18 August 2024
Celebrating 15 Years of Honouring Sporting Dads: Finalists Announced for 2024 Philips Celebrity Sports Dad of the Year
As Father’s Day approaches, ten of Australia’s most remarkable sports dads are in the spotlight, vying for the prestigious title of 2024 Philips Celebrity Sports Dad of the Year. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the award, which has become a cherished tradition, recognising athletes who excel not only in their sports but also in their roles as devoted fathers.
Over the past 15 years, the Philips Celebrity Sports Dad of the Year award has celebrated the incredible ability of these athletes to balance the demands of professional sports with the joys and challenges of fatherhood. The 2024 finalists represent a diverse array of sports, from footy to motorsport, Olympic and Paralympic competitions, each one a testament to the dedication and love they bring to both their sport and their families.
Our 2024 Sports Dads are:
- Nic White – Rugby; Wallabies / Western Force
- David Reynolds – Supercar; 2017 Bathurst Winner
- Brenden Hall OAM PLY – Swimming; 5 x Paralympian / Flag Bearer in Paris
- Thomas Burgess – NRL; South Sydney Rabbitohs / Premiership Winner
- Jared Waerea-Hargreaves – NRL; Roosters / 3 x Premiership Winner
- Joe Ingles – Basketball; 5 x Olympian / NBA – Minnesota Timberwolves
- Reuben Cotter – NRL; North Queensland Cowboys / QLD Origin
- Matthew Ebden – Tennis; Olympic Gold Medalist / Grand Slam Champion
- Patrick Dangerfield – AFL; Geelong Cats Captain / Premiership Winner and Brownlow Medalist
- Lachie Neale – AFL; Brisbane Lions Co-Captain / 2 x Brownlow Medalist
Our 2024 Sports Dad of the Year finalists
Brenden Hall, a five-time Paralympian and flag bearer for Australia at the upcoming Paris Games, reflected on the joy of fatherhood: “Being a dad is the best thing ever—I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Like life, it has its ups and downs, but I love the challenge, and it’s always fun. When my family can watch me compete, it feels like a tribute to them for all their support. I’m really excited they’ll be in the stands, making the atmosphere even more incredible.”
The Philips Sports Dad of the Year program has a rich history of recognising 162 Celebrity and Community dads through 190,000 nominations and votes. Over the years, the program has also contributed more than $150,000 to Australian charities and sports clubs, supporting both the future of sport and the broader community. The winner of this year’s award, determined by public vote, will have the opportunity to donate $5,000 to a charity of their choice.
Last year’s winner, Daly Cherry-Evans, captain of the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles and Queensland Maroons, matched his prize money to donate $10,000 to the Gotcha4Life Foundation, founded by media personality Gus Worland.
Past winners of the Philips Celebrity Sports Dad of the Year award include a who’s who of Australian sports, such as NRL stars Daly Cherry-Evans, Damien Cook, and Johnathan Thurston; AFL Premiership winners Brett Kirk, Jude Bolton, and Sam Mitchell; Supercar driver Mark Winterbottom; former Australian Cricket Vice Captain David Warner; and BMX Freestyle Olympic gold medalist Logan Martin. The inaugural winner in 2009 was NRL great John Skandalis.
Daly Cherry-Evans: 2023 Philips Sports Dad of the Year winner