Bulldogs midfielder Florenca wins Sandover Medal

South Fremantle midfielder Jake Florenca has become the first Bulldog this decade to win the Sandover Medal, producing a stunning victory at Crown Perth.

The prolific midfielder capped off a brilliant season and is the first Bulldog since Haiden Schloithe in 2017 to claim the most prestigious individual award in the WAFL.

The 29-year-old left-footer averaged more than 27 disposals a game, five tackles a match and kicked four goals across the season to ensure he entered the medal count as a leading contender.

Florenca polled 27 votes, finishing four votes ahead of Sandover fancy Jeremy Sharp from Peel Thunder, with reigning Sandover Medallist Charlie Constable finishing equal third with Peel’s Lachlan Tardrew and Subiaco’s Stefan Giro on 22 votes.

In the home and away season, Florence polled in 12 matches, including six best on ground three-vote performances, helping South Fremantle finish fourth on the ladder.

Florenca started the season in style with a three-vote performance in Round 1 against Swan Districts, gathering 28 disposals.

He made his break on the leaderboard through Rounds 4-8, picking up two best-on-grounds and a total of 11 votes in five games.

The only time the midfielder was challenged was in Round 12 when he failed to poll a vote in the match against Perth, while Giro and Sharp joined him on 18 votes.

But two best-on-grounds and a two-vote game in his next three matches meant Florenca had seen off the threat.

Sharp and Tardrew missed their chance at individual glory, but the pair’s priority has always been winning a Grand Final at Optus Stadium on Sunday, while Constable continued his ultra consistent form since moving to the Demons and Giro played a major role in Subiaco’s push for the top five in 2026.

West Perth forward Tyler Keitel retained the Bernie Naylor Medal as the leading goalkicker this season, finishing with 51 majors.

The Falcons star has now won six Bernie Naylor Medals including the last four, confirming his place as a modern day WAFL great.

Other notable winners on the night were Justin Longmuir, who claimed the JJ Leonard Coach of the Year after guiding the Fremantle Dockers to the AFL minor premiership.

WAFL Life Membership was given to Graham Melrose and Kevin Merifield for their service to the game, while Robert Wiley and Steve Malaxos became the latest WAFC Life Members for their contribution to WA Football.

Leading field umpire Matt Adams, who celebrated his 300th WAFL match this year, was named the Montgomery Medallist as the best field umpire in 2026.

WAFL Awards

Devine Medal – Boundary Umpire of the Year: Bailey Foulk

Carter Medal – Goal Umpire of the Year: Cadmon Cocliff

Montgomery Medal – Field Umpire of the Year: Matt Adams

Prendergast Medal – Reserves Fairest and Best: Archie Caldow (Peel Thunder)

JJ Leonard Medal – Coach of the Year: Justin Longmuir (Fremantle Dockers)

Rodriquez Shield – Club of the Year: Claremont

WAFL Life Members: Graham Melrose and Kevin Merifield

WAFC Life Members: Robert Wiley and Steve Malaxos

Sandover Medal Leaderboard

27 votes: Jake Florenca (South Fremantle)

23: Jeremy Sharp (Peel Thunder)

22: Lachlan Tardrew (Peel Thunder)

22: Charlie Constable (Perth)

22: Stefan Giro (Subiaco)