BFL names Finch, Piec awards ahead of grand final

A PAIR of BFL legends have been recognised for their contributions at the league’s Awards Night last night (Wednesday, September 3).

The best afield in the seniors Grand Final will now receive the Josh Finch Medal, named after the Modewarre superstar, while the seniors leading goalkicker award is now named after Barwon Heads spearhead Steve “Chooka” Piec.

Finch is widely known as one of the BFL’s greatest players and recently called time on his 336-game career – the most ever at Modewarre.

“Josh Finch’s contribution to Bellarine football is unparalleled,” AFL Barwon stated.

“Over a career spanning more than two decades, he claimed a record-equalling four Les Ash Medals and an incredible 11 club best and fairest awards, cementing his legacy as one of the competition’s all-time greats.

“Renowned for his competitive spirit, work ethic, and skill level, Finch was a regular fixture in both Team of the Year and interleague selections throughout his playing days.

“His impact extended well beyond his on-field achievements. He captained Modewarre from 2008 to 2015 and famously coached the Warriors to BFNL premiership glory in 2018.”

The best afield in the BFL seniors Grand Final will now receive the Josh Finch Medal, named after the Modewarre superstar. Photo: VINNIE VAN OORSCHOT

Piec dominated the BDFL across the 1970s, having led the goalkicking four times during the Seagulls’ glory years and always stepping up on the biggest stage. He also won an incredible 15 straight goalkicking awards and two best and fairest awards at a club level.

“Piec’s legacy goes beyond the numbers,” AFL Barwon stated.

“He was a match-winner, whose impact inspired teammates, lifted his club, and entertained countless supporters across the Bellarine.

“His ability to rise to the occasion on Grand Final day, his consistency across more than a decade, and his role in Barwon Heads’ premiership successes have ensured he remains one of the most celebrated figures in BFNL history.”

“AFL Barwon is proud to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contribution of ‘Chooka’ by naming the by naming the BFNL Senior Football leading goalkicker medal in his honour, ensuring that his legacy will live on through the achievements of the competition’s leading forwards for generations to come.”

The BFL seniors team of the year for 2025.

Barwon Heads’ Sammy Baker and Drysdale’s Ben Fennell were joint winners of the seniors football Best and Fairest Award, and Queenscliff’s Ebony Rolph was named A Grade netball’s best player of 2025.

BFNL Award Night Winners

Overall Club Champion – Geelong Amateur

FOOTBALL

Seniors Best & Fairest – Sammy Baker (Barwon Heads) & Ben Fennell (Drysdale)
P&R Foods Coaches Player of the Year – Ben Fennell (Drysdale)
Steve Piec Leading Goalkicker – Mitch Day (Geelong Amateur)
Reserves Best & Fairest – Liam Cruickshank (Anglesea) & Pat McGinley (Newcomb)
Leading Goalkicker – Riley Mattner (Geelong Amateur)
Football Club Champion – Geelong Amateur.

Team of the Year:

FB – Tom Webster (Newcomb), Ben McNamara (Torquay), Gus Burke (Ocean Grove)
B – Luke Preece (Drysdale), Caleb Whitley (Queenscliff), Morgan Fenton (Modewarre)
C – Charlie Ham (Torquay), Matt Boag (Torquay), Lachie Kidd (Queenscliff)
HF – James Breust (Drysdale), Jayden McHenry (Queenscliff), Sam Lloyd (Geelong Amateur)
FF – Ayden Gras (Anglesea), Mitch Day (Geelong Amateur), Jack Duke (Newcomb)
Foll. – Scott Greenough (Portarlington), Lachie Smith (Anglesea), Ben Fennell (C) (Drysdale)
IC – Damian McMahon (Barwon Heads), Jordan Keras (Anglesea), Blake Sutterby (Geelong Amateur), Luke Davis (Barwon Heads)
Coaches – Riley Kershaw, Sam Lloyd (Geelong Amateur).

NETBALL

A Grade Best & Fairest – Ebony Rolph (Queenscliff)
Hotshots (Leading Goal Scorer) – Carly Sanders (Newcomb)
B Grade Best & Fairest – Kytlee Willis (Newcomb)
Hotshots (Leading Goal Scorer) – Zoe Magnusson (Barwon Heads)
C Grade Best & Fairest – Sofia Dickeson (Ocean Grove)
Hotshots (Leading Goal Scorer) – Kalani Foot (Drysdale)
D Grade Best & Fairest – Kellie Gibbons (Geelong Amateur)
Hotshots (Leading Goal Scorer) – Kellie Gibbons (Geelong Amateur)
E Grade Best & Fairest – Zahra Walker (Barwon Heads)
Hotshots (Leading Goal Scorer) – Lauren McAuley (Geelong Amateur)
P&R Foods Coaches Player of the Year – Zanna Woods (Ocean Grove) & Jessica Duke (Newcomb)
Times News Group Rising Star – Scarlotte Benney (Anglesea)
Netball Club Championship – Geelong Amateur.

Team of the Year:

Goalers – Zanna Woods (Ocean Grove), Carly Sanders (Newcomb), Ariana Luamanu (Anglesea)
Midcourt – Alex Booker (Queenscliff), Kiralee Collings (Torquay), Georgia Duncan (Geelong Amateur), Georgia Ryan (Ocean Grove)
Defenders – Georgia Berry (Ocean Grove), Keida Guilmartin (C) (Geelong Amateur), Ebony Rolphy (Queenscliff)
Coach – Kaitlyn Sheringham (Geelong Amateur).