And so it is, after the most successful season in Quebec Football history, the AFL Quebec 2012 season has come to an end with the 2012 AFL Quebec Awards been held Friday night last, the 9th November at Ye Olde Orchard Pub on de la Montagne.
The awards opened with a short season summary by stand in President Margo Legault who then introduced our MC for the night, the always articulate and well-spoken Rob Gordon, himself a recipient of Coach of the Year Award.
First award up was Volunteer of the Year won by our resident camera man and the ever reliable Nick Switzer, followed by the Coaches award to Lavals Dom Pitchen and Most Dedicated / Best Trainer to West Island Eagles’ Fred Manny.
The Anthony Williams medal for leading goal kicker was presented to Paul Fairbrother who finished the season with 20 goals. Unfortunately Anthony was unable to make the ceremony to present the award as he has just recently undergone an operation to repair his torn ACL. He did however pass his best wishes on to Paul and all the award winners on the night. AFL Quebec would like to wish Anthony a speedy recovery and thank him for his contribution throughout 2012 coaching and umpiring and would look forward to having him on board in 2013 in an even bigger capacity.
It was then the turn of the Laval Bombers to receive their 2012 Premiership medals followed by the announcement of 2012 Grand Final Best on Ground. There were a lot of genuine candidates for B.O.G., so much so that in an unprecedented move, two Best on Ground medals were awarded, the first to Bogdan Rotaru, the other Paul Fairbrother picking up his third medal on the night.
Next up was the unveiling of 2012 Angel of the Year. Following in the footsteps of previous winners, Canadian Internationals Margo and Aimee Legault, the winner of this award was always in good company. After finishing the season amongst the league’s leading goalkickers but more importantly after some fantastic displays in an Angel’s jersey, Kate Sargeant was deservedly named Angel of the Year.
Following the Angels best, was the much coveted and sought after rookie of the year award. Having 50 plus rookies play under the AFL Quebec banner this season there was always going to be fierce competition for this award. After the list was rattled downed to four nominees; Sean Smallwood, Guy Joel Rocher, Marty Lawless and Josue Gavidia, Old Port Dockers Guy Joel Rocher was unveiled as the 2012 AFL Quebec Rookie of the Year setting a very high standard for future winners to follow.
Then there was the announcement of the 2012 AFL Quebec Team of the Year. After the list of nominees was released early in the week debate was in full motion amongst the footballing community as to who exactly might make the maiden AFL Quebec Team of the Year. As mentioned Rob Gordon picked up the coaches gig after having lead the Bombers to yet another Premiership Flag. Ryan McNabb and Kate Sargeant were named on the interchange providing more than capable coverage for the first nine.
Filling in at full back was the rock steady Josue Gavidia able accompanied in the pockets by the flamboyant Ronan Shaughnessy and the work horse Matty Payne.
In the ruck leading goalkicker Paul Fairbrother took the reins in what was arguably the most difficult position to call ahead of Morgan Whyte and Eliot Empster. Joining Fairbrother in and around the middle was rookie of the year Guy Joel Rocher, proving himself a more than worthy recipient with sterling displays during the course of the season. Rocher would be aided and complement just perfectly with the naming of Margo Legault as the other on baller.
Up front was the naming of a forward line that would strike fear into any defence it would ever be likely to encounter. Featuring height, power and immense scoring ability the 2012 AFL Quebec features Montreal Demons Nate Jacobs, West Island Eagles Sean Smallwood and lastly but not least Old Montreal Dockers talisman Neil Koch.
And finally came the big one, the most sought after individual accolade one who can hope to win in their footballing career, the Best and Fairest. The voting was close throughout with Shaughnessy and Smallwood neck and neck and with Guy Joel Rocher making one hell of a late surge to pip them to the title, it was anybody’s to win. However in the end it came down to a two point victory, the closest in Quebec Football history with Shaughnessy walking away with the top honour. So often the bridesmaid of Quebec Footy, 2012 proved to be Shaughnessy’s finally claiming an honour that has for long eluded him.
Picture One: Nick 'Showtime' Switzer with his 2012 AFL Quebec Volunteer of the Year Award.
Picture Two: Just some of the 2012 AFL Quebec Awards Night attendees enjoying the night!
Last Modified on 13/06/2014 06:12