Justin Darby took out the Senior Best & Fairest Award at Grafton's Annual Presentation Night last Friday.
In a tough year for the club on the field, it was Darby who led the way and enjoyed a consistent season throughout to win by 10 votes from livewire, Dale Beaver. One vote further behind were League Representatives, Ryan Sheather and Daniel Zacek. Potential challenges from Shawn Purton and Scott Onus didn't eventuate.
Former Senior star, Mark Blundell won the Reserves medal in a narrow count from John Kennedy. Kennedy had the medal won but missed the last 5 out of the 6 remaining weeks of the season when he went on holidays. Blundell deserved the award and this will compliment his club and league goal kicking awards in his burgeoning trophy cabinet.
The Under 18s Best and Fairest went to Sam Morrison, who also finished 3rd in the Reserves count. Last years winner, Tim Whalan finished runner-up.
In other awards for the night,
- Most determined- Scott Onus
- Most consistent- Ryan Sheather (2nd consecutive year)
- Encouragement award- Luke Gillett
- Most improved- Luke Chard
- Coaches award- Daniel Zacek
One of the biggest awards of the night was the most courageous which went to Kelly Thompson. Thompson's story is one of courage. For a well built 17 year old, he was restricted to Seniors due to a chronic ankle ailment that leaves him in pain the next day. His dedication to his club and AFL motivated him to play two games and represented the Under 18 Representative side.
Another prestigious award was the clubman of the year presented to Chris 'Stimpy' Schaeffer. Stimpy typified the club spirit and put his hand up to help whilst the club was struggling midseason. It was an unaminious decision and his work symbolises the worth of volunteers to a club.
Footy Stat: Closest Grand Finals ever? I have been informed that at AFL Canberra's Grand Finals over the weekend at Manuka Oval, the combined margins of the three grand finals were five points.
Sydney Swans Reserves beat Belconnen in Division 1 who were the frontrunners all year by one point after the siren (11-4-70 def. 9.15-69).
In Division 2, Belconnen exacted revenge by defeating Queanbeyan by 2 points whilst Marist College defeated Ainslie in the Under 18s by the same margin.
Last Modified on 16/09/2008 00:18