After a tumultuous year of heartache and celebrations, the Sharks honoured the memories of senior star Lachlan Smith and former under 12s captain Patrick Langfield at the annual presentation night.

Smith was killed in a tragic quad-bike accident at his family’s Adelong property just before the start of the Football Wagga pre-season, while Langfield died along with his father Ray in one of the saddest days in Wagga’s history last year. 

See pictures from the event in the carousel above plus even more here.

Both taken tragically before their time, the club rallied to remember the good times with its two angels with the introduction of awards in their honour on Saturday night. 

The first grade best and fairest award was renamed in Lachlan Smith’s honour and given to first grade star James Macauslan, while under 12s player Alexander Medway was awarded the Patrick Langfield Memorial Award for his courage, leadership, team spirit and commitment to the game.

“Those are all the traits you want in the young kids,” said club captain Justin Curran.

“Alexander was in the under 12s team that won their grand final this year.” 

Curran said 196 people crammed into the Champagne Bar at the MTC for the gala presentation night, which combined all grades from under 12s to the seniors on Saturday.

In first grade, leading goal scorer Sean Ready was awarded the Golden Boot Award, while Ben Angel was given the coaches’ award for his efforts above and beyond the call of duty this season.

“It was a brilliant night, it’s the second time we’ve combined the older juniors through to first grade and it was fantastic,” Curran said. 

“Hopefully it’ll be bigger and better again next year.”

Earlier in the day, several senior players took part in the Relay for Life event at Parramore Park.