The League's Night of Nights is set to be held this Saturday Night at the Coffs Hotel. There is an open field in all grades with the quality amongst the contenders high in comparison to previous years.
Like the Brownlow Medal, after each game, the officiating umpires vote on the Best & Fairest player on a 3-2-1 basis.
One may feel the winner of the Senior Medal will come from premiers, Sawtell, but statistics prove this may not be the case. Not since 2003, has the premiership winning side produced a Best & Fairest winner. Brian Rava from Sawtell (1991-92, 1998) holds the record for most Best & Fairest wins with three.
Other previous winners in recent times include: Brad Giri and Mark Couzens (2007), Matthew Newton (2006), Chris Martens (2005), Mark Blundell (2004), Greg Jarman (2003).
Here we take a look at the Senior field this year.
**A matter of opinion only, using hypothetical odds.
Sawtell
The biggest question with the premiers is, since they have so many good players, will they steal the votes from each other?
Todd Matthews (4-1) The Sawtell Best & Fairest this year, the young midfield would deserve the Medal if it fell his way. Had a consistent season and is one of the best users of the football in the game. A ball magnet, Todd has also got on the scoresheet several times this season.
Mark Couzens (5-1) Couzens finished off like a freight train. Took some time to get match fitness and work his way into the season but showed his class with match-winning displays in the midfield. Tough and also a good mark, he was able to win the football and use it effectively.
Ben Hooke (7-1) Anyone who kicks over 100 goals in a season will poll votes. Kicked over 10 goals in a match on multiple occasions and is one of the league's strongest marks. Almost unbeatable on the lead but history has shown midfielders have won almost every year. He has done his chances no harm though with his efforts this season, maybe the last couple of matches he missed at the end of the season could edge him out in the voting.
Coffs Swans
Finished second in the regular season and despite their disappointing finals campaign have strong claims to the medal this year. Evan Duryea and Peter Chadwick will poll the most out of the Swans. Other votes are likely to go to Hamish Pearce and Rob Eddy, in particular.
Evan Duryea (6-1) Discarded by some but one must remember the start to the season. Duryea was on fire and played his best football at this stage, kicking goals and starring in the midfield. The opposition then recognised the need to pay close attention to his class and faded out towards the end of the season. Still had a starring role in their late-season win against North Coffs and will figure prominently.
Peter Chadwick (9-1) No way the Swans would've made it to the Preliminary Final such was Chadwick's influence. He was the man with experience and often led from the front throughout the season. Ever consistent, he rarely had a bad game and will poll consistently and keep in touch with the leaders throughout the night.
Port Macquarie
Hard to say how Port will go in the voting. Jarrod Brian and Matthew Newton are probably their most likely chances of a Best & Fairest. Jesse Schmidt and Matthew Lill were also strong for the 'Pies and will come into calculations.
Matthew Newton (12-1) Having won in 2006, Newton is a well-respected figure on the North Coast. Playing injured for a fair part of the season constrained the star to the forwardline where he still made an impact. Could be a roughie.
Jarrod Brian (16-1) After coming from Victoria, Jarrod has been an important player for the southern outfit. Doesn't have the class or polish of others in the field but is also consistent and was a hard toiler for his side. May surprise with the number of votes he receives.
North Coffs
Even though they came fourth in the regular season, have two stars in Sam Dawes and Darren Funston, both were among the first picked for the Representative Squad this season. Josh Drum and Brad Giri played a lesser amount of games, so the duo prementioned should poll very strongly.
Sam Dawes (7-2) Narrow favourite and tipped by many to claim the Best & Fairest. Like Couzens, built his form as the season progressed after moving from a strong Victorian competition where he once had a pre-season with Collingwood. Well-built yet agile, he was able to fill a number of positions and won the ball at ease against all types of opposition. His match against the Swans at Fitzroy Oval was one of the finest individual performances in the last few years.
Darren Funston (6-1) Funston was the Best for the North Coast at the Representative Carnival and seemed rejuvenated this season playing alongside Dawes. Played on the ball and also half-forward where he made his greatest impact. A nuggety type, Funston was a strong mark and penetrating kick, and has experience gained from playing for a number of years. Wouldn't surprise if he finishes in the top three.
Grafton and Nambucca Valley
Both clubs didn't have great success on the field this season and it would be hard to see them press for the Medal this season. Daniel Zacek (Grafton) will perform best out of these two clubs but hasn't played enough games to challenge for the top gong. Zacek is a highly skilled player and fluent in his use of the football, and was probably just behind Funston as the best North Coast player in the Wagga Wagga carnival. Luke Benson (Nambucca Valley) is expected to poll the most votes for his club.
Reserves
It is always tough to predict the Reserves Best & Fairest. Jason Sincock (Swans) was an exception to the rule last year, winning easily, and he will be prominent this year in the voting. Teammate, Jason Phillips will also get some votes. Gordon Wiegold and Adam Davis will be heavily backed from the Premiership winning side. The Saints are likely to form a charge by the way of Stephen Jackson and Kyah Schwartz. Grafton have strong players in Grahame Blackwell and former Senior Best & Fairest, Mark Blundell. Pat Walsh was probably North Coffs best this season, whilst Nambucca had an interrupted season this year and is unlikely to find a winner from their side.
Under 18s
The Under 18s is also an open field with the Coffs Swans dominating the regular season. Players like Hamish Pearce will find it hard to win due to their Senior commitments, with Shane Adams and Sam Turner most likely to poll well, as well as Fraser Duryea who joined the club into the season. Sawtell's best this season was Simon Taylor and Jack Gillingham but both were absent at stages throughout the season with representative commitments. Ethan Kelly, Blake Brissett and Elliott Schmidt all had consistent seasons. Nambucca Valley were well served by Jed Ellis-Cuff and Justin Saker, with this duo sure to be wildcards and would deserve the medal if they were to win. Grafton, like Nambucca in the Reserves, also had an interrupted season but Sam Morrison and Kelly Thompson.
MORE INFORMATION
- Awards will also be presented to the leading goalkickers in each grade.
- Band, The Slipped Discs, will be performing at the end of the count.
- All players, families and spouses are invited to attend.
- Those wishing to attend should RSVP as soon as possible to Jill Woodlock, Rod Macpherson or Fi Sodeau. Ask your club official if you do not have their details.
- Cost is a $10 meal deal.
Last Modified on 02/09/2008 13:26