Why Coast footy is on the rise

GALLERY: SUNS coach Stuart Dew has highlighted the importance of the grassroots game as Gold Coast juniors this week took centre stage.

SUNS coach Stuart Dew has highlighted the importance of the grassroots game as Gold Coast juniors this week took centre stage.

More than 300 young players, their parents and volunteers on Wednesday night celebrated the local season at the Gold Coast Juniors Gala Awards Night at Southport.

Burleigh's Havana Harris won under-13 girls player of the year.

The 2018 Player of the Year was awarded to Jed Walter from Palm Beach Currumbin.

Playing in the under-14 Division 1 competition, Walter polled the most votes in any division with 32 votes.

Palm Beach Currumbin's Jed Walter won under-14 player of the year.

The Junior Club Person went to Alastair Johnson from Coomera Magpies.

Johnston gives up his time to help at the club in the canteen on Friday nights and weekend home games.

Southport's Paul Redley won volunteer of the year.

In addition he umpires on weekends.

“It is fantastic to see Alastair recognised for his contribution to Coomera Magpies, he truly embodies our AFL values and we thank him for the time he gives up to help grow our fantastic game of Aussie rules football,” AFL Gold Coast Junior competitions manager Finlay Blacklock said. Suns coach Stuart Dewsaid the awards proved how key grassroots footy remains.

Palm Beach Currumbin's Belinda Phelan won the female coach of the year.

“Giving back to local footy is a high priority for us at the Suns,” he said.

Mudgeeraba's Hamish Mitchell won junior coach of the year.