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The Tony Drinan Award
As a perpetual memorial to an exceptional Mentonian and to recognise the accomplishments of former Mentone Grammar students, the prestigious ‘Tony Drinan Medal’ is awarded each year to a past student who, in the opinion of the Selection Committee, has achieved outstanding success, bringing honour to the School and service to the community.
Tony Drinan Medal Awardee 2025
Les Gelis (Class of 1986) is honoured with the 2025 Tony Drinan Award for his exceptional contributions to sports physiotherapy. From the soccer fields of his youth to the world’s biggest sporting stages, Les has dedicated his life to helping athletes perform at their best. As the Socceroos’ first full-time head physiotherapist he played a key role in their World Cup breakthroughs, later bringing his expertise to Liverpool FC, and the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA. Over two decades, Les has earned global respect not just for his skill, but for his integrity, humility, and care. Les credits much of his journey to the values shaped during his school years. Watch his full interview to hear his inspiring story.
Tony Drinan Medal recipients
Year Awarded | Name | Alumni Year | Contribution |
---|---|---|---|
2025 | Les Gelis | 1986 | International sports physiotherapy |
2024 | Professor James Oxley | 1970 | Mathematics |
2023 | Mr John Peers | 2006 | Australian Tennis |
2022 | Mr Peter Royston | 1967 | Law and The Law Institute |
2021 | Dr A G (Tony) Collins | 1966 | Education |
2020 | Mr Steven Warrington AFSM | 1978 | Country Fire Authority (CFA) |
2019 | Mr John Firth | 1969 | Contribution to Education and Curriculum |
2018 | Mr Robert Nottle CBE | 1960 | International Financial Services |
2017 | Sir Robert Jackson AC KCVO CMG OBE (Deceased) | 1928 | Former UN Under Secretary General |
2016 | Professor Tim Brailsford | 1981 | Vice-Chancellor and President of Bond University |
2015 | The Hon. Associate Justice Nemeer Mukhtar | 1975 | Supreme Court, Victoria |
2014 | Mr James Riady | 1974 | International Business and philanthropic support for education |
2013 | Mr Shane Warne (Deceased) | 1987 | Australian Cricket & Founder of The Shane Warne Foundation |
2012 | Associate Professor Andre La Gerche | 1991 | Medical Research in the field of Cardiology |
2011 | Colonel Andrew Hocking | 1989 | Australian Defence Forces |
2010 | Mr Adam Kilgour | 1982 | Australian Business & Politics |
2009 | Mr Mal Walden | 1961 | Broadcasting and Television |
2008 | Mr Phillip Hutson | 1971 | Australian Federal Police |
2007 | Mr Geoff Ryan AM | 1965 | Education |
2006 | Associate Professor Michael Woodward | 1971 | Specialist in Geriatric Medicine |
2005 | Emeritus Professor Don Gartside | 1964 | Environmental Science and Management |
2004 | Don Ingram OAM | 1955 | Education |
2003 | The Very Rev. Dr John Shepherd AM | 1959 | Anglican Dean of Perth |
2002 | Ret Brig J Deighton A.M., M.C. | 1952 | Australian Defence Forces - Retired CEO Victorian RSL HQ |
2001 | Professor Glenn Bowes AO | 1966 | Medicine, Specialist in Paediatrics |