Toowoomba, 28th August 2023 – In a night filled with celebration, camaraderie, and nostalgia, the Western Clydesdales Rugby League Football Club held its highly anticipated Awards Night at The Royal Hotel in Toowoomba on Monday night, 28th August 2023. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the inaugural Don Saunders Medal, named after the legendary Clydesdales Player #1 and captain of the 1996 Queensland Cup Premiers, to current captain Darryn Schonig.

Pictured: Don Saunders, Darryn Schonig, Tony Coonan and Jason Alchin

The event marked a significant milestone for the club, as players, coaching staff, sponsors, and supporters gathered to recognise the outstanding contributions of the players throughout the season. The Western Clydesdales, deeply rooted in the local community and known for their resilience and team spirit, have seen remarkable achievements during their return to the Hostplus Cup competition, and the Awards Night served as a fitting occasion to honour their current players, team staff and volunteers.

The Don Saunders Medal, named in honour of the club's first-ever Queensland Cup captain, Don Saunders, who led the Clydesdales to victory in the Queensland Cup in 1996 against Redcliffe, symbolizes leadership, dedication, and the embodiment of the club's values. This prestigious accolade is set to become an annual tradition, recognising the player who not only demonstrates exceptional on-field performance but also exemplifies the qualities that define the Clydesdales' legacy.

Darryn Schonig, the Western Clydesdales' current captain, was bestowed with the inaugural Don Saunders Medal, marking his exceptional contributions both as a player and as a leader. Schonig's commitment to his teammates, his tenacity on the field, and his unwavering dedication to the club's success have made him a true embodiment of the Clydesdales' spirit. The medal serves as a testament to Schonig's leadership qualities, which have been instrumental in guiding the team through the challenges of the season.

Speaking at the ceremony, Schonig expressed his gratitude for the recognition and thanked his teammates and the entire Clydesdales community. He stated, "It's a tremendous honour to receive the Don Saunders Medal. This club has a rich history and to be recognised in the same vein as someone such as Don Saunders is truly humbling. I thank the coaches, my teammates and support staff for their support in our first year together. To be awarded this medal is a testament to the Club support of me as a whole."

The Western Clydesdales' Awards Night was a true celebration of the club's past, present, and future. Players of the past have been recognised by the Club through the naming of some of the awards presented.

Other Awards presented on the night:

Hastings Deering Colts

Player’s Player – Flynn Kaiser-Kapewell

The Player voted by their team mates as the most valuable with voting after each match across the regular season

Coaches Award – Brock Patti

Player most committed to the Club. Comes to training and games, injured or not, Performs on and off the field. Attends all Club events and gives back to the community.

Player of the Year – Brock Patti

The most valuable player for the season - based on 3-2-1 votes from each match

Club Awards

Paul Reedy Volunteer of the Year – Paul Reedy

For outstanding service by a volunteer

Darren Ingram Club Person of the Year – Alex Jeon

For outstanding services by a member of the football program - coach, manager, trainer, any support staff

Hostplus Cup

Tony Duggan Highest Tryscorer – Mitchell Watson

Nick Parfitt Highest Pointscorer – Bessie Aufaga-Toomaga

Best Forward – Takai Mokohar

The most valuable forward for the season - performance on and off the field

Best Back – Cory McGrady

The most valuable back for the season - performance on and off the field

Player’s Player – Melino Fineanganofo

The Player voted by their team mates as the most valuable with voting after each match across the regular season

Coaches Award – Blake Lenehan

Player most committed to the Club. Comes to training and games, injured or not, Performs on and off the field. Attends all Club events and gives back to the community.

As the Western Clydesdales continue to make their mark on the rugby league landscape, the Don Saunders Medal stands as a reminder of the enduring legacy of leaders like Don Saunders and Darryn Schonig, who continue to inspire and guide the club toward greater heights.