Star Carisbrook midfielder Matthew Bilton is the toast of the Bendigo Bank Maryborough & Castlemaine District Football Netball League after taking home the league's highest honour, the 2013 Berry Powell Medal, by one vote from Natte Bealiba's Mark Fitzgerald on Monday night.
Bilton, who was the heavy favourite leading into the count, polled two votes in the Redbacks' 202 point final round victory over Dunolly to overtake Fitzgerald and win the Berry Powell Medal in his first season in the MCDFNL after crossing from Ballarat Football League club East Point in the pre-season.
Bilton received 21 votes, one ahead of Fitzgerald on 20 votes with three players, 2012 winner Paul Chaplin from Harcourt, Navarre's Ben Scott and Talbot's Matthew Smith, all tied for third place on 16 votes.
On the netball side of things, Carisbrook's Sherriden Byrne took home her third Nalder-Tracey Trophy as the fairest & best player in the MCDFNL's A Grade netball competition, winning the count with 32 votes from Navarre pair Jess Parry (runner-up with 26 votes) and Jess Williamson (24 votes).
The win represents Byrne's third Nalder-Tracey Trophy after wins in 2006 and 2008, helping to lead Carisbrook into the finals where they were eliminated at the hands of reigning premier Lexton in the First Semi Final last weekend.
All award winners are listed below, and spreadsheets containing full listings of all football and netball votes are attached at the bottom of this page.
AWARDS
Berry Powell Medal (Senior Football Best & Fairest)
WINNER: Matthew Bilton (Carisbrook) - 21 votes
Without a doubt the dominant player of the 2013 season, Bilton's return home to Carisbrook this season has given the reigning premiers a huge lift. He's the player that gives taggers and opposition coaches nightmares, and is equally adept up forward as he is in the midfield as seen by his nine-goal performance in the Qualifying Final against Lexton. The most explosive midfielder in the MCDFNL, Matthew is a worthy addition to the list of greats that have won the Berry Powell Medal.
RUNNER UP: Mark Fitzgerald (Natte Bealiba) - 20 votes
Nalder-Tracey Trophy (A Grade Netball Best & Fairest)
WINNER: Sherriden Byrne (Carisbrook) - 32 votes
Sherriden is now a three-time winner of the Nalder-Tracey Trophy, having also won this award in 2006 and 2008. Sheriden has been an integral part of this Carisbrook team for a number of years. She has dominated the defence throughout the season, and is in the top players in the league. An explosive player with numerous turnovers, she is a threat to all goalies. Her solid defensive play is a bonus to Brook, and damaging to her opponents. She is the captain of the team, with great leadership, and the drive to lead her players to achieve their best. She has many accolades to her name including playing her 250 A grade game this year, although the premiership was her main goal before Carisbrook's Semi Final loss to Lexton last weekend.
RUNNER-UP: Jess Parry (Navarre) - 26 votes
Jess is an outstanding goal attack who uses her height and ability to full advantage. She is very accurate and causes plenty of headaches for opposition defenders. Jess is an influential member of the Navarre netball team consistently assisting other teams with umpiring or coaching advice. Jess was once again a member of the MCDFNL Interleague team, and was also a part of the MCDFNL's Regional State League netball team
RESERVES FOOTBALL BEST & FAIREST
WINNER: Jamie Wilson (Carisbrook) - 34 votes
Jamie had a sensational year for Carisbrook, polling eleven best on grounds throughout the count tonight, including the three votes in every game from Round 8 to Round 14 inclusive. By far and away Carisbrook's leading votegetter, Jamie also kicked 33 goals throughout the 2013 season, and was left out of Carisbrook's best players on just three occasions.
RUNNER-UP: Lloyd Bennett (Lexton) - 25 votes
Lloyd's 25 votes were spread over nine games for the Tigers, including seven best on grounds. Lloyd didn't play in a home-and-away game after Round 12 before re-joining the Lexton side for their Qualifying Final win over Newstead
B GRADE NETBALL BEST & FAIREST
WINNER: Suzie Rinaldi (Harcourt) - 31 votes
Suzie adds another accolade to a long list, having won the Nalder-Tracey Trophy in both 1996 and 2004 and being named a Life Member of the MCDFNL. Suzie’s is the most focussed player on the court and will not stop running. A fantastic goaler, Suzie has an uncanny ability to time her run into goal circle perfectly. She has played in B grade in the position of GA and with her sister in GS they make a great team. Suzie has had a very successful season with her B grade team finishing 3rd on the ladder. She is superfast and works very hard to maintain her fitness all season. Her determination on the court inspires the whole team to work harder.
RUNNER-UP: Leah Ward (Maryborough Rovers) - 30 votes
Leah has returned after a year off after having twin boys and has slotted straight back into it ,beautiful defence with fantastic netball skills, creates many turnovers, and deflections, Leah is an athletic player with explosive pace has a incredible vertical leap reads the play extremely well you could put her anywhere on the court and she will always give you 100%. Leah has played for Rovers for many years, and has won many Best and fairest over her time.
C GRADE NETBALL BEST & FAIREST
WINNER: Cass Carter (Natte Bealiba) - 26 votes
Cass plays in goal attack where she dominates the ring playing a strong leading and driving game. Cass’s skill in intercepting, balance and directing the ball, together with her ability to drop the goals in has been the driving force of her team making the finals this year.
RUNNER-UP: Rebecca Gerrard (Lexton) - 25 votes
Rebecca is a hardworking player, she puts a lot of pressure on her opponent through the centre court and sticks tight in defence. She plays a great game in the centre & this season seen a new position in goals where she proved to be a headache for defenders.
ROOKIES OF THE YEAR:
Football: Jayden Fowkes (Navarre)
One of Navarre's up-and-coming stars, Jayden has played every game in the Seniors for Navarre this season, including being named Navarre's best playing in their Qualifying Final against Newstead. Jayden's height and fitness gives him the versatility to play in almost any position on the ground, and he'll be a key element in the Hoppers Preliminary Final against Carisbrook this weekend.
Netball: Taylor Mason (Navarre) & Katelyn Douglass (Harcourt)
Taylor Mason – Taylor is a tall, young shooter who provides plenty of height in the ring. She is a consistent rebounder who shows a lot of potential and ability to turn a match. Taylor represented the league in the under 17 interleague team and was in the top three goal scorers in the A Grade competition this season, helping Navarre to a Preliminary Final this Saturday
Katelyn Douglass – Playing in both Under 17s and A grade, Katelyn has played predominately in GA. A quiet achiever she is never flustered on the court and her shooting accuracy is amazing. Quick to react to changes on to court and having great play reading abilities, Katelyn will make seemingly impossible interceptions. She is a joy to coach, always happy to listen and attempt new ideas. Katelyn loves the game of netball and her commitment to fitness and training has helped her develop skills beyond her years.
MARYBOROUGH ADVERTISER AWARDS
Lyal Eales Stores Footballer of the Year
WINNER: Matthew Bilton (Carisbrook) - 42 votes
Runner-up: Daniel Christmas (Newstead) - 33 votes
Third: Damon Aspland (Lexton) - 31 votes
Funky Fitness Netballer of the Year
WINNER: Jess Williamson (Navarre) - 20 votes
RUNNERS-UP: Anne Steed (Maryborough Rovers), Rebecca McKnight (Maldon) & Ashlee Edwards (Natte Bealiba) - 18 votes
FOOTBALL LEADING GOALKICKER AWARDS
Senior: Nathan Wright (Carisbrook) - 86 goals
Reserves: Chris Pattie (Lexton) - 60 goals
MCDFNL LIFE MEMBERSHIP
Awarded to Jim Trudgeon (Newstead FNC) & Barry Phillips (Maldon FNC)
CARLTON CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY
WINNER: Navarre FNC - 436.29 points
Runner-up: Carisbrook FNC - 393.54 points
Third: Natte Bealiba FNC: 343 points
MAX MARTIN ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
Stacey Hartwell (Royal Park)
Last Modified on 12/09/2013 11:17