Club, which calls Collingwood Park home, is a hugely successful club in the region winning many A Grade and B Grade premierships. In recent years the Collingwood Park CC A Grade has won titles in 2007-08 http://albany.yourguide.com.au/news/local/sport/general/park-too-strong-for-peaks/739781.aspx, 2006-07 http://albany.yourguide.com.au/news/local/sport/general/park-pinch-cup/739291.aspx, 2005-06 http://albany.yourguide.com.au/news/local/sport/other/park-upstage-peaks/633561.aspx and 2003-04 http://albany.yourguide.com.au/news/local/sport/other/park-claims-cricket-title/566604.aspxThe newly formed North Albany Bears Soccer Club, made up of predominately NAFC players, won the Albany Soccer Association Trophy in its first year of competition.