DIAMOND Creek junior coach Caine Lowrie and Greensborough legend Robert Hyde were both recognised at the 2015 AFL Victoria Community Football Awards.
Lowrie, who coaches Diamond Creek’s under-17 team, was named the 2015 Stan Alves Youth Coach of the Year.
After a distinguished coaching career with Greensborough and TAC Cup side, the Calder Cannons, Hyde received the Allan Jeans Lifetime Achievement Award.
Lowrie first began coaching six years ago and was recognised for making a substantially positive impact on more than 191 players, both on and off the field.
His simple and effective game plan has seen Diamond Creek’s under-17 team play a more competitive brand of football against highly skilled sides.
While football is a key focus for Lowrie, he ensures all his players are committed to their school priorities first and foremost, before running out to play.
Diamond Creek junior president Rod Harris said Lowrie had been a magnificent role model for his club’s young players.
“The dedication he shows to the youth of the club, both on and off the field, is extraordinary,” Harris said.
“He is dedicated to not only teaching his boys how to play football, but also in providing them with important life skills away from the field.”
A triple premiership coach at Greensborough, Hyde also enjoyed a distinguished coaching tenure with the Calder Cannons.
Captain-coach of Greensborough’s 1983 and 1984 flags, Hyde was named the 2014 Northern Region Senior Coach of the Year as he took the Boro to their first Division 1 premiership in 25 years.
He coached the Calder Cannons from 1996 to 2006, guiding the club to five TAC Cup grand finals, for three premiership wins. The club’s best and fairest award has since been named the Robert Hyde Medal to recognise his contribution.
Hyde also played 62 games for Collingwood, winning the club’s best and fairest award in 1976. He was a member of the Magpies’ drawn and losing grand final teams in 1977.
Montmorency under-15 girls coach Natalie Stuart was a finalist for the Peta Searle Female Coach of the Year, which was won by Blackburn’s Katherine Smith.
