GSFL 2024: Memory of footy legend Jono Woods to be honoured with country champs fairest and best trophy

The legacy of late country football great Jonathon “Jono” Woods will be forever treasured by the Great Southern Football League, with the best and fairest player at the Country Football Championships to be bestowed the Jono Woods Memorial trophy.

Woods is arguably the most decorated player in the Great Southern but the much-loved star died last October, leaving the football community in mourning.

He played more than 600 games at four different GSFL clubs over a storied career and was a stalwart of the competition.

His incredible footballing ability is reflected by two Kleemann medals and multiple club fairest and best honours.

However, his Jock Coleman (2003) and Bud Byfield (2005) medals for being voted the best and fairest player in the A-section and B-section respectively at the county football championships are perhaps his greatest achievements.

Woods’ son Henry Woods said it was an “honour and a privilege” for his father to have an award named after him.

“He’s obviously got a lot of accolades on the field but one of his goals was to have an award, especially in the Great Southern region, named after him,” Henry said.

“It meant a great deal (for him to play for the GSFL). He always tried his best to help his team.

“Considering the amount of footy he’s played and the impact he’s had on the footy community down there, it’s an honour and a privilege.”

Henry said that while his father’s influence on the field was significant, it was his contribution to the community that would be most remembered.

“He has a lot of accolades but it’s good to see there is a bit of recognition to what sort of person he was and to show that he definitely did have an impact on the wider community or footy association that he did love,” he said.

“There is a bit of return for someone who’s given a lot for or given a lot of effort to their community.

“He’s always tried to help not just young Indigenous fellas but just young football players in general.

“And it sets a bit of an example for young Indigenous guys and young footy players in general.

“He always was very good at putting smiles on other people’s faces and it’s a testament to the character he was.”

The Nutrien Ag Solutions Country Football Championships will be held in Perth from July 12-14.