By ADEM SARICAOGLU
ALREADY widely regarded as one of the best footballers in the Western Region Football League, Chris O’Keefe can now add a new gong to his increasing list of achievements.
O’Keefe, who has led Spotswood to three successive grand finals since taking over as Woodsmen player-coach, was voted the Senior Coach of the Year at last month’s Australian Football Coaches Association Western Region awards dinner, held in Point Cook.
The reigning Barry Priest Medallist, who has indicated he will be stepping down as Spotswood coach and could not attend the evening due to his honeymoon, was voted number one among fellow candidates Daniel Matcham (North Sunshine), Daniel Oldham (Williamstown CYMS), Paul Barrett (Wyndham All-Abilities) and Ross Cassidy (Williamstown CYMS) to claim the gong.
North Melbourne and Essendon great Barry Davis was the major guest speaker on the night while former Western Bulldogs star Rohan Smith and current Western Jets coach Torin Baker also spoke in front of a packed house at The Brook on Sneydes.
Darrel Marr was the first winner of the night for his efforts out of Jackson School AFL Auskick Centre in Brimbank, while Deer Park under-13 coach David Foley claimed the Junior Coach of the Year award.
Youth Coach of the Year went to Sunshine Football Club’s James Nardella, while Jo-Anne Siketa from Point Cook College won Female Coach of the Year.
A highlight of the night was Kevin Rigg’s lifetime achievement award.
Rigg was recognised for his tireless efforts with the Hoppers Crossing Auskick Centre along with his interleague work for the WRFL.
