By Alesha Capone
Several talented and deserving players have been recognised at the Wyndham Suns’ recent presentation night, including seniors best and fairest player and captain Michael Ryan.
The event also saw four worthy recipients inducted as Suns Football Netball Club (SFNC) life members, vice-president Danny Marando, treasurer Jenny Mangan and volunteers Craig Watkins and Linda Clark, who is also wife of club president Graeme Clark.
Aaron Borg, who assists the club committee with organising grants and the Junior buddy mentors program, was named club person of the year.
Aside from the seniors’ best and fairest award received by Ryan, other seniors were also acknowledged at the presentation night.
Josh Foster was named as best and fairest runner-up, Chris Lear as most determined player, John Tomelty as most improved player and Peter Tomelty as best first year player.
For the reserves, Matthew Holmes was named best and fairest, with Rhys Caulfied named as runner-up.
Most determined reserves player was Adam Moscatiello, most consistent player Dane Camilleri and best first year player Kayne Wilson.
Ryan said he was “pretty surprised” to be named the seniors best and fairest player.
He joined the Suns about three years ago, after his former coach Michael from Barwon Heads took up a position with the club and mentioned that he thought Ryan would enjoy playing with the Suns.
Ryan said that all of the Suns’ players, volunteers and committee members were friendly and welcoming to new players.
“We have just got a really good group of guys down there,” he said.
The club began its 2022 pre-season training a few weeks ago, after being awarded the 2021 premiership when the season had to be called off early due to COVID-19.
Ryan said that he and his team-mates were looking forward to hopefully playing a full season, including reaching the final, next year.
“Lots of guys actually want to play,” he said.
“This year, if we had played the final I reckon we would have won – Albanvale might say differently though.
“I think everyone is excited for next year and hopefully we can do even better.”
Ryan said the team spirit and camaraderie of football were among his favorite aspects of the sport.
“It’s not about yourself, it’s about the team, you don’t even worry about awards, you want to play your best every week and win the prize at the end of the season,” he said.
Ryan said thanked Suns’ coach Dean Cachia for his support across the past few years.
Cachia, who will again serve in the coaching role next year, has been with the Suns since the club’s first season.
Ryan said Cachia was one of the reasons that many players had struck with the club.
“He’s done a good job of keeping a lot of guys around for a while,” Ryan said.
