Late GFL legend honoured on the eve of Grand Final

A REVERED member of the local footballing community, who passed away earlier this year, will have his name immortalised on the Geelong Football League’s (GFL) biggest stage.

AFL Barwon has announced today (Thursday, September 26) the GFL Grand Final best on ground medal will be permanently renamed the Frank Fopiani Medal to pay tribute to the former North Shore, St Mary’s and Drysdale player who his lost his recent battle with cancer on August 26.

Mr Fopiani’s wife, Sylvia, said the honour would have humbled her late husband, who won eight premierships and three GFL Grand Final best on ground nods during his extensive local football career.

“Our family has been overwhelmed by the thoughts, messages and prayers of everyone in the Geelong football community since Frank passed,” Ms Fopiani said.

“He was a loving husband, father and friend, and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

“This award speaks to the legacy Frank leaves behind, and we thank AFL Barwon for the gesture. You can’t stop the Fop.”

The inaugural Frank Fopiani Medal will be presented by his son Connor at the conclusion of tomorrow’s GFL decider at GMHBA Stadium between Leopold and South Barwon.

Fopiani’s resume is wide-ranging, winning seven of eight premierships at North Shore Football Club and the other in 2008 at St Mary’s against his former side.

The Corio junior earned best on ground honours in 1993, 1995 and 2008, a feat that has yet to be matched in the GFL.

Fopiani also won five best-and-fairest awards at North Shore during its era of dominance in the 1990s and early 2000s. He was also a consistent selection in the GFL interleague representative squad.

AFL Barwon chair Michelle Gerdtz said Fopiani’s record was yet to be matched by any of the players, coaches and officials who have been a part of the GFL’s 45 years of history.

“Everyone in local football was shocked and saddened by Frank’s recent passing.

“Frank was an amazing footballer but more importantly he was a wonderful person, and his standing in the football community across our region speaks for itself.

“His record as a player in GFL Grand Finals is unrivalled and it is fitting that we recognise the enormous contribution Frank made to our competition.”

Tomorrow’s Grand Final between the Lions and Swans starts at 2.10pm.

Mr Fopiani is survived by his wife Sylvia and his children Paige and Connor, as well as his mother Carmen.