Sydney Swans midfielder Caiden Cleary has won the Lees Family Memorial Trophy in recognition of his standout 2024 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.
Barbara (nee Lees), husband Julian and children Archie, Ned and Will (pictured) were invited to Sydney Swans HQ on Monday, January 27 to present the award.
Barbara has previously spoke of the pride in being able to continue her family’s legacy and present the award to Cleary.
"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."
“The winner of the Lees Family Memorial Award has played a few games and is a QBE Sydney Swans Academy player, so we are proud to award it to Caiden Cleary.”
Sydney Swans senior coach Dean Cox was grateful to be able to welcome the Lees family to present the award.
“Your support since 1998 has been phenomenal from your family, so thank you very much for all that support over the years,” Cox said.
“Today is really important and you are a part of this Swans family so thank you.”
Cleary made his AFL debut in 2024, playing in five games and kicking two goals while finishing the 2024 VFL season playing 15 matches with 21.2 disposals and 4.7 tackles per game.
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
2023: Angus Sheldrick
2024: Caiden Cleary
