2022 Football St George Gold Medal Dinner

The 2022 Football St George Gold Medal Presentation took centre stage at The Grand Roxy, Brighton Le Sands on Friday, 23 September as special guests, club representatives, members, players, coaches and officials attended, acknowledging the achievements from 2022 season.

The evening brought together representatives from Football St George Member Clubs, the St George Warriors Special Needs Program, the St George Football Referees Association, as well as distinguished guests in attendance including the Federal Member for Banks – the Hon. David Coleman, NSW Member for Rockdale – Mr Steve Kamper, NSW Member for Oatley – Mr Mark Coure, Former Member for Kogarah – Ms Cherie Burton, Mayor of Bayside Council – Dr Christina Curry, Mayor of Georges River Council – Mr Nick Katris, Football NSW Director – Mrs Debbie Chapman, Sydney FC’s General Manager, Consumer Business and Fan Engagement – Ms Hannah Lidster, and Sydney FC’s Community Football Manager – Mr Howard Fondyke. The evening was hosted by Australian Sports Presenter and Football NSW Director – Ms Stephanie Brantz.

The major highlight of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious Football St George Gold Medal Award, which saw dual winners announced for 2022 in Jeremy Babb and Leo Blanda. It was an outstanding evening that honoured two local stalwarts of the game and recognised their outstanding contribution as volunteers, players, coaches, and leaders of their respective Clubs and to the wider Football St George community over many decades.

Football St George Chairperson and Executive Director Irene Hatzipetros was delighted with the end of season Gold Medal and Awards celebrations.

“It was almost surreal to be able to come together in full celebratory mode, acknowledging and commending clubs, teams, coaches, managers, players, referees, and the army of amazing volunteers across our football district that help make our great game what it is,” she said.

“There were many Football St George awards presented during the night and on behalf of the Football St George Board and Executive, we congratulate all the recipients including our Gold Medal Award winners Mr Jeremy Babb and Mr Leo Blanda.”

“What was yet again very clear is that we are blessed with many fantastic, community minded, local grassroots people that love the game, their club, and the association we are involved in. It is extremely difficult to rate the contributions and achievements of one person to another as in the Board’s eyes, they are all special and champions of our community.”

“It has been an absolute privilege to be able to serve Football St George and the game especially after the previous two (2) COVID interrupted seasons that required a virtual reset of our way of life. 2022 provided us an opportunity to band together again and despite the challenges from wet weather, the Football St George team ensured all players were able to play a complete season. The Football St George, Executive, and I now look forward to what will undoubtedly be an extraordinary 2023 football season ahead.”

2022 St George Football Association Award Winners Honour Role

Gold Medal Award            

• Jeremy Babb – All Saints Oatley West FC
• Leo Blanda – Ramsgate RSL FC

Referees Most Outstanding Achievement Award

• Junior Referee of the Year – Luke Chapman
• Senior Referee of the Year – Jeh Coutinho

 Premier League Men’s Awards

• Golden Boot – Ali Faour, Banksia Tigers
• Player of the Year (321) – Daniel Kostandinoski, Rockdale City Suns FC

Premier League Women’s Awards

• Golden Boot – Fatma Mitwari – Arncliffe Aurora FC
• Player of the Year (321) – Fatima Jaber – Banksia Tigers FC

Junior Competition Fair Play Award  

• Peakhurst United FC

Stan Moses Shield

• Hurstville City Minotaurs O45

AS Tanner Shield 

• Banksia Tigers FC

W R Dobson Trophy (Club Championship 4-9 Teams) 

• Hurstville City Minotaurs

2022 FSG Club Championship Shield (10 or more teams)

• Arncliffe Aurora FC

2022 Club Person of the Year

2022 Minor Premiers