Sport
8 September, 2025
Gladiators players recognised
OVER 150 players, coaches and members of the Mareeba Gladiators gathered for their annual presentation night at the weekend, where player achievements across the three senior grades were celebrated.
Held at the Mareeba Leagues Club last Saturday night, awards were given to the stand-out players from the U19s, Reserve Grade, and A Grade squads.
“Tonight is a really good opportunity to recognise the people that help us do what we do as a club, and that’s the sponsors, volunteers, and people in the background who help to keep the club running,” club president Shaun Fincham said.
“And most importantly, it’s a night to appreciate the players that play for 80 minutes every week, and that’s why we’re here.”
Taking out the prestigious Gladiator of the Year Award for 2025 was A Grade co-captain Whyatt Barnes.
“As a club we wanted to recruit players that would make a difference. They had to be good players, but equally important, they had to be good people,” Fincham said to Barnes as he was presenting the award.
“Leadership, toughness, effort, resilience, and humbleness are all words that come to mind. You embody what our club stands for and your performance highlights why you are the 2025 Gladiator of the Year.”
Awards
Clubman of the Year – David Kapak.
U19s:
MVP – Saxon Vizard.
Best and Fairest – Jake Bombardieri.
Forward of the Year – Zion Schaaf.
Back of the Year – Ashton Martin.
Coach’s Award – Josh Bailey.
Most Improved – Daniel Morris.
Reserve Grade:
Player of the Year – Rhys Crooks.
Best and Fairest – Tristan Lopez.
Best Forward – Meshach Namok.
Best Back – Bradley Lyall.
Players Player – Dominic Petralia.
Coach’s Award – David Kapak.
A Grade:
Gladiator of the Year – Whyatt Barnes.
Most Improved – Kyle Hastie.
Best Back – Bronson Ryan.
Best Forward – Caleb Dally.
Most Consistent – Kaleb Eaton.
Coach’s Award - Alphonse Bulkua.
