The Bond University AFL Club is set to honour two outstanding servants in a revamp to its annual club awards later this year.
The Club Person of the Year is one of the most highly regarded awards presented.
It honours the most significant contribution made by a men’s and women’s player during the year and is awarded to individuals who uphold the Club’s values and culture.
Until now, the awards were named after former Bond University AFL Club President, Mr John Le Lievre.
But Mr Le Lievre said now is the right time to hand the awards’ naming rights to other worthy club figures.
“The Club has matured since the establishment of the award and I am very pleased with the selection of the new award names, each of whom are very deserving of the honour,” Mr Le Lievre said.
Current Club President, Mr Sam Whish-Wilson, said that it was appropriate that there be separate awards for the men’s and women’s teams.
“The Club Person awards epitomise the heart and soul of the Bull Sharks. They are very significant awards and in deciding on the new names, the Board was unanimous in its decision.”
“The two individuals who will be honoured represent absolute commitment, dedication, positive energy and spirit.”
The Clubman of the Year will be named after James ‘Fitch’ Fitchett.
Fitch was a dual premiership player in 2014 and 2015 and Reserves Coach of the 2023 premiership side. He recently returned to playing to support the young students coming through before suffering a career-ending ACL injury in his 149th game - just one game shy of becoming the first Bull Shark to play 150 games. He has also been recognised with Life Membership of the Club.
Fitch was deeply honoured to receive the news.
“This footy club means everything to me. I was involved in its inception, and it has been, and continues to be, a very special part of my life,” he said.
The Clubwoman of the Year will be named after a former winner of the award, Ms Paris Lightfoot.
Paris has completed the remarkable feat of playing in four premiership sides.
She was a key part of the inaugural women’s flag-winning side in 2017, won a second flag in 2019, then captained the 2021 premiership team. Her crowning achievement was captaining the 2023 QALFW championship team. Paris also holds Life Membership of the Bull Sharks.
Paris has since moved to Victoria for work but is still putting the boots on.
“I am indebted to the Bull Sharks for giving me an opportunity to play the game I love,” she said.
“My heart will always be at the Canal, and I am humbled by the recognition.”
Coincidentally, Paris is just a few games shy of the 150-game mark and has hinted at a couple of fly-in appearances to reach her milestone.
The new awards will be presented as part of the end-of-season celebrations in August.