Thornton also took out the first grade outstanding player of the year and players’ player awards.

He not only had a sensational regular season but was awarded the first grade player of the semi-finals.

Proving just how much he was missed at the end of the season, Matt Comerford was the first grade leading goal scorer and one of a selection earned him the Golden Boot for the club’s best goal of the year.

In other major awards, Tom Duggan was named the club’s most improved player, Anthony Savage was recognised as the club person of the year and Chris Rafferty’s tremendous service was rewarded with the Bruce Humphries Award for exceptional dedication and commitment.

Under-20s skipper Adam Duggan mirrored his first grade counterpart’s achievements taking out the outstanding player and players’ player award for the minor premiers.

Younger brother Tom was the young Magpies leading goalscorer and Zac Brown most improved.

Joe McFadyen scooped the pool in under-18s winning the outstanding player, leading goal scorer and most improved player awards. He shared the players’ player with Max Hampton.

The 1st Grade - ZFL3 most outstanding player was Ben Sayers and players’ player was Justin Power.  Rhys Crush won both awards in Reserve Grade - ZFL3.

Veteran defender Nathan Morris has won Weston's player of the year award in his return season at the club.

Along with fellow veteran Josh Maguire and the development of talented youngsters the Bears rose from two successive wooden spoons to finish ninth with six wins and two draws.

Morris also received the John Wolinski Memorial award as the Supporters Club most consistent first grader.

Maguire was rewarded with the coaches award for first grade and Chris Hurley took his game to a new level this season winning the players’ player and most improved awards.

Winners of other key club award on the night included Cessnock Advertiser Player of the Year Max Foster.

Regan Fitzpatrick won the Ken Sander Memorial award as the club’s leading goal scorer.

Damon Cousins won the Claw Bear Golden Glove award for the leading goalkeeper.

Darren Lewsam and  Mark Lathan shared the Neville Ridley Club Person of the Year,  Angus Lathan received the Alan Cooper Youth Achievement award and Sam Bidstrup earned the Jack Turnbull Memorial Encouragement award.