JOHNSON-SCHOLLICK & NICHOLSON SHARE 2026 BEST & FAIREST HONOURS
Our Under 18.5 Men wrapped up their 2026 campaign with the presentation of the club’s end of season awards, recognising the players who stood out across the year.
Competing in Division One, it was a challenging season for a young Westmeadows side, finishing seventh with two wins from 18 games. While the results didn’t always fall their way, the group continued to compete and develop throughout the year.
A major highlight came through Lawson Johnson-Schollick, who made his Senior Men’s debut during the season before going on to play in Westmeadows’ 2026 Senior Men’s Premiership at Windy Hill. His progression from the Under 18.5s to becoming a senior premiership player in the same season was a fantastic result for the club and its player pathway.
The year finished with Lawson sharing another honour, joining Max Nicholson as joint winners of the 2026 Under 18.5 Best & Fairest.
Kevin ‘Spook’ Allan Medal
Kevin ‘Spook’ Allan is a name that holds a special place in Westmeadows history. As captain of our 1984 Premiership side, Spook led Westmeadows to victory over Ascot Vale and played a significant role in one of the club’s proudest moments. His contribution to Westmeadows extended well beyond that premiership, with his legacy continuing to be recognised by the club today.
Our Under 18.5 Men’s Best & Fairest Medal proudly carries the Kevin ‘Spook’ Allan name, connecting an important part of our history with the next generation of Westmeadows footballers.
A fitting tribute to a premiership captain whose place in the Westmeadows story will always be remembered.
KEVIN ALLAN MedalListS - LAWSON JOHNSON-SCHOLLICK & MAX NICHOLSON
Lawson Johnson-Schollick and Max Nicholson have shared the 2026 Kevin Allan Medal, finishing level at the top of the Under 18.5 Men’s Best & Fairest count on 127 votes each.
Both produced consistently strong seasons in the yellow and black, with nothing separating them when the final votes were tallied. Sharing the club’s top Under 18.5 honour is a fantastic achievement and recognition of the seasons both young men put together.
With players like Lawson and Max continuing to develop through our junior program, there is plenty to look forward to as the next generation begins to make its way into senior football at Westmeadows.
They finished ahead of Marko Cvjeticanin (90 votes), Tyson Okines (88), Lucas Rotella (82) and Jake Johnston (70), rounding out a strong top five.
The Coaches Award was presented to Hussein El Chamaa, recognising a consistent season in which he played all 18 games and was named among the side’s best on multiple occasions. His commitment and performances throughout the year earned him well deserved recognition from the coaching group.
Lucas Rotella finished the season as the Under 18.5 Men’s Leading Goal Kicker with 11 goals. In a season where scoring opportunities were often hard to come by, Lucas made the most of his chances and led the way in front of goal. He also finished fourth in the Kevin Allan Medal count with 82 votes, rounding out a strong individual season
2026 under 18.5 Men Awards
Kevin Allan Medallists | Lawson Johnson-Schollick & Max Nicholson - 127 votes
Kevin Allan Medal Runner-Up | Marko Cvjeticanin - 90 votes
3rd Place | Tyson Okines - 88 votes
4th Place | Lucas Rotella - 82 votes
5th Place | Jake Johnston - 70 votes
Coaches Award | Hussein El Chamaa
Leading Goal Kicker | Lucas Rotella - 11 goals
Among the League’s Best
Lawson Johnson-Schollick was also recognised among the competition’s best, finishing third in the EDFL Under 18.5 Division One Ken Fraser Medal. Lawson polled 15 votes, just one vote behind second-placed Joshua Davoli (Avondale Heights) and five behind eventual winner Jason Cardassis (Moonee Valley).
His season also included a significant achievement at senior level. After making his Senior Men’s debut during the year, Lawson earned his place in our Division Two Grand Final side, becoming a senior premiership player as the club broke a 42-year premiership drought.
A top-three league Best & Fairest finish, a share of the Kevin Allan Medal and a Senior Men’s Premiership capped off a memorable 2026 season.
Thank You to Our Coaching & Support Team
A big thank you to Head Coach Chris Johnston for his leadership of the Under 18.5 Men throughout the 2026 season and his continued focus on the development of our young players.
Thank you also to Assistant Coaches Tim Okines and Bill Clendenning, along with Shane Nicholson and Ruck Coach Stef Rotella, for the time, knowledge and support they provided to the group throughout the year.
A special thank you also goes to all of the parents who helped out each week, whether on game day or behind the scenes. Your support and willingness to lend a hand throughout the season was greatly appreciated.
And finally, thank you to Team Manager Hayley Okines for everything she did behind the scenes each week to support the players, coaches and team.
The time and commitment of our coaches, volunteers and families play an important role in developing our young players and preparing them for the next step into senior football at Westmeadows.
Congratulations to all of our award winners and the entire Under 18.5 playing and coaching group on the 2026 season.
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