FLORENCA WINS 2026 WJ HUGHES MEDAL

South Fremantle Football Club celebrated the achievements of its League, Reserves and Colts programs at the 2026 WJ Hughes Medal on Saturday night, recognising the outstanding performances of players throughout the season.

The night was headlined by Jake Florenca, who capped off a remarkable year by claiming the WJ Hughes Medal as the League Best and Fairest.

Florenca Top Dog

Florenca’s victory completes an incredible individual season after he was also crowned the 2026 Sandover Medallist as the WAFL competition’s fairest and best player. The star midfielder averaged 26.1 disposals, 5.5 tackles and four marks per game, consistently producing at an elite level throughout the season.

Chad Pearson and Isiah Winder shared the N MacDonald Trophy after polling the same number of votes to finish equal second.

Pearson was a rock in defence throughout the season, while Winder enjoyed an outstanding campaign through the midfield and forward line.

League Awards

• WJ Hughes Medal – Jake Florenca
• N MacDonald Trophy – Chad Pearson & Isiah Winder

Green Takes Out Reserves Best & Fairest

Jack Green claimed the Roy McGuinness Medal as the Reserves Best and Fairest following an outstanding season through the midfield.

Across 14 games, Green averaged 22.2 disposals and eight tackles per game, with his consistency and pressure around the contest earning him top honours.

Jacob Donald finished second after a strong season highlighted by his pressure and intensity around the ball, while Cohen Frith rounded out the top three following an impressive campaign.

Reserves Awards

• Roy McGuinness Medal – Jack Green
• Centurion Club Award – Jacob Donald
• Harold Harper Award – Cohen Frith

Vanderhoek Caps Remarkable Colts Campaign

Chace Vanderhoek capped off an incredible bottom-age season by claiming the Dave Ingraham Medal as the Colts Best and Fairest.

Vanderhoek’s victory adds to a remarkable list of achievements in 2026, having co-captained the Bulldogs to a Grand Final while also winning the Jack Clarke Medal.

Riley Stannard finished second after an outstanding year as a powerhouse through the midfield, while co-captain Jack McAuliffe finished third after producing some of his best football late in the season.

Colts Awards

• Dave Ingraham Medal – Chace Vanderhoek
• L & F Mihaljevich Award – Riley Stannard
• Life Members Award – Jack McAuliffe
• Best First Year Player – Hudson Graham
• Bob & Sabrina Maumill Red Collar Award – Aiden Hedge
• Past Players & Officials Growth Award – Bhan Lual Gatluak
• Len Gilchrist Award (Leading Goalkicker) – Sam Hookham

Club Awards

A number of other Bulldogs were recognised for their performances and contributions throughout the 2026 season.

• Warren Medal – Kyle Russell
• Best First Year Player, sponsored by the Shearer Family – Lucas Robinson
• Red Collar Player of the Year, sponsored by the Culver Family – Glenn Byron
• John Gerovich Award (Leading Goalkicker) – Trey Ruscoe

The South Fremantle Football Club congratulates all players recognised at the 2026 WJ Hughes Medal and thanks our players, coaches, staff, volunteers, members, partners and supporters for their contribution throughout the season.

Congratulations to all our 2026 award winners.