Oliver Eastland Awarded the Ralph Honner Trophy

Following our ANZAC match on Friday against West Coast, we presented Oliver Eastland with the prestigious Ralph Honner Trophy — an award that reflects not just on-field excellence, but the spirit, character, and resilience that Claremont holds dear.

The Ralph Honner Trophy was introduced in 2008 to acknowledge the extraordinary contributions of Ralph Honner, a proud Claremont man who left a lasting legacy both at the Club and in service to his country. A Claremont Football Club player in the 1920s, Honner’s dedication to excellence was later mirrored in his outstanding military service from 1936 to 1944, most notably during World War II where he became one of Australia’s most respected commanders, leading Australian troops at the legendary Battle of Isurava on the Kokoda Track.

Each year, the Ralph Honner Trophy is awarded to a player who embodies the values Ralph Honner lived by: leadership, courage, determination, and selflessness. This year, Oliver Eastland’s performance in the ANZAC match was a shining example of these ideals. His tireless efforts, strong leadership, and unwavering commitment to his teammates epitomised the spirit of Honner’s legacy.

Claremont Football Club is proud to continue this tradition, remembering the sacrifices and contributions of those who came before us, while celebrating the next generation who carry forward their spirit.

Congratulations, Ollie — a truly deserving recipient of the Ralph Honner Trophy.