Pugliese and Hesketh Winners at Stirling Lions Trophy Night

The Stirling Lions players and supporters celebrated the end of season trophy night in fine style at Macedonia Park on Saturday night with home grown talent Michael Pugliese taking out the prestigious Players Player Award for the second year running. He won it narrowly from Perth Glory Youth captain Steven Hesketh who took out the Fairest and Best award this time turning the tables on Pugliese who was a close runner up.

The night was well attended with a mix of beauty and beast with the first ever womens team at the Den providing the glamour while the League, Reserves, 18’s and Amateurs swelled the room to a capacity crowd.

A new award acknowledging the Youth Academy player of the year was introduced by Director of Coaching Michael Lyons and presented a boot worn by Everton and Socceroo star Tim Cahill to 12 year old Daniel Da Silva who represented the Australian Under 13 National team in Indonesia this year. The youngster was thrilled with the award and said he was honoured to be the first person to receive the Perpetual trophy at the club when giving his acceptance speech before the appreciative crowd.

The Most Outstanding Youth player perpetual award went to 17 year old Ndumba Makeche who rose through the 18’s ranks to debut for the league this year and show amazing potential.

Lions President Don Evans was pleased to announce that all senior and junior squads would be back training at the Macedonia Park Complex next year thanks to the commitment given by the City of Stirling to repair and maintain the rear playing fields at the ground.

On hand to present the major awards was newly elected Deputy Mayor Cr John Italiano who also took up the offer of being Number 1 ticket holder at The Den next year.

Amongst the VIP’s was the Macedonian Community president Mr. Jim Bivoltsis who gave his thumbs up to the growth initiatives planned for the complex in the coming years, he stated “The Stirling Lions are doing an excellent job in caring for the sporting needs of youngsters in the local community and I wish Don and his team well for the exciting future ahead.”

Award winners on the night were as follows:-

League
Player’s Player: Michael Pugliese
Fairest and Best: Steve Hesketh
Runner Up fairest and best: Jason Mirco
Golden Boot – Phil O’Callaghan.

Reserves
Players player – Dennis Galan,
Runner up – Paul Rechichi,
Fairest and Best – Paul Rechichi,
Runner up f & b Matthew Italiano and Dennis Galan dead heat.
Golden Boot – Liam Boland.

Under 18’s
Fairest and Best Chris Zito,
Runner Up f & b Curtis Prior and Nick Dicarlo dead heat,
Golden Boot Ndumba Makeche,
Coaches Award – Ndumba Makeche.