The Doig Medal honours the deep football heritage of Fremantle, represented by the many members of the Doig family who played for East Fremantle or South Fremantle from the beginning of last century.
No. 1 Junior Ticket Holder Jesse Dart impressed on the red carpet but was in tight competition for the title of best dressed due to the high class fashions worn by the club’s proud, loyal and passionate guests.
MC Dean Clares got the evening underway by inviting President Rick Hart on stage to make a special presentation to former CEO Cameron Schwab and wife Cecily in recognition of their immeasurable contributions to Fremantle between 2001 and 2008.
The Royal Australian Navy’s contribution to the evening cannot go without particular praise as they paid tribute to each of Fremantle’s seven retiring players by forming a guard of honour to salute the likes of Peter Bell, Shaun McManus, Luke Webster, Mark Johnson, Heath Black and Matthew Carr before each was introduced on stage to reflect on their career with Fremantle.
Guests dined on a sumptuous three course meal and premium beverages as they looked back on Season 2008 and enjoying the highlights reel and vote count, with Senior Coach Mark Harvey offering his commentary on each passing round.
Australian singing sensation Shannon Noll made a special appearance on stage, belting out his renowned Lift, Now I Run and Shine, much to the delight of the unsuspecting guests who weren’t told in advance of his surprise performance.
Matthew’s Doig Medal win on Saturday night saw him claim an unprecedented fourth consecutive Doig Medal, taking his career tally to five Best and Fairest awards with Fremantle.
Fellow 2008 All Australian Aaron Sandilands capped off his stellar season with Fremantle, finishing three votes behind Matthew in second place with 27 votes. Swingman Luke McPharlin replicated his 2007 Doig Medal count performance, again finishing in third place with 26 votes. NAB AFL Rising Star and AFL Players’ Association Best First Year Player Rhys Palmer rounded out the top four on 23 votes.
Other award winners on the night included Rhys Palmer (Beacon Award and Integrated Recruit of the Year), Luke McPharlin (Harbour Masters Award), Luke Webster (Best Clubman), Andrew Browne (Past Players and Officials Award) and Brock O’Brien (WAFL Recognition Award).
L-R: Rhys Palmer, Matthew Pavlich, Don Doig, Aaron Sandilands and Luke McPharlin
