Crown Palladium hosted Victoria’s football community on Thursday, September 24, as almost 1,000 players, coaches, referees, administrators and volunteers gathered for the 2026 Victorian Football Gala, proudly presented by Senol.
It was a night that brought every corner of Victorian football into the one room, celebrating the people and performances that shaped the game in 2026, from grassroots volunteers and community heroes to the stars of the Senol NPL Victoria competitions.
Taking centre stage with hosting duties on the night were esteemed football personality and radio presenter Adam Peacock and television journalist Jodi Lee, setting the tone for an evening that celebrated the people, performances and stories that made it such a memorable year for Victorian football.
Some of the night’s biggest applause was saved for the people who rarely seek it. Community coaches, volunteers and clubs from across Victoria were recognised for the profound impact they have made in their communities, giving their time, care and commitment to create the moments and experiences that make football more than just a game.
Nominated by their peers, a dedicated group of community award winners took their moment in the spotlight, celebrating the people who make a difference long after the final whistle.
Among the standout community honours, Melbourne Rovers SC received the Community Inclusion Award in recognition of its work to make football more welcoming and accessible, while Jess Hughes of Truganina Lions was named Volunteer of the Year for her outstanding contribution to the game.
Following the success of the 2026 Senol NPL Victoria Grand Finals, which attracted great atmospheres across a two-day spectacle, the NPL Victoria awards brought the night to a close by shining a spotlight on the competitions’ standout players and coaches.
Receiving NPLM Victoria’s greatest individual honour, Oakleigh’s Joe Guest made it back-to-back NPLM Gold Medals, becoming only the second player to win three medals, joining George Jolevski (1997-1999).
Sitting six points clear of the nearest player in the vote tally, the prestigious 2026 NPLW Gold Medal was won by FC Bulleen Lions Captain Sarah Cain, making her the sixth dual-winner in top-flight Victorian women’s football.
In a pre-gala VIP Cocktail Function, Caroline Springs George Cross Captain Michael Tzoutzidis clinched the 2026 Bill Fleming Medal, while Essendon Royals striker Kelli McGroarty took out the NPLW Media Player of the Year award.
Amongst a host of other award winners taking home VPL, Senol NPL and Media honours, Lebib Lebib (Oakleigh Cannons) and Fiorina Iaria (Preston Lions) were crowned the 2026 NPL Victoria Rising Stars.
Football Victoria CEO Dan Birrell celebrated the night’s award recipients.
“It’s always a wonderful night when our football community comes together to celebrate the people who make our game so special.
“While tonight recognises some incredibly worthy individual performances and achievements, it’s also a celebration of the collective effort, passion and commitment that drives football across Victoria every day.
“Congratulations to everyone recognised tonight and thank you for the contribution you continue to make to our game and our community.”
Full 2026 Winners List
NPLW
Gold Medal: Sarah Cain (FC Bulleen Lions)
Players' Player: Kelli McGroarty (Essendon Royals SC)
Golden Boot: Kelli McGroarty (Essendon Royals SC)
Goalkeeper of the Year: Alyssa Dall’Oste (FC Bulleen Lions)
Coach of the Year: Luka Vah (Boroondara Eagles FC)
NPLM
Gold Medal: Joe Guest (Oakleigh Cannons FC)
Players' Player: Bruno Fornaroli (Avondale FC)
Golden Boot: Bruno Fornaroli (Avondale FC)
Goalkeeper of the Year: Ryan Scott (Preston Lions FC)
Coach of the Year: Nick Hegarty (Hume City FC)
VPLW
Best & Fairest: An Sugamori (Geelong Galaxy FC)
Goalkeeper of the Year: Kelly O’Brien (Southern United FC)
Players’ Player: Isobel Berks (Eltham Redbacks FC)
Coach of the Year: Jake Butler (Geelong Galaxy FC)
Golden Boot: Addison Steiner (Bundoora United SC)
VPLM1
Best and Fairest: Dylan Allshorn (Brunswick City SC)
Players' Player: Marko Basic (Brunswick Juventus FC)
Goalkeeper of the Year: Lucas Trenkovski (Melbourne Knights FC)
Coach of the Year: Michael Calandrella (Melbourne Knights FC)
Golden Boot: Mikey Ghossaini (Melbourne Victory FC)
VPLM2
Best and Fairest: Callum Schorah (Goulburn Valley Suns FC)
Players' Player: Michael Hornsby (Malvern City FC)
Goalkeeper of the Year: Thom Jonkerman (Nunawading FC)
Coach of the Year: Craig Carley (Goulburn Valley Suns FC)
Golden Boot: Eyob Zewdie (Eastern Lions SC) & Stephen MacDonald (Malvern City FC)
Community Awards
Community Goal of the Year: Alby Prendergast
Community Inclusion Award: Melbourne Rovers SC
Community Impact Award: Middle Park FC
Female Coach of the Year: Davide Codini (Darebin Falcons)
Male Coach of the Year: Katie Goodman (Tyers Lightning)
Volunteer of the Year: Jess Hughes (Truganina Lions FC)
Regional Club of the Year: Woodend Eagles SC
Metropolitan Club of the Year: Frankston Pines SC
Football Victoria Referee Awards (awarded Friday, September 18)
Referees’ Referee of the Year: Lucas Mattia & Matthew Ouliaris
NPLM Referee of the Year: Adam Bavcar
NPLM Assistant Referee of the Year: Luke Gennimatas
NPLW Referee of the Year: Angelique Mangion
NPLW Assistant Referee: Helena Panagiotidis
Rising Star: Lynn Cho Man Yan & Matthew Maroulis
State League High Performance: Jonathan Freeman & Ben Hosken
Local Hero: Ben Reeve, Andrew McBurnie & Lauren White
Whistle Of Hope: Ryan Scott (Preston Lions FC)
Men’s Futsal Referee: Adrian Attard
Women’s Futsal Referee: Maria Patrikis
Community Female Referee: Robyn Alhajji
Community Male Referee: Davide Di Francesco
Media Awards
Club Media Award: Hume City
Bill Fleming Media Award: Michael Tzoutzidis (Caroline Springs George Cross FC)
NPLW Media Player of the Year: Kelli McGroarty (Essendon Royals SC)
NPLM Rising Star: Lebib Lebib (Oakleigh Cannons FC)
NPLW Rising Star: Fiorina Iaria (Preston Lions FC)
Les Shorrock Best Football Image Award: Joao Tam