In his first full year of Western Premier League (WPL), 17-year-old Macquarie United FC striker, Logan Johnson capped a premiership win for the “light blues” with two major individual Awards.

Logan was named the Rookie of the Year at the inaugural WPL Presentation Dinner on Friday night, and also topped the goal-scorers tally with 22 to be the first Golden Boot awardee.

The youngster attributed his breakout year to “playing with a bunch of mates” who have been playing together for years in the juniors “and a couple of cool older heads”.

He attributed the growth of the team to captain-coach Jamie Lobb who arrived in Dubbo four years ago.

“Lobby has had a remarkable career at the Central Coast Mariners, in the UK and with Apia, Manly, and the Northern Tigers,” Logan said.

“I have never met anyone who is more passionate about the sport. He has incredible knowledge and a unique way of bringing us young players through,” he added.

Logan will accompany Jamie on a pathway that will hopefully lead to NSW Premier League and maybe even A League in the future when he links up with the Central West Under 18s for the statewide competition next year.

“It will be an incredible experience.

“There’s 34 teams in the competition, mainly Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong-based ,so I’ll have to really pick my game up to another level to compete against the most physical and passionate players in my age group next year,” he said.

Lobb was a unanimous choice as WPL Coach of the year after guiding his team to a 6-2 semi-final win over Bathurst 75s and a heart-stopping 3-2 victory in the grand final before a bumper crowd at Victoria Park in September.

Other awards went to Kyle Cummings (Bathurst 75s) who was voted Player of the Year and goalkeeper Chris Davis from Panorama who won the Golden Boot as best keeper in the league.

With only six teams in the competition this year - 75s, Pano, Orange Waratahs, and Dubo clubs Bulls and MUFC, Panorama leader Beau Yates, is hopeful more will join.

“Some of our teams like Orange CYMS, Lithgow Workies, Orana Spurs and Barnestoneworth have made their presence felt in local Bathurst and Orange comps, so they might want to step up a level again soon and there is a feeling Canobolas Pinnacle may also be looking to field a team. It certainly would be beneficial for all those involved,” beau said.

Beau suggested more teams, a mooted pre-season gala in Mudgee and Magic Round at Waratahs are all on the agenda for next year”

“We will also be back to celebrate with all the other teams,” Beau said.

“The Presentation Dinner was a long time coming but it has been a brilliant success!”