Inaugural Fremantle captain Ben Allan says he’s delighted to be associated with a key part of WA's football history.
Starting from Sunday’s Western Derby at Optus Stadium, Allan’s name joins Ross Glendinning’s on the Glendinning Allan Medal, which will be awarded to the best on ground in Western Derbies.
With Allan’s name being added to the medal, it means both Fremantle and West Coast’s inaugural captains are represented on the award.
“It’s great. I know Fremantle behind the scenes have been trying to get a Freo person alongside Ross and it just happens to be me, which I’m grateful for,” Allan said.
“I think it’s fantastic that there’s a Freo person and there is a 50-50 split.
“It’s a 50-50 game every time the Derby’s on so it’s great there’s representation from Fremantle.”
Both Allan and Glendinning have storied careers in football. Allan played a part of Hawthorn’s 1991 premiership side and was named All Australian in 1993 and 1994.
Allan was also Fremantle’s interim coach for 13 years in 2001 and sat on the board of directors for 10 years.
Glendinning won the Brownlow Medal and was named All Australian in 1983 when he was playing for North Melbourne.
Allan said it was a particular honour to be recognised alongside Glendinning, who he looked up to as a young footballer.
“Ross was an idol of mine so it’s really humbling,” Allan said.
“We know he won a Brownlow Medal and he was fantastic in State of Origin games.
“I came back to WA and helped establish a club like he did with West Coast and myself with Freo, so to join him is really exciting.”
Allan will present the medal at Fremantle home games and Glendinning at West Coast home games.
With West Coast hosting Sunday’s clash, Allan hopes Glendinning will be handing over the first medal to a certain Fremantle player.
“I’m hoping Ross has to present the medal to Stephen Hill,” Allan said.
“I think ‘Hilly’ coming back into the lineup, he’s been in and out a little bit as we know, but if he can get some run and carry at half back, I think he will be his normal eye-catching self and he’ll be a ripper.”
