With the football season done and dusted for another year, it’s time we look back on the standout players of 2014 who topped the charts in the club best and fairest awards.
ALBANVALE:
Despite missing out on the premiership cup by an agonizing two points, the on-field talent at Albanvale was evident in 2014. And it seemed like the judges agreed, unable to split the club best and fairest, with tied winners Jamie Brook and Nathan Cuthbertson sharing the award this season. A one club player, Brook had an outstanding year in the blue and white, working hard to accumulate the one-percenters to ensure his side would have the best chance of playing in a grand final. Alongside him, Cuthbertson also had a very consistent season for the Cobras, missing just one game for the year. Coming across from the Eastern Football League in 2012, Cuthbertson has been a terrific pick up for Albanvale, who will no doubt look to go one better come season 2015.
ALBION:
Announced as the 2014 SEN1116 Most Valuable Player, it seems Troy Kelm’s year with the Cats didn’t go unnoticed, capping off his season with the club’s Best and Fairest Award. Returning to the club after a number of seasons with the Kerang Football Club, Kelm’s dominance in the centre square has been a key element in the Albion line-up, fast becoming a dangerous ruckman for any opponent to match up on. A highly respected player at the club, Kelm’s outstanding season saw him beat last year’s winner Todd Finco (93 votes) and teammate Johnathan Obrien (84 votes) who placed in third. With the ability to push back in defense and go forward where needed, Kelm’s flexibility on the field has seen him dubbed ‘the complete footballer’.
ALTONA:
Despite missing out on playing finals this year, Altona’s Daniel O’Leary stood tall for the Vikings in 2014. Polling 106 votes for the year, the skilful midfielder seemed to be in a race of his own, finishing the count ahead of captain Jordan Robbins and teammate Ryan Green who tied for second on 79 votes. Showing his versatility to go forward and kick goals, O’Leary consistently performed to an extremely high standard and showed maturity beyond his years. Playing all 18 matches for Altona this season, it seems there are exciting times ahead for the 19-year-old in 2015.
BRAYBROOK:
While teammate Levi Wallace was crowned the inaugural Ron & Thelma Angwin medalist for 2014, it was tall-man Lachlan Sidebottom who took home best and fairest honours at Pennell Reserve. Earning a place in the WRFL Metro Champs representative team earlier in the year, Sidebottom’s debut season in the WRFL has been one to remember, playing in the club’s first premiership since 1999. Managing to pip teammate Matt Charenko (114 votes) by two points to take home the honours, it’s safe to say the 194cm ruckman will be a force to be reckoned with in 2015.
CAROLINE SPRINGS:
Kicking his way to dizzying heights in the Division Two Goal Kicking tally board, Shaun Buttigieg-Clarke added another accolade to the trophy cabinet this season after taking home Caroline Springs’ Best and Fairest Award. After moving across from Deer Park to join the Lakers at the start of the season, Buttigieg-Clarke managed to boot 107 goals in the home and away season, his 100th goal coming in round 17 against North Footscray. Edging out teammates James Ryan (2nd) and centre half back Blake Richards (3rd), Buttigieg-Clarke has booted 513 career goals in just over 200 games. With a strong pair of hands and a deadly boot, defenders beware in 2015!
DEER PARK:
It was a case of déjà vu for Deer Park favourite Kwame McHarg, capping of his outstanding 2014 season with another Best and Fairest award to add to his trophy cabinet. While there was an array of star-studded players in the Lions’ squad, McHarg’s pace and silky skills saw him top the charts, ahead of spearhead James Wong and fellow teammate Shylo Smith. Earning a position in the WRFL Senior interleague team and Victorian Metropolitan Representative Squad earlier in the year, McHarg managed to once again take home the trifecta, adding to his Herb Pascarl Medal for the best on ground player in the Grand Final and his back to back premiership medallion.
GLEN ORDEN:
Missing just one game this year, 20-year-old Sam Crea had a sensational 2014 season, picking up his first Senior Best & Fairest award. A dynamic, hard running on-baller, Crea polled 41 votes to beat teammates Josh MacDonald (38 votes) and Mark Pozzoto (28 votes). While the 2013 premiers were unable to go deep into September this season, Crea’s exceptional pace allowed him to put his hand up to play a key role in the Hawks midfield. After having another solid season of senior football under his belt this year, keep an eye out for the ever improving Crea in 2015.
HOPPERS CROSSING:
With an injection of young players into the senior team this year, coach Steve Kretiuk would have been proud of his team’s efforts to secure a top five position and play into the second round of finals. One player who has been a real mentor for the young players is Wayde Skipper whose AFL experience has shined through this season. Despite not having played at the elite level for a number of seasons, Skipper’s mobility in the ruck as well as his contested ball skills in the forward line has been a huge bonus for the Warriors’ young group. Out-polling teammates Jackson Viola (2nd) and Daniel Riosa (3rd) to take home the best and fairest, Skipper is sure to lead from the front once again in season 2015.
LAVERTON MAGPIES
Originally starting the season in the backline for the first six rounds of the year, Scott Bell made the switch to the midfield/ forward as a big bodied player. And what a move this was for the 25-year-old, who shone for the Magpies in the latter half of the season to take home his first best and fairest trophy. Getting a taste of finals for the first time in a number of seasons, Bell was able to bring a lot of awareness to the team, through his football smarts. Finishing the count four votes ahead of Drew Mitchell (47 votes) and last year’s winner Bryan Lawry and president Scott Mizzi who tied for third place (27 votes), Bell capped off his year with the club Leading Goal Kicking Award.
MANOR LAKES:
In what was a tough season both on and off the field for Manor Lakes, one shining light came in the form of Nathan Montague who took home the club’s second best and fairest award on 101 votes. Polling ahead of Cam Baker (79 votes) and Frank Pavez (73 votes), Montague had an outstanding year in the WRFL, adding to his Best and fairest award he won at Trentham two seasons ago. A tough midfielder who has the ability to get plenty of his own football, Montague’s efforts saw him named in the 2014 Team of the Year. Having not missed a game for the Storm since arriving at club last year, Montague’s versatility to move forward and kick a few goals will sure to be an asset come season 2015.
NORTH FOOTSCRAY
While he may be the oldest senior best and fairest winner across the WRFL clubs this year, 34-year-old Brendan Chugg hasn’t lost his ability to make a difference on the football field. Coming across from the Central Highlands Football League at the end of last year, Chugg’s debut season with the Devils has been one to remember. Polling ahead of teammates David Clonan (2nd) and fellow new recruit Kireran Murphy (3rd), Chugg’s extraordinary work rate in his role as an on-baller will keep him in good stead for another great year in 2015.
NORTH SUNSHINE
Returning to football after last playing with Deer Park’s Under 18s squad in 2010, Sam Larizza’s arrival at Dempster Park has been a welcomed one. Despite missing out on finals action in the new Division Three tier, Larizza’s season produced promising signs for the Roadrunners in 2015. Polling ahead of teammate Shaun Hughes to take home the award, Larizza’s performance on the track is sure to lead the way for the next generation of young talent at the club in the future.
PARKSIDE:
Recruited from the EDFL’s Airport West Football Club at the end of 2013, Guy Barbuto’s transition to the WRFL has seen him quickly become one of Parkside’s favourite sons. Playing all 20 games for the Magpies this season, Barbuto’s efforts saw him poll strongly to take home the club’s best and fairest on 84 votes, ahead of Luke Buttigieg (65 votes) and 2014 Alan Smith Medalist and premiership captain Chris Muratore (58 votes). A ball magnet at the best of times, Barbuto’s role as a half-back/midfield player saw him earn a Team of the Year selection. Named in his side’s best on ten occasions this season, Barbuto has been a handy pick up for the Magpies, who will be sure to call on him when they move to Division One in 2015.
PORT MELBOURNE COLTS:
Pulling on the boots after playing his last match with the EDFL’s West Meadow’s side in 2008, Justin Taylor’s move to the Port Melbourne Colts has proved his hasn’t lost his touch on the field at all. Playing every game with the Colts in his debut for the club last year, Taylor’s hard working pre-season saw him not miss a minute of football in 2014 either, playing all 18 games. Named in his side’s best players on seven occasions, Taylor polled strongly in the best and fairest count to beat teammates Jase Elliot and Ryan Pantic who also had stellar seasons.
SANCTUARY LAKES:
Commonly seen running for miles on end, Pras Sayakhot has been a real standout player for the young Sharks team in season 2014. In only his second year playing football, Sayakhot has an endurance the envy of many footballers, able to run down and pursue his opponents for four quarters of football. Named in his team’s best players on nine separate occasions during the year, Sayakhot polled well in the count to beat club Leading Goal Kicker Matthew Davis (2nd), Danny Hutcheson (3rd) and Will Dinnan (4th).
SPOTSWOOD:
Leading his team to the club’s eighth straight Grand Final appearance, Spotswood captain Murray Boyd proved his ability to lead by example, taking home the best and fairest award. Returning to the WRFL last year after playing with the EDFL’s Maribyrnong Park Football Club, Boyd has been instrumental in Spotswood’s solid season. With a crop of young talent running around in the green and gold each week, the 29-year-old finished the count with 117 votes, ahead of Footscray VFL recruit David Iaccarino (105 votes) and playing-coach Tom Langlands (97 votes). Named as a half-forward in the Team of the Year, Boyd will be keen to see his side go one better as the club strives to play in its ninth consecutive Grand Final.
ST.ALBANS
Known to many as one of the best ruckman in the competition, Joel West’s season of football was one to savour. Placing second in the Barry Priest Medal behind Werribee Districts’ Matt Dean after missing four matches, West was a deserved winner of the Saints best and fairest award, polling 105 votes ahead of Matt Quigley (94 votes) and captain Tim Jenkins (80 votes). After undertaking a pre-season at a VFL club, West returned in outstanding shape and this was the catalyst in his successful season. With the ability to work out of the contests like a midfielder, West’s football smarts has seen him become one of the key play-makers in the team. Officially signing with the Northern Football League’s Northcote Park Football Club in 2015, West will be sorely missed at Kings Park.
SUNSHINE:
Displaying some of his 2007 Barry Priest Medal form this season, one of Sunshine’s favourite sons, Russell Douglas has taken home his fifth club Best and Fairest Award. Polling 121 votes, Douglas’ consistent performance was too good for teammates Jake Allan (106 votes) and Patrick Wiggins (74 votes) who made up the top three. Named in the Kangaroos’ best players nine times this year, Douglas impressed football goers with his silky skills week in, week out. Finishing fifth in the 2014 Barry Priest Medal on 15 votes, Douglas was also named on the interchange in the WRFL Division One Team of the Year.
SUNSHINE HEIGHTS:
Leading from the front for the Dragons, co-captain Michael Nicolaides had a fantastic year on the track, taking home Sunshine Height’s best and fairest award with 160 votes. Dominating the clearances in his role as an inside midfielder, Nicolaides polled well ahead of Will Dawson (148 votes) and Joshua Stevens (123 votes). While he was busy providing the forwards first opportunity of the ball, Nicolaides was also leading off the field in his role as the club’s Vice President. Chalking up game 350 midway through the season, Nicolaides represented the club as the only Dragon to be named in the 2014 Team of the Year.
TARNIET:
The youngest player to take home a senior best and fairest award this year, 19-year-old Thomas Robertson is one for spectators to keep an eye on. Polling 93 votes ahead of teammates Ryan Delekta (83 votes) and Craig Richardson (69 votes), Robertson’s name will go in the history books as the first player to win Tarneit’s inaugural medal. Missing just two games this year, Robertson had a very consistent season, with his silky skills leading the way for the rest of the team. Playing his junior football with Hoppers Crossing, Robertson fast became a club favourite at the Titans, with his passion for football oozing out on the field. A rather quiet man off the field, Robertson can read the ball well, and is a respected young talent, who continues to get back up after being got knocked down.
WERRIBEE DISTRICTS:
Returning to the WRFL after 17 years in the VAFA, Werribee Districts co-captain Matthew Dean had a sensational 2014 season. A menace to all who try to man up on him, Dean’s strong second half of the season proved to be the difference at the WRFL Senior Presentation Night when he took home top individual honours with the 2014 Barry Priest Medal. Polling 171 votes ahead of fellow co-captain Brent Morrow (2nd) and goal-sneak Chris Molivas (3rd) Dean claimed his third straight club best and fairest. Named in the 2014 Team of the Year on the wing and earning a place in the 2014 Senior Interleague side earlier in the year, Dean was named in the Tigers’ best players a staggering 15 times including five Best on Ground performances.
WEST FOOTSCRAY:
New to the West Footscray Football Club in 2014, Michael Kennedy had an outstanding season in the red and white. Taking home the club’s top individual honour ahead of last year’s winner Jadyn Trowsdale (2nd) and Mark Speakman (3rd), Kennedy proved to be a headache in the ruck for opposition sides. Polling second in the Division Two Alan Smith Medal behind Parkside’s Chris Muratore on 21 votes, Kennedy was named as the number one ruckman in the Division Two/Three Team of the Year. Extremely mobile for a man of his height, Kennedy’s training efforts and the way he prepares himself for games is second to none.
WYNDHAMVALE:
In his first year with the club, Falcon favourite Chris Graham’s consistency and work effort around the ball has been first class. No stranger to predicting where the ball will be, the 24-year-old’s ability to find space and make good decisions under pressure has seen him become one of the best utilities in the competition. Coming across from the Rosedale Football Club at the start of the year, Graham polled 104 votes to take home the best and fairest, ahead of spearhead Paul O’Shea (96 votes) and young Tito Nyawela (68 votes). Spending time up forward when needed, Graham’s prolific ball-winning ability proved him to be a match-winning talent for the Vales and one to watch out for next year.
YARRAVILLE SEDDON EAGLES:
Rounding out the 2014 club best and fairest awards is Eagle Gareth Newtown. Having played over 100 games for the club in the past eight seasons, Newtown chalked up his first Gary Mather Award with 96 votes ahead of teammate Nicholas Avery (84 votes). A tall and fast defender, Newtown has the tumultuous task of playing on some of the league’s best forwards. Missing just one game for the Eagles in the past two seasons, Newtown is sure to cause a few headaches for all spearhead opponents in Division Two in 2015.
Last Modified on 21/10/2014 15:09