GFNL grand final best-on-ground medal to be named after the late Frank Fopiani

Frank Fopiani owned the big moments, and the late great will be honoured on GFNL grand final day each year after a decision from AFL Barwon.

The Frank Fopiani medal be awarded each grand final day. Picture: Peter Ristevski

The late Frank Fopiani will be fittingly commemorated each grand final day into the future, with the winner of the best-on-ground medal named to be named in his honour.

Fopiani tragically passed away at the age of 51 in August from colorectal cancer.

The AFL Barwon Commission has decided the best player from the GFNL senior grand final each year will be awarded the Frank Fopiani Medal, with the first to be given out in Friday’s decider between Leopold and South Barwon.

The award will be presented by his son Connor Fopiani, who told this publication last month that he will do everything he can to continue his great legacy on and off the field.

Fopiani, recognised as the greatest GFNL player of all-time by the Geelong Advertiser in 2015, was renowned for standing up in grand finals, including three best-on-ground honours in the 1993, 1995 and 2004 deciders.

The catchphrase ‘Can’t stop the Fop’ was coined as a symbol of his continued dominance that opposition sides struggled to contain.

Fopiani’s wife, Sylvia, said the outpouring of support and the honour shows the impact he had on people.

“Our family has been overwhelmed by the thoughts, messages and prayers of everyone in the Geelong football community since Frank passed,” Sylvia said.

“He was a loving husband, father and friend, and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

“This award speaks to the legacy Frank leaves behind, and we thank AFL Barwon for the gesture. You can’t stop the Fop.”

AFL Barwon chair Michelle Gerdtz said it is fitting recognition for his contribution.

“Everyone in local football was shocked and saddened by Frank’s recent passing,” Gerdtz said.

“Frank was an amazing footballer but more importantly he was a wonderful person, and his

standing in the football community across our region speaks for itself.

“His record as a player in GFL Grand Finals is unrivalled and it is fitting that we recognise the enormous contribution Frank made to our competition.”

Originally published as GFNL grand final best-on-ground medal to be named after the late Frank Fopiani