Around the AFL

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

At half time during last weekend's "Dreamtime At The G" match between Richmond and Essendon, former Sydney and Fremantle player Troy Cook was presented with the second annual Nowalenko Award for his service to football and the Aboriginal community. Cook's nomination for the award was submitted by David Wirrpanda Foundation. The selection panel comprises representatives of Essendon, Richmond, the AFL, career training organization AFL SportsReady and the AFLPA..

Current Eagle David Wirrpanda said Cook was a tireless worker within the Aboriginal community. Cook works to establish and promote health programs around West Australia. Wirrpanda praised Cook as a strong mentor and role model.

The name of the award (pronounced NO-WARL-ENK-O) comes from the Woiwurrung language, spoken by the Wurundjeri people, whose traditional land includes the area around the MCG. The word represents a range of characteristics: success on ground and the effect of contribution to club and community.

Troy Cook Playing Career:
Drafted by Sydney in 1996
Debuted 1997
43 games for Sydney 1997-1999
Rising Star nominee 1997
150 games for Fremantle 2000-2007
77 career goals
Fremantle Life Member
Fremantle Best & Fairest 2000 (Doig Medal)
Fremantle Best Clubman Award 2005
Western Australia State of Origin Representative 1997-1998
Runner-up Sandover Medal 1996 (WA equivalent of Brownlow)

Community Contribution
Cook joined the Wirrpanda Foundation earlier this year, setting up health and fitness programs and working to fight substance abuse. Primary targets are high schools, with his programs already implemented in one school and soon to be implemented in three more.

Cook is currently captain of WAFL team Perth and acts as a mentor to younger players at the club.

Cook is also an ambassador for the WA Be Active Program and recently was appointed to the County High School Hostel Authority for three years. He also has an ambassadorial role with the Premier’s Physical Activity Taskforce, which supported his nomination along with the Western Australian Department of Sport and Recreation. He also acts as an Ambassador for the Department of Indigenous Affairs PALS Project (Partnership, Acceptance, Learning and Sharing) and, in 2007, was appointed a board member of Diabetes WA.

Former St. Kilda and Brisbane player Gilbert McAdam won the award in 2007.

Source: Michele Clyne, AFL Media Release

CARLTON
Last week, the Blues welcomed their 40,000th member. It is the first time in the club's history that they have secured 40,000 members. Young cancer patient Ben Clark was invited to the rooms after a training session last week where he was presented with his membership card by captain Chris Judd. Ben was also presented with a variety of club merchandise which was purchased by the players.

The arrangements were made with the assistance of Challenge, a non-profit community organization which works with children suffering from cancer and other blood diseases and their families. Several Carlton players are also involved with Challenge in voluntary roles.

In 2007, Carlton broke their all-time membership record with 35,431 members.

Source: Ian Coutts, Club Media Release