The award, initiated by Essendon and Richmond Football Clubs in conjunction with the AFL provides recognition for an Indigenous person who has contributed significantly to Australian Football and the community. The award is an extension of the Essendon versus Richmond, Dreamtime at the G event, a key feature of the AFL's Indigenous Round in Round Nine.
The award was judged on two key criteria: the individuals contribution to the game and contribution to the community, whether this is the Indigenous or the broader Australian community. Troy’s nomination was submitted by the David Wirrpanda Foundation.
Troy commenced his role as a mentor and project officer with the David Wirrpanda Foundation in 2008. In this role Troy has implemented his own health and fitness program aimed at both physical and mental health, and tackling the issue of substance abuse. Having been trialled with success at Balga Senior High School, the program will be rolled out to a further three schools in 2008.
Troy maintains an active role in football as captain of Perth Football Club in the WAFL and has been commended for his role in developing the up and coming generation of West Australian footballers.
His nomination for the 2008 Nowalenko Award was supported by Western Australia’s Department of Sport and Recreation and the Premier’s Physical Activity Taskforce where he holds an ambassadorial role with the Be Active WA program. In April, Troy was appointed to the Country High School Hostels Authority for a three year term. He also acts as an Ambassador for the Department of Indigenous Affairs PALS Project (Partnership, Acceptance, Learning and Sharing) and in 2007 became a board member of Diabetes WA.
The winner was selected by a panel, made up of representatives from the AFL, Essendon Football Club, Richmond Football Club, AFL SportsReady and the AFL Players Association and Troy Cook is the second winner of the award following Gilbert McAdam in 2007.
The name of the award – Nowalenko (pronounced NO-WARL-ENK-O) – comes from the Woiwurrung language which is the spoken word of the Wurundjeri people, whose traditional land includes the area around the MCG. The word represents a range of characteristics in line with the award winner; success on ground and the effect of contribution to club and community – brilliant, success, effect, distinction and acclaim.
Troy Cook Playing Career
193 Matches with Sydney (43) and Fremantle (150)
77 Goals
Selection 27 in the 1996 National Draft
AFL Debut Round 3 1997 v Melbourne
Rising Star nominee 1997
5 finals appearances
Fremantle Football Club Life Member
Doig Medal – Fremantle’s Best & Fairest 2000
Fremantle’s Best Clubman Award 2005
Western Australia State of Origin Representative 1997, 1998
Runner-up Sandover Medal 1996
