These nominations are received from other clubs in the competition, so it is a good reflection on how Young Lions Soccer Club is perceived in the Football Wagga competition.

Lions Captain David Brouwer is in the running for Men’s Player of the Year, while he joins Caylum Barber, Calum McCaffery, Dmitry Sytin and Duncan Cameron in the Team of the Year nominations.

“David is a natural born leader on the field and his passion for the game is evident in being nominated as Player of the Year,” men’s coach Mark Mellish said.

“I have watched every other player in the Pascoe Cup and, if they take a holistic approach to the judging I believe that he will be a frontrunner for the award.

Mellish went on to say Duncan, Caylum, Calum and Dima are all very handy players who bring different traits to the team.

“Obviously they have made an impression on the opposition at various times throughout the year and this is reflected in their nominations,” Mellish said.

As for Mellish, he will be looking to win his third coaching award in six years after being nominated for Coach of the Year.

Despite the second half of the season not going to plan, Mellish brings passion to both his team and the game.

“I am just humbled at being recognised for doing something that I really enjoy,” he said.

In the women’s side, Lions forward Ellie Hawkey has capped off a great year in front of goal and is one of the favourites for Madden Shield Player of the Year.

“Ellie just seems unstoppable when it comes to scoring goals – even at this end of the season when teams obviously know the threat she possesses, she still keeps banging them in,” Mellish said.

“That for me is the sign of a quality player.”

Congratulations to all nominated.