Dean Gavin, a former Toronto Eagles star now making waves with Coorparoo Australian Senior Football Club, has been named the winner of the 2024 QFA Division 1 Seniors Archibald Hosking Award for the second year in a row. The prestigious honor, awarded to Coorparoo’s best and fairest player, cements Gavin’s place as one of the club’s and Queensland’s top players.
Gavin’s success in Queensland mirrors his dominance during his time in Toronto, where he played a vital role for the Eagles. While in Canada, not only was he a significant part of helping the club secure their 13th premiership, but Gavin won the Toronto Eagles’ Best & Fairest award back-to-back and also secured AFL Ontario’s Best & Fairest for two consecutive years. His achievements across two countries highlight his consistent excellence on the field.
Commenting on his latest triumph, Gavin said, “Winning the Archibald Hosking Award for a second time is a massive honor. The competition here in Queensland is intense, and to be recognized in such a talented league is incredibly rewarding. But honestly, none of this would be possible without the incredible teammates and coaches I’ve had along the way.”
Gavin has fond memories of his time in the AFL Ontario league and the camaraderie he experienced with the Eagles. “We had a tight-knit group at the Eagles, and those friendships are something I’ll always cherish. Playing footy in Toronto was an experience I’ll never forget. The AFL community in Canada might not be as big as back home, but it’s full of passion and determination. The support from teammates, coaches, and the club was incredible. The Eagles were more than just a team; they were a family. and that camaraderie is something I carry with me. I’ll always look back fondly on those years.”
When asked about the similarities between his time at both clubs, Gavin noted, “Both Toronto and Coorparoo have strong cultures, which I think is essential for any success. The environments encouraged me to be the best I could be, both on and off the field. I’ve been lucky to be part of two clubs that value hard work and team spirit.”
As he continues to thrive in Queensland, Gavin remains humble and focused on his future goals. Looking ahead, he remains focused on both his personal development and Coorparoo’s continued success. “Individual awards are great, but they’re never the main goal. I’m proud of this achievement, but it’s always about pushing the team forward and contributing to our collective success.”
From everyone at the Toronto Eagles, congratulations to Dean Gavin on another incredible achievement! The entire Eagles community is proud of you, and we look forward to following your continued success.