The Western Force celebrated the Club’s next generation of emerging talent with the inaugural Fortescue Academy Awards at Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough on Saturday night.
Albert Alcock was crowned the Academy Player of the Year after an exceptional 12 months that included his Super Rugby Pacific debut and winning the Force’s 2025 Matt Hodgson Rising Star award.
Promising hooker Alcock, 21, also toured with the Force in last year’s South Africa spring series and was recently elevated to the Super Rugby squad.
Alcock, who plays his club rugby with Palmyra, was lauded for his commitment and dedication to the program and his craft.
Exciting Associates hooker Luke Megson won the Academy Rookie of the Year after an excellent first year in the program, where he was hailed for his commitment and application along with his on-field and off-field development.
Scotch College student Megson was part of the Force U16s side in 2023 and Force U19s side in 2024, before moving into the Academy. Megson’s development was highlighted by captaining WA’s U18s Schools team on the Sunshine Coast earlier this month.
Kalamunda front-rower Max Sawers won the Maali Man award, centered around living the values of the Academy - mateship, relentless hard work and being deeply proud.
The loosehead prop has displayed commitment and dedication to the program and his own development, along with leadership traits as a leader by example.
The Club congratulates all award winners and the Academy staff and team for another promising 12 months, ahead of an exciting period with the Super Rugby U19s and Super Rugby U16s due to commence in September and October.
Award winners
Rookie of the Year - Luke Megson
Player of the Year - Albert Alcock
Maali Man - Max Sawers
