TWO Hampden league junior mentors with an attention to the finer details of coaching have been shortlisted for 2019 AFL Victoria Community Football Awards.
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South Warrnambool's Sam Stevens and North Warrnambool Eagles' Adam O'Keefe are finalists for coaching of the year awards, which are set to be announced at a gala dinner at Melbourne's Crown Casino on Friday night.
Stevens, who led the Roosters' under 16s to a premiership, is in the running for youth coach of the year while Eagles under 10 mentor O'Keefe is up for junior coach of the year.
The pair were nominated by AFL Western District Football Development Manager Alan Thompson before being shortlisted as finalists for their respective awards by AFL Victoria.
The pair both received high praise from members of their respective clubs.
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South Warrnambool junior football coordinator Matthew Wilkinson praised Stevens, who is also coach of the club's under 10s side and a line coach with the seniors, in his nomination recommendation.
"The SWFNC feels truly blessed to have had a coach and more importantly a person of such great character involved in our junior football program," he said.
"The contribution Sam has made and continues to make to the SWFNC cannot be overstated."
North Warrnambool Eagles president Pat Doran praised O'Keefe on the way he has handled his two seasons at the helm of the club's youngest team.
"His enthusiasm for the game and his charges is second to none," he said.
"He is ever encouraging of all his young players and the growth of all these young kids on and off the field has been amazing.
"Week in and week out it was evident that their skills were improving with every training they did and each game they played.
"He made it fun and exciting for the boys/girls and has a great rapport with parents and kids alike.
"Nothing is ever too much trouble for Adam and his bright personality and willingness to pass on his skills and knowledge of the game to so many eager young people is a credit to him."
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Sean Hardeman
I'm a sports journalist for the Warrnambool Standard who covers a number of different sports across the south-west of Victoria. I enjoy watching cycling, surfing, football, soccer and Formula 1.
I'm a sports journalist for the Warrnambool Standard who covers a number of different sports across the south-west of Victoria. I enjoy watching cycling, surfing, football, soccer and Formula 1.
