Sydney Swans defender Will Gould has won the Lees Family Memorial Trophy in recognition of his standout 2022 season and unwavering potential as one of the club's emerging talents.
The award, formerly known as the Cathy Lees Award, has been presented since 1998 in tribute of late Swans fan Cathy Lees, who sadly passed away from breast cancer at the age of 27.
Cathy's parents Alan and Rosemary Lees, along with other members of the family, had a keen interest in the reserves team and took enjoyment out of identifying the next 'star' of the Sydney Swans.
Following the passing of Alan and his other daughter Liz in 2019, they changed the name to the Lees Family Memorial Award in their honour.
The Lees family were invited to the new Sydney Swans HQ at the Royal Hall of Industries to present this year's award for the first time since the start of 2020 - following two years of covid-impacted seasons (2020 & 2021).
Barbara (nee Lees) spoke of her enormous pride in being able to continue her family's legacy and present the award to Gould following his impressive individual campaign last year.
"We really feel blessed that the Sydney Swans have embraced the award. When dad started it back in 1998, he had a real love for the club," Barbara said.
"The club has made us feel so welcome. We love presenting this every year, and actually get quite emotional when i think about it. It's a major part of our family and love of the Swans."
Gould, who was voted as the clubs VFL Player of the Year, also spoke with sheer pride in receiving an award of such prestige.
"I'm feeling very proud. It's great to have the Lees family back after a two-yer absence. I feel quite lucky but also very privileged to receive the award," he said.
"I'm hoping they (Lees family) can get back around the club now and enjoy the footy again.
"it was great last year that I could continue to improve and put some good games together in the VFL, and that will be my focus this year - continual improvement, work on my game, and whatever happens, happens."
Previous Winners:
1998: Mark Brown
1999: Brett Kirk
2000: Heath James
2001: Tadhg Kennelly
2002: Sean Dempster
2003: Scott McGlone
2004: Paul Bevan
2005: Simon Phillips
2006: Luke Vogels
2007: Ed Barlow
2008: Matt O’Dwyer
2009: Dan Currie
2010: Sam Reid
2011: Luke Parker
2012: Harry Cunningham
2013: Brandon Jack
2014: Jake Lloyd
2015: Isaac Heeney
2016: Nic Newman
2017: Jordan Dawson
2018: Darcy Cameron
2019: James Bell
2020: Not Awarded
2021: Not Awarded
2022: Will Gould
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