KOSTEAS CLAIMS 2026 NEVILLE O'BRIEN MEDAL
Updated: 22 hours ago
Our Senior Men wrapped up a memorable 2026 season with the presentation of the club’s end of season awards, recognising the players who stood out throughout the year and celebrating our Neville O’Brien Medallist as the Senior Men’s Best & Fairest. There was plenty to celebrate on the night, with the awards giving us a chance to look back on a season that brought our first Senior Men’s Premiership in 42 years and acknowledge the individual efforts that helped get us there.
The home and away season had its ups and downs, finishing fourth with 10 wins and eight losses, but the group continued to stick together and give themselves another chance in September. Their finals campaign took them back to Windy Hill, where they faced a Coburg Districts side that had gone through the home and away season undefeated.
In a Grand Final that went right down to the final siren, our boys held on for a thrilling 51–50 victory to bring the premiership cup home to Westmeadows for the first time since 1984.
For those who experienced the heartbreak of 2025, it was an incredibly special moment, and one that meant just as much to the past players, families, volunteers and supporters who have been part of our club over the years.
Our end of season awards were a chance to celebrate everything the group achieved together, while giving some well deserved recognition to the players whose efforts, consistency and contributions helped make 2026 a year we won't forget.
neville o'brien medal
Neville O’Brien, affectionately known to many as “Mr O”, was the founding President of the Westmeadows Football Club and played an enormous role in building the club into what it is today.
Nev’s contribution went well beyond football. He was a mentor to generations of young men, someone who cared deeply about his community and who helped make Westmeadows a place where people felt welcome and belonged.
The time, passion and dedication he gave to our club helped build the foundations that generations of players, families and supporters continue to be part of today.
The Neville O’Brien Medal is proudly named in his honour and awarded each year to our Senior Men’s Best & Fairest. It is a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much to Westmeadows and a way of ensuring his name and contribution will always be remembered as part of our club’s history.
neville o'brien medallist - jordan kosteas
Jordan Kosteas has claimed the 2026 Neville O’Brien Medal, taking out the Senior Men’s Best & Fairest in a memorable premiership year for our football club.
Finishing the count on an impressive 128 votes, Jordan put together an outstanding season in the yellow and black, playing an important role in our Senior Men’s success and helping bring home the club’s first Senior Men’s Premiership in 42 years.
He finished on top of a closely contested count, ahead of Ryan Capron (110), Jordan Hollow (81), Rhys Gleisner (67) and Jarrod Petersen (66), who rounded out the top five after strong seasons of their own.
The 2026 Barry McKenzie Award was presented to Lawson Johnson-Schollick, recognising his development and contribution to our Senior Men’s program.
Lawson took great steps forward throughout the season, earning his place in our historic Senior Men’s Premiership side and showing plenty of promise for the future.
The Coaches Award was presented to Daniel Spencer, recognising his hard work, consistency and commitment throughout the season. A valued member of our Senior Men’s program, earning the respect of his coaches and teammates through his efforts and contribution to the group.
Shaun O’Grady claimed the Senior Men’s Leading Goal Kicker, finishing the season with an impressive 54 goals. He was a consistent presence up forward throughout the year, providing a reliable avenue to goal and making his mark on the scoreboard.
Jordan Hollow’s impressive finals campaign was recognised with two awards, taking out our Senior Men’s Division Two Best in Finals and receiving the Peter North Medal as the club’s Best on Ground in the Grand Final. He was outstanding when the team needed him most, delivering some of his best football on the biggest stage. The Peter North Medal recognises a player whose story embodies commitment, resilience and an enduring passion for the Westmeadows Football Club.
Francis Keenan added another achievement to his season, earning Best on Ground honours as voted by the Umpires in the Division Two Grand Final.
A standout in a fiercely contested Grand Final against Coburg Districts, with his efforts recognised in one of the biggest games our club has played in over four decades. A well deserved honour and a special moment to add to his football career.
2026 senior Men Awards
Neville O'Brien Medallist | Jordan Kosteas - 128 votes
Neville O'Brien Medal Runner-Up | Ryan Capron - 110 votes
3rd Place | Jordan Hollow - 81 votes
4th Place| Rhys Gleisner - 67 votes
5th Place | Jarrod Petersen - 66 votes
Andrew McLean Player's Choice Award | Jordan Kosteas
Coaches Award | Daniel Spencer
Leading Goal Kicker | Shaun O'Grady - 54 goals
Barry McKenzie Award | Lawson Johnson-Schollick
Division Two Reserve's Best in Finals | Jordan Hollow
Peter North Medal - Grand Final Best on Ground voted by Coach | Jordan Hollow
Division Two Grand Final Best on Ground voted by Umpires | Francis Keenan
Among the League’s Best
Ryan Capron was recognised among the competition’s best, polling 16 votes in the EDFL Community Bank Strathmore Division Two Best & Fairest count to finish fourth overall.
Despite missing the final three games of the home and away season through injury, He still finished among the league’s leading vote getters, a great reflection of his consistency and impact throughout the year.
Thank You to Our Coaching & Support Staff
A big thank you to Head Coach Ash Flavel for his leadership of our Senior Men throughout a memorable 2026 season, guiding the group through the challenges of the year and ultimately to our first Senior Men’s Premiership in 42 years.
Thank you also to Assistant Coaches Markus Welsh and Kane Jarram for the time, effort and commitment they gave to the playing group throughout the season. Their support and work behind the scenes played an important role in helping the boys achieve what they did this year.
Finally, thank you to Team Manager Deb Sparks for everything she does to keep the team running each week. From organising things behind the scenes to making sure everything is ready on game day, her time and dedication are greatly appreciated by everyone involved.
We would also like to acknowledge the incredible support of our major and club sponsors, including KTL Cargo Services, G-Electrical & Refrigeration, YPA Gladstone Park, Broadmeadows Sporting Club, VirtuGrp and Teleauora.
Their continued support plays an important role in what we are able to provide for our players and helps us continue to build a strong Senior Men’s program at Westmeadows. We are incredibly grateful to have them behind us.
What a year it has been for our Senior Men. After the heartbreak of falling just short in 2025, the group returned determined to go one better, and their incredible one-point victory over Coburg Districts in the Division Two Grand Final was the perfect way to finish the season.
The win brought an end to a 42-year wait for another Senior Men’s Premiership, a moment that meant so much to our players, past and present, and everyone who has been part of Westmeadows along the way.
Beyond the premiership itself, this season has given our club plenty to be proud of and memories that will be shared for years to come. To our players, coaches, volunteers, families and supporters, thank you for everything you contributed throughout the year.
A season that will always be remembered at Westmeadows, and an exciting chapter in our club’s history.
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