Ex-Freo star keynote speaker at awards

Retired Fremantle Dockers defender Luke McPharlin has been announced as the keynote speaker for the 2015 Wellington and Reeves Albany Sportsperson of the Year Awards next week.

The gala presentation and dinner will be held at the Albany Entertainment Centre on Thursday, March 31, recognising Albany’s sporting stars of 2015.

The Albany Sportsperson of the Year awards, sponsored also by theAlbany Advertiser is in its 43rd year of recognising the outstanding performance and overall contribution of local athletes to their sport.

Winners will be announced in junior, senior and veteran categories before an overall winner is judged as the Albany Sportsperson of the Year.

McPharlin, a 256-game veteran, retired from AFL after the Dockers bowed out of the finals race last season with a torn calf muscle preventing him from taking part in the finals series.

The former AFL star has taken up a new role as back line coach at WAFL club East Fremantle where his football journey began.

City of Albany manager of recreation services Samantha Stevens said locals athletes would learn about resilience, with McPharlin plagued by injuries throughout his career but managed to still be one of the best defenders in the competition.

“He’s just a superstar. It will be an enjoyable night and I think we will also see a different side to Luke,” she said.

Recent guest speakers have included former Eagles and current Essendon coach John Worsfold (2013) and Olympic gymnast Olivia Vivian (2014).

Lever action rifle shooter Steve Hurley won an unprecedented sixth senior title last year, while rising speedway star Blake Watson was crowned the junior winner.

Veteran surf lifesaving competitor Rob Slattery was crowned the veteran and overall Albany Sportsperson of the Year after winning three gold medals at the World Championships in Montpellier, France in 2014.

Sailor Robert Cridge was announced as the Albany Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability after competing in the International Federation of Disabled Sailing World Titles.

Tickets are on sale at the Albany Entertainment Centre. Tickets cost $70 per person, which includes entry and a three-course meal plus the chance to hear McPharlin speak.