The Nor-West Jets held their Shipley Medal Night recently at North Richmond Panthers.
After a successful year in which all three teams participated in finals, close to 150 people attended the night and witnessed a close finish in the Shipley Medal for the Division Two Seniors, with Mat Smith (pictured) finishing just one vote in front of leading goal kicker Josh Howe.
Mat and Josh are both ADF members out of the 176 Air Despatch Unit, so it was a fitting end to a strong season for the pair. Smith, who hails from Ararat, had a stellar year in the midfield, displaying his classy skills and polled consistently, and also received the honour of Players Player. Captain Jono Dowl was capped Most Consistent, while Aaron Bayne was awarded Best Finals Player for his outstanding performances off half-back in both semi finals.
In the Hibbins Medal for Reserve Grade (Division Four), vice-captain Jesse Bray shared the Best and Fairest with Coach Pete Kyle. Despite his size, Bray is deceptively fast and mobile, and at just 22 has plenty of footy left. Kyle, returning from a two year absence after a broken leg, claimed his first major award since Under 18s and also finished with the Leading Goal Kicker award, ending the year just eight goals in front of his brother Chris. Runner Up was the pocket rocket Brett Carroll with a strong season, while Pete Richardson was voted Most Consistent and Players Player.
For the Under 18s, affectionately known at Bensons as the Cessnas, young gun Brent Johnston added to his Hart Medal with the newly coined J & J Allan Medal, in recognition of the tireless work of Jim & Jeanette Allan over the years at Hawkesbury/Nor-West AFC. Johnston had a massive year back at Bensons, winning the Seniors Rookie of the Year as well as Under 18s Club Goalkicking award, and will continue to ply his trade in the Seniors next year.
Runner Up went to Ethon Coombs, an outstanding talent who joined the Jets this year and also backed up with plenty of high class performances in the Seniors, highlighted by his match sealing goal against Balmain at Henson late in the home and away season. Nick Edwards was awarded Most Consistent, showcasing his enormous potential throughout the year in a polished season.
Gail & Glenn Moynihan and Andy Roberts were recognised for their volunteer efforts with Presidents Award, Life Members Award and Club Person of the Year awards respectively.
Last Modified on 14/11/2012 10:49
