Heppell and Sketcher tie for Morrish Medal
By Adam Slater
The 2010 Morrish Medal has ended in a tie, with Gippsland Power defender Dyson Heppell and Sandringham utility Jackson Sketcher sharing the award.
The pair became just the second dual-winners of the TAC Cups’ annual best and fairest award, with Jarryd Blair and Farran Priest tying for the 2008 medal.
A change in the voting for this years medal count saw the umpires giving two votes for each quarter, with a player able to be awarded a maximum of four votes.
After polling well early, Sketcher was overtaken by a fast finishing Heppell, whose outstanding four vote performances in rounds 13 and 17 ensured the award remained in the balance until the final round.
In the end it was a single vote from the Dragons’ final game of the regular season that lifted Sketcher into a tie, much to the delight of his Sandringham teammates.
AFL Victoria’s High Performance manager Leon Harris said he believed the tie was a fitting result.
‘I think they are both fantastic players…it’s been fascinating to see them grow’
Both players were also named in the TAC Cup Team of the Year, capping off exceptional individual years.
Heppell’s classy ball use and clean touch has made him a definite AFL prospect, yet he believes the key to his success has been ‘not getting too stressed’.
‘It’s been a fantastic year, but I have to take each step as it comes’ he said.
With both winners paying tribute to their friends and families for their support, Sketcher attributed his on-field success to the committed Dragons’ coaching staff.
‘They’ve been great, (they) have showed a lot of faith in me’
A host of AFL stars were on hand to present the awards, with former Essendon player Matthew Llloyd and Collingwood’s Leigh Brown each speaking about their TAC Cup experiences and the importance of hard work.
Heppell and Sketcher now join a list of former Morrish Medal winners that includes the likes of Lenny Hayes, David Rodan and Matthew Kreuzer.
Now in its 19th year, The TAC cup competition has become the premier football development league in Australia, consistently supplying AFL lists with talented youngsters.
AFL Victoria’s Metropolitan Performance Manager Anton Grbac believes that 2010 is no exception.
‘Both (Hessel and Sketcher) have the ability to make the jump….it’s up to them now, they make it themselves’.
Also honoured on the night was Dandenong spearhead Corey Buchan, who took home the leading goal kicker award and Adam Marcon, who was awarded the 2010 Coaches' Award.
Last Modified on 14/12/2010 13:53
