The AFL North Coast Best and Fairest will be staged at the Coffs Hotel on Saturday night with Sam Dawes and Mark Couzens aiming to claim the title for the second time.
The duo has enjoyed strong seasons for their respective clubs. Dawes won the medal last season in his first year with the Kangaroos. The tall, strongly built utility player again has been a linchpin in North Coffs’ tilt at a premiership and played well across centre half-back during this year’s finals’ series.
Couzens was joint Best & Fairest in 2007 with Brad Giri. The well-respected Sawtell premiership and Interleague captain has ticked off basically all of the achievements possible in the local competition. Last week, he was at the forefront of Sawtell’s second consecutive premiership and their fourth for the decade.
Fellow Kangaroo, Darren Funston is another contender for the main award of the night. The midfielder-forward, despite battling injury for the latter half of the season, especially, has been a consistent performer for his side. Others expected to poll strongly include Daniel Zacek (Grafton) and Rob Eddy (Swans).
The Reserves will see Jason Sincock aiming for another Best and Fairest award, whilst there is a hot field contending for the Under 18’s Best Player headed by Justin Saker, Sam Turner and the Woodlock Medallist from the Senior Grand Final, Jack Gillingham.
The festivities kick off at 6.30pm, with the night also set to recognise the leading goalkickers and induct new Life Members.
The Juniors will also acknowledge the best young talent at the Coffs Ex-Services Club on Friday night (commencing 7pm).
The proceedings will include the Best players and coaches and Rising Star for the Under 12s, 14s and 16s.
It is always a well organised and fun night, with fans encouraged to come along and give their support to the next wade of talent on the North Coast.
Last Modified on 09/09/2009 18:32