INAUGURAL GRAND FINAL BEST ON GROUND MEDALS

Westmeadows Football Club is proud to announce the introduction of our Inaugural Grand Final Best on Ground Medals, recognising outstanding individual performances on the biggest stage of the season.

These medals honour three individuals whose dedication, leadership, achievements and commitment have made a lasting impact on our football club and its proud history.

🥇 Peter North Medal

Senior Men's Grand Final Best on Ground

The Peter North Medal is named in honour of a true Westmeadows Football Club stalwart whose loyalty, resilience and dedication have left a lasting mark on the club.

Peter began his journey with Westmeadows as a member of the 1979 Under 17 Premiership team, where he was recognised as one of the side's standout players. Following that success, he progressed directly into senior football and quickly established himself as an important member of the club.

One of Peter's finest seasons came in 1984, when he played a significant role in securing the club's first Senior Premiership. His performance on Grand Final day earned him recognition among the team's best players and cemented his place in the club's history.

Peter and his wife, Fiona, later moved to Sunbury, where he continued his football career and further enhanced his reputation as a quality footballer. Tragically, after a game, Peter suffered a stroke and faced a long and difficult rehabilitation journey.

Displaying incredible courage, determination and resilience, Peter fought his way back and returned to Westmeadows Football Club to finish his magnificent football career. His perseverance through adversity remains an inspiration to all who know his story.

The North family's connection to Westmeadows continued through the next generation, with Peter's son Kane North also proudly representing the club at senior level.

The Peter North Medal recognises a player whose story embodies commitment, resilience and an enduring passion for the Westmeadows Football Club.

🥇 Gemma Wright Medal

Senior Women's Grand Final Best on Ground

The Gemma Wright Medal is named in recognition of one of the most decorated and influential players in Westmeadows Football Club history.

Gemma's contribution to the club has been extraordinary. A five-time Westmeadows Senior Women's Best and Fairest, three-time EDFL Women's Best and Fairest winner, Senior Women's Premiership Playing Coach, and Co-Captain in the first ever Senior Women’s premiership in 2026, she has been instrumental in the growth and success of women's football at Westmeadows.

Her excellence has also been recognised across the league, earning selection in the EDFL Team of the Year for five consecutive seasons:2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025

Her EDFL Best and Fairest achievements include:

1. 2021 – Premier Division Women's Best and Fairest (shared with Emily Paterno)

2. 2022 – Premier Division Women's Best and Fairest, becoming the first player in the competition's history to win the award in consecutive seasons

3. 2025 – Division One Women's Best and Fairest, recognised as the league's best player while serving as Playing Coach of Westmeadows Football Club

   
   

A fierce competitor, outstanding leader and role model, Gemma has helped establish the standards, culture and success of the club's women's football program. Her dedication both on and off the field has inspired teammates and helped pave the way for future generations of female footballers.

In 2026 Gemma was named in the EDFL Women’s Team of the Decade, Undoubtably adding this in her career marks her as a stand out for best ever female player in the 10 season history of women’s football in the EDFL (as of 2026).

The naming of the Gemma Wright Medal is a fitting tribute to her remarkable achievements and ensures her legacy will remain a permanent part of Westmeadows Football Club history.

🥇 Todd Johnston Medal

Reserve Men's Grand Final Best on Ground

The Todd Johnston Medal is named in honour of one of Westmeadows Football Club's most respected and formidable footballers.

Todd Johnston began his football journey with Westmeadows in the Under 13s, where it quickly became apparent that he was going to be much more than an average player. His skill, strength and determination set him apart from an early age, and he earned a reputation as a fierce competitor who never took a backward step.

As a junior, Todd won a competition Best and Fairest in the Under 16s, highlighting his standing as one of the premier young players in the league. His football ability saw him invited to train with both North Melbourne and Coburg Football Club in the VFA, recognition of the talent he possessed.

Todd was a key member of a dominant Westmeadows Under 18 side that remained undefeated throughout the season before suffering a Grand Final defeat. Unfortunately, Todd was unavailable for that match, and many believe his absence significantly impacted the result.

Throughout his football career, Todd was a dominant player whose skill and strength made every opposition team look over their shoulders and every teammate walk taller. He played the game with courage, passion and an uncompromising will to win that earned the respect of teammates, opponents and supporters alike.

Fittingly, Todd concluded his playing career with success, helping deliver Westmeadows Reserves' first premiership in 2003, where he was recognised as one of the team's best players. His commitment to the club continued long after his playing days, dedicating many years to coaching junior football and helping develop future generations of Westmeadows players.

The naming of the Todd Johnston Medal pays tribute to a footballer whose legacy is built on toughness, loyalty, leadership and excellence.

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A NEW CLUB TRADITION

The establishment of the Todd Johnston Medal, Peter North Medal, and Gemma Wright Medal creates a lasting tribute to three outstanding Westmeadows Football Club figures whose contributions have helped shape our club.

These medals will be awarded annually to the player judged Best on Ground in each Grand Final by the senior coach, recognising excellence on football's biggest stage while celebrating the legacy of those who have proudly represented the black and gold.

As we prepare for this year's Grand Finals, we look forward to crowning the inaugural recipients and beginning a proud new tradition for Westmeadows Football Club.

Congratulations to all players, coaches, volunteers and supporters who have helped us reach this point.

Honouring Our Past. Celebrating Our Present. Inspiring Our Future.

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KTL proudly powering Westmeadows Football Club in 2026 and beyond.