2018 WA Football Media Award winnersTuesday, November 27, 2018 - 4:14 PM

The West Australian Football Commission and WA Football Media Guild hosted the annual WA Football Media Awards at Optus Stadium tonight, Tuesday November 27, to recognise the season’s high achievers both on and off the field.

This included awards for online, print, radio and television media, WAFL and AFL players and coaches, as well as special awards for outstanding service.

Awards were judged in each category by members of the WA Football Media Guild, the West Australian Football Commission, and a combination of the following judging panel members: Tom Atkinson, Ben Cameron, Ken Casellas, Sean Cowan, Steve Gordon, Tim Gossage, Graham Mason, John McGrath, Jo McManus, Paul Murray, Craig Nitschke, Michael O'Brien, Glen Quartermain, Brett Sprigg, Michael Thomson, John Townsend, Peter Vlahos,  Simon White and Basil Zempilas.

The award winners for the night were:

FOOTBALL AWARDS
Judged by members of the WA Football Media Guild
Peter Kyle Memorial State Player Award - Jye Bolton (Claremont)
WAFL Goalkicking Award - Tyler Keitel and Andrew Strijk (West Perth)
WAFL Player of the Future - Michael Bennell (Perth)          
WAFL Player of the Year - Kyal Horsley (Subiaco)
Fremantle Football Club Player of the Year - Lachie Neale   
West Coast Eagles Player of the Year - Elliot Yeo
AFL Emerging Player of the Year - Willie Rioli (WCE)
AFL Player of the Year - Elliot Yeo (WCE)
Coach of the Year - Adam Simpson (WCE)

WAFC AWARDS
Judged by the West Australian Football Commission
WA Country Football League Media Award - Jordan McArdle (The West) – Bush and ‘Burbs
WA Amateur Football League Media Award - ABC Radio - A-Grade Grand Final coverage 
WA Football Commission Community Football Media Award - Steve Butler (The West) - State 16s visit Banksia Hill 
WA Football Commission Umpiring Media Award - Liam Croy (The West) - Gabby Simmonds

ONLINE AWARDS
Judged by members of 2018 Media Guild Awards judging panel
Best Online News Story - John Townsend (The West) - Keifer Yu
Best Overall Online Performer - Craig O’Donoghue (The West)
Most Outstanding Use of Social Media - Tim Gossage & Lachy Reid (Channel 10)

PRINT AWARDS
Judged by members of 2018 Media Guild Awards judging panel
Bernie Kirwan-Ward Best WAFL Story - John Townsend (The West) – Broke Falcons
Ross Elliot Best Match Report - Mark Duffield (The West) - Demons dissolve
Jack Lee Best News Story - John Townsend (The West) – Broke Falcons
Alan Newman Best Feature Story - Mark Duffield (The West) - Jesse Hogan trade

PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS
Judged by members of 2018 Media Guild Awards judging panel
Rod Locke Best WAFL Photograph - Sharon Smith (The West) – Subiaco Celebration
Maurie Hammond Best AFL Action Photograph - Daniel Carson (AFL Media) – Brennan Cox mark
Todge Campbell Best AFL News or Features Photograph - Michael Wilson (The West) – Final Siren

RADIO AWARDS
Judged by members of 2018 Media Guild Awards judging panel
Best WAFL Coverage - Sport FM 91.3
Tim Flynn Best Commentator - Adam Papalia (6PR)
Brian Thirley Best Expert Commentator - Luke McPharlin (6PR)
 
TELEVISION AWARDS
Judged by members of 2018 Media Guild Awards judging panel
Best WAFL Story - Ryan Daniels (Channel 7) – Super Boot
Best TV/Video Camera Work - Mitchell Edgar (Channel 10) – Jesse Hogan stakeout
Best Match Report/Package - Ryan Daniels (Channel 7) – WCE v Richmond
Frank Sparrow Best Match Caller/Commentator - Adam Papalia (Fox Footy)
Best News Presentation - Channel 9 – Bradley Hill busted
Mick Cronin Best Feature Story/Program - Michael Genovese (Channel 9) – Road to the MCG

SPECIAL AWARDS
Judged by the WA Football Media Guild Committee
Emerging Media Talent Award - Joel Saratsis (Channel 7)
Dennis Cometti Award for Excellence Over a Career - Russel Reid (The West)
George Grljusich Award for best Overall 2018 News Story - John Townsend (The West) – Broke Falcons
Geoff Christian Medal for Excellence in 2018 - Mark Duffield (The West)