By Casey O'Connor
Tyhe Clarkson has dominated this year’s Warwick Redbacks Australian Football Club presentation evening held at the club on Friday night.
A large crowd celebrated individual performances, player milestones and the contributions of
others to the club.
However it was Clarkson’s night with the club stalwart taking out the 2023 Steve Gray Medallist.
It was the culmination of a big night for the popular clubman. After a steady start in the count, Tyhe surged ahead to win by a remarkable 20 votes.
Although he plays predominantly in the midfield Clarkson also secured the second spot in
the team’s goal-kicking tally this season with 11 goals from just 14 games.
Clarkson seems to effortlessly balance the roles of coach, strapper, and club treasurer.
The Steve Gray Medallist was also named the Colin Pope Players Player ; the Most
Consistent.
“It’s always an honour to win a best and fairest award,” he said.
“I am extremely grateful to my team-mates, all of our volunteers and the committee past and
present for giving me the opportunity to play for such a great club over the years.
“The Colin Pope players player award is something that I am very proud to receive, voted on by my peers after each game and awarded in honour of a man who had contributed so much to our club.”
Far from a one trick pony Clarkson has served as the Club Captain, President, Treasurer and
Playing coach and has also represented South Queensland over the years.
Announcing the Colin Pope award Clarkson was hailed for his “His unwavering determination and mindset often set him apart from his peers and his willingness to play through injuries, when most players would be sidelined for weeks, exemplifies his commitment to the team. He is a great mentor to team mates.”
Despite his impressive collection of awards Clarkson could be considered a late bloomer
when it comes to the game.
He did not pick up a football until his late teens and the club and his team mates are
grateful to his Gran and his Geelong-loving family who encouraged him.
Clarkson resume now ranks among the finest on the Darling Downs, boasting an impressive
array of accolades.
They include a Holman medal (league best and fairest medal) and has twice been runner up.
Five Steve Gray Medals (Redbacks best and fairest) and five times runner up.
Mark Graham Trophy (USQ best and fairest) and once runner up.
Five Players Player awards and two Premiership Player awards.
It was a big night for the Clarkson family on Friday night with Tyhe’s wife Leana named the Redbacks Club person of the year for the second time.
“I was very proud to see my wife Leana awarded the Club person of the year this
year, she has done so much to help the club over the past few years first aiding, cleaning
Guernsey’s, she even had to run the bench while doing first aid on a couple of occasions
when we were struggling with numbers,” Tyhe said.
“I owe all awards I have ever won to her, she has supported me with training, recovery, nursed me through injuries and been standing on the boundary cheering at every game over the past 12 seasons.”
In announcing Leanna she was described as “a true cornerstone of our club, known for her unwavering dedication and selfless contributions. While officially holding the role of the club’s first aider, Leana goes far beyond her title, taking on a myriad of responsibilities throughout the season.
“Leanna’s commitment and versatility are truly commendable, and her willingness to step up
in various capacities exemplifies her devotion to the club’s success.”
