The KFC Gold Medal Night was held at the Victory Room tonight with more than 1000 people in attendance to celebrate season two of the Victorian Champions League.

The KFC Gold Medal Night was a chance to not only celebrate individual achievements, but to also celebrate a wonderful season of Zone representative football.

Awards were given to the Best and Fairest and Top Goal Scorers in each age group, the eight Premiers after the home and away season, male and female Coach of the Year, Referee and Young Referee of the Year, and finally the Zone of the Year.

All 12 VCL Zones were well represented, filling the Victory Room with a rainbow of Zone colours.

Football Federation Victoria President, Tony Dunkerley, said the KFC Gold Medal Night was the perfect way to celebrate the season.

“I would like to congratulate all award winners tonight, but I would also like to thank and congratulate everyone who contributed to such a successful season,” Mr Dunkerley said.

Mr Dunkerley highlighted the importance of the VCL as a pathway program for talented footballers in Victoria.

“This season has seen the competition go from strength to strength, and become Football Federation Victoria’s premier competition for talented young players to play Zone representative football, develop their skills by playing and training all-year-around, and for the younger age groups press for State Selection.”

Special guests included Football Federation Australia (FFA) Directors Moya Dodd, Les Owen and Jack Reilly; FFA staff, Han Berger (Technical Director), John Boultbee (Head of National Teams), and Matt Bulkeley (Head of Game Development); Football Federation Victoria President, Tony Dunkerley, and Board of Directors, Bart Harrold, Ian Eman, Jamie Parsons, Mark Trajcevski and Nick Monteleone; Football Federation Victoria Chief Executive Officer, Mark Rendell; and State Government and Local Council Representatives.

Melbourne Victory FC Chairman, Geoff Lord was a guest speaker, as was Melbourne Heart FC Coach John van ’t Schip. Also in attendance was Melbourne Victory FC Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Miles, Melbourne Heart FC Assistant Coach, Ante Milic, and Melbourne Heart FC General Manager Football, John Didulica.

Football Federation Australia Director, Jack Reilly, spoke of the significance of the Victorian Champions League for football in Australia, and urged everyone to continue their support of the competition.

“I think this is one of the most wonderful things that’s happened in this state, and in the country,” Mr Reilly said.

Loddon Mallee Lightning won the highly prestigious Zone of the Year Award, presented to the overall best-performed Zone who excelled across a number of criteria ranging from community engagement to business development.

Football Federation Victoria Business Development Manager, Georgie Herbert, said Loddon Mallee Lightning was a deserved winner.

“It has been a pleasure working with the Loddon Mallee team all season, especially Chris Hain, who has done a marvellous job as Zone Administrator.

“From the outset Chris had a fantastic attitude to the whole concept and just rolled up his sleeves, got a good crew together and made things happen in his region.

“Despite the geographical challenges having players travelling from places like Mildura, Bendigo, and Swan Hill, Loddon Mallee has been able to create a real community spirit.”

Guests were given a complimentary Gold Medal Night Yearbook, encompassing pictures of the 2009/10 season.

For a full list of award winners, please see below.

Award winners

Best and Fairest - Medal and $150 Nike Voucher


Under 18 Boys – Angus Martin, Wimmera South Coast Eagles

Under 15 Boys – Peter Skapetis, Central City & Justin Yiah, Northern Allstars

Under 14 Boys – Anthony Laus, Western Wolves

Under 13 Boys – Mehdi Sarwari, Southern Blue Tongues

Open Women – Emma Johnson, Central City

Under 17 Girls – Emma Runnalls, South East Cougars

Under 15 Girls – Candela Ferreyra Bas, South East Cougars

Under 13 Girls – Daniella Galluccio, South East Cougars & Daniela Gudelj, Eastern FC

Top Goal Scorer - Medal and $150 Nike Voucher


Under 18 Boys – Sam Amaira, Gippsland Knight 12 goals

Under 15 Boys – Michael Gerace & Nicolas Kassidas, Central City 9 goals

Under 14 Boys – Anthony Laus, Western Wolves 16 goals

Under 13 Boys – Joseph Monek, Western Wolves & Mehdi Sarwari, Southern Blue Tongues 11 goals

Open Women – Stephanie Tanti, Gippsland Knights 7 goals

Under 17 Girls – Jadranka Erceg, Wimmera South Coast Eagles & Lia Privitelli, North East Diamonds 16 goals

Under 15 Girls – Bianca Priest, South East Cougars 19 goals

Under 13 Girls – Beatrice Goad & Alicia Vakalopoulos, Central City 7 goals

Coach of the Year- Female Team – Trophy

Anna Lymberopolous, North West Wanderers Under 15 Girls


Coach of the Year - Male Team – Trophy

Peter Raeburn, Loddon Mallee Lightning Under 13 Girls


Referee of the Year – Trophy

Laura Moya


Young Referee of the Year – Trophy

Zachary Clark


Zone of the Year – Trophy

Loddon Mallee Lightning