31/08/2026
🐆 Petrie Shield 🐆
The Petrie Shield is awarded each year at the Leopard’s to a junior and a senior for excellence in community service.
The President each year asks for nominations from coaches. Usually there are several member to chose from but this year there was one guy who was such a clear front runner that once this nomination was received, there really was no need for our President to consider anyone else.
What a honour it is to announce Adrian Spry as the 2026 Petrie Shield winner.
Rugby clubs are often judged on what happens between the white lines on a Saturday afternoon — the tackles, the tries, and the moments that decide a game. But anyone who has spent time around this club knows the real heartbeat of it exists long after full time.
Adrian is absolutely one of those players on the field — a bloody pest to play against, relentless in everything he does, and someone who never gives an inch.
But what makes Adrian truly special is everything he does away from the game.
Week in, week out, Adrian and his beautiful family are there long after the final whistle, helping clean up after game day. Packing away gear, tidying the sheds, picking up the small things that most people don’t even notice — they are always there, never needing to be asked. And that’s the key thing about Adrian — he never asks what needs to be done, he just rolls up his sleeves and gets it done. It’s not a once-off effort or something done for recognition; it’s just who they are. And it is a perfect reflection of the culture this club is so proud of.
Off the field, Adrian is one of the nicest blokes you will ever meet.
He is the definition of community spirit. Year after year, he steps up without being asked. He takes ownership of social events, helps organise meat tray raffles, and is always looking for ways to bring people together around the club.
He doesn’t just support the club — he builds it.
When junior teams need help, and coaches are unavailable or stretched, Adrian is there. He steps in without hesitation, giving his time and energy to make sure the next generation of players are supported, included and looked after.
He is also the driving force behind many of the club’s cultural and social initiatives. Whether it’s a craft-a-noon, a themed event, or a new way to celebrate culture and heritage, Adrian is always the one bringing ideas forward. And more importantly, he doesn’t just suggest them — he comes with a clear plan. A four-point plan, at that, on how it will actually get done.
That’s who Adrian is. Not just an ideas man, but someone who delivers.
He is incredibly giving to our community in every sense of the word. His contribution is constant, thoughtful and selfless. And while he will absolutely hate this public recognition — and will no doubt cringe at every compliment — it is important that it is said.
Adrian, alongside his family, represents everything that makes this club special. The willingness to stay back, to help out, to do the unseen work, and to make sure the club is left better than they found it is exactly what we are about.
The Petrie Shield is about service, spirit and contribution to the wider club community.
Adrian embodies all of it!
🐆 let’s celebrate Adrian and his amazing contribution to the Leopard’s community 🐆
