George Naylor Medal winner Tim O'Brien with his trophy. Picture: KIRK GILMOUR
Tarrawanna's Tim O'Brien has taken out the prestigious George Naylor Medal, awarded to the Illawarra Premier League player of the year, at Football South Coast men's awards dinner last night.
O'Brien was presented with his medal in front of a large crowd of more than 300 at the Villa D'oro function centre at Illawarra Football's Night of Nights.
O'Brien had a solid year with the Blueys and his tireless work as a "box to box" player was the cornerstone of many attacking raids for his team who finished third in this year's IPL.
IPL coaches voted for the award on a round by round basis.
Dapto Dandaloo FC's Sam Munro was runner-up in the George Naylor Medal and was voted the best and fairest player by the referees.
Other major winners last night were Chris Smith (Dapto Dandaloo FC), Edmen sharp shooter award (19 goals); David Poeira (Port Kembla), goalkeeper of the year; Ben Smith (Bulli), IPL coach of the year; and Scott Friedewald (Highlands FC), was player of the year in the District Leagues and he received the Neville Arrowsmith Medal.