After an unbeaten season, the Collingwood Magpies Community Team have capped off a stellar season with two of its players receiving top honours at the 2025 Peter Cullen Medal.
Since the program's inception in 2021, the Pies have never had a player celebrated at the awards night.
This year, the Pies evolved the Collingwood Magpies Community Team into a youth-focused program providing a support system through the power of football.
Facilitating 40 vulnerable young people aged between 16 and 25, the team went on to produce an undefeated run on the footy field.
Quiet achievers Mikayla Clarkson and Alex Roussos were crowned the 2025 Reclink League’s ‘Best Female Player’ and ‘Best Male Player’ awards, respectively.
Votes for the Peter Cullen Medal are collected by umpires and coaches across the Reclink Victorian Football League.
Clarkson once again impressed in the forward line, pulling votes in all games with her trademark pressure and effort in the contest.
Despite a late-season ankle injury, Roussos returned in the final game of the year to deliver a standout performance against Geelong, earning three votes to claim the medal by one vote.
Dominating in the midfield and leading from the front, his efforts continued to inspire teammates with his composure and silky left foot.
Yet the real victories came off the fields the program nurtures independence and positive social behaviours, helping its participants to thrive year-round through mentoring, football, wellbeing and the power of connection.
During the football season, the team holds weekly training sessions held at Victoria Park under the guidance of coaches Shane Williams and Collingwood AFLW Development Coach Daniel Wells.
“As coaches, it’s never just about wins,” Williams said.
“Footy connects us, and when young people start to believe in their own potential, the results tend to take care of themselves.
“That’s what ‘Wellsy’ and I are most proud of. Watching young people grow, find confidence, and build healthy pathways for their future.”
Outside of the footy season, the Community Football Team provides a range of activities, excursions and workshops for its players to continue their engagement and improve physical and mental wellbeing.
Support the team through the Foundation.
