Pictured - 2013 Mail Medalist Jake Bruce. Injuries may hamper his voting this year
The 2014 Mid West Football League medal counts will follow the 1st semi-finals at Piednippie Hall, Saturday 23 August, hosted by the West Coast Hawks. Who are the League’s best and fairest players?
This year’s counts appear to be wide open. The coveted Mail Medal has been made his own by Central Eyre’s Jake Bruce for each of the past two years, dominating the count, however injury has restricted him this year. Looking at the main chances going down the premiership ladder-:
Central Eyre The Bulldogs have dominated the season, finishing top and boasting many high performing players week in and week out. Ty Mc Kenna and Jared Sampson both EP Squad and match winners, Jake Bruce himself will take late season votes, veteran Kane Sampson, is a regular place getter and proven vote winner, the high leaping Lachlan Heath. With Tyler Chapman, Wade O Brien, Jake Sampson in the mix, are there just too many good players getting votes at the club? Team wise, the Bulldogs will likely lead the way in votes received.
West Coast Hawks The Hawks have enjoyed another consistent year, and like Centrals, like to share workload around, probably a big key to their long term success. The Montgomerie clan will be to the fore again, Dillon Montgomerie as coach and past winner of the Presidents Medal, very narrowly missing a Mail Medal, will poll well, he just gets so much of it. Boom “recruit” Dale Montgomerie, returning to the club this year from a stint at Wayback FC, Dylan Kelsh, leads the rucks and excelling in around the ground effort. Each of these three were EP representatives this year and outstanding contributors. Kirk Montgomerie has had a busy time running the club, settling down with his lady in his new abode, but in between has enjoyed some great football. Injuries may restrict him. Consistent performers Derick Freeman, Tyson Montgomerie and Aiden Whitford will be in the mix, and Dillon Cabot has played some great games also. One to watch may well be young Joe McInnis, particularly late season.
Western Districts The club has enjoyed some fine moments this year, and stirring wins. They play extremely well as a team. Always look to the master – Scott Feltus, one of the most decorated players in country football and another good year, he knows nothing different. Damon O Loughlin-King has continued his improvement this year, mainly key defensive and forward positions and winning matches from his own boot, Braydn Hedley-King’s run and carry commands attention, Kade Gill and Shannon Horgan are both around the ball and prolific ball winners. Wayne Moroney early, but left the club at the mid-way point of the season. Rhys Bawden has had a fine season from half back, polling well in the MVP award. Districts boys should poll well and as a club have won plenty of games.
Elliston The Roosters have had a chequered season, some outstanding wins and some beltings as they played 70 players in the A Grade throughout the season. Very hard to go past the magic man Tom Rumbelow, winner of the Flow FM MVP award by a margin and a clear match winner. He does everything, high marks, strong tackling, clever goals and big ball winner. Looking through other chances, one wonders whether there are enough games played. Aaron Castley has been great, Andrew Mc Leod late season, a cameo role from each of Adam Hurrell and Matt Williams. Tom Haarsma and Adam Haarsma have enjoyed great seasons and are classy with their work. Ben Hurrell’s emergence is the last half of the season has gone a long way to the Roosters resurgence.
Wirrulla The Bombers have struggled for consistency team wise, but have some stand outs in their midst. Jason Henderson in the midfield racks up quality possessions, and is consistent week in week out. Their captain courageous Jarden Stoetzer has led from the front, also representing EP at the State Country Championships. His strong marking and sure ball handling will come under notice. Simon Webb, particularly the second half of the year has regularly lead the best, and he is another proven vote getter. Yanni Kozminski in the ruck is another who may poll. Craig Johnson has won the League goal kicking award and comes under notice for his great contest marking.
Wudinna United A tough year at Magpie land as they look to blood their younger players for the future. Hard to go past the veteran captain Henry Zwar, he has tried his heart out every week and wins plenty of hard ball. Late season sorties forward has demonstrated some high leaping aerial skills, impressing everybody. Mark North has polled well in the past and performs at a high level week in and week out, Matthew Greatbatch at the bottom of packs, and all the hard won football, Derick Williams and Josh Mitchell both having great years.
Awards will be the Mail Medal as the League’s Best and Fairest Player, the Presidents Medal as the runner up to the Mail Medal, the JV Day Medal for the best under 21, The JH McKenna Leading Goal kicker (Craig Johnson- Wirrulla with 38 goals) and the Flow FM Most Valuable Player (Tom Rumbelow – Elliston)
Reserves
The Montgomerie Medal is also a wide open affair, with the level of B Grade forfeits possibly having an impact. Hard to see and Elliston or Western Districts win for this very reason. Wirrulla leads the table, only losing once on the oval, and will get plenty of attention, similarly the West Coast Hawks. Wudinna United reserves have played uniquely every game, which is a big bonus, although they have run many players through their side. Central Eyre has had some star performers and boast an excellent depth at the club. Many of these have been called to A Grade duty.
The Montgomerie Medal and also Runner Up Medal will be awarded
Colts
The Lockwood Medal will be presented to the colts best and fairest and Doug Fox Medal to the runner up.
Top chances by club may be-:
Central Eyre
Connor Dowden One of the best every week and has played his best season
Brendan North Wins plenty of the ball and runs hard
Kane Grocke Tower of strength and plays anywhere
Mackenzie Heath Runs all day and hard ball winner
Elliston
Tristan Ryan Another high in the best every week, highly skilled and a great future
Kosta Paul Big man with a great work ethic
Rex Martin Tidy footballer and plays on ball and up forward
West Coast Hawks
Isaac Galliver Top ball winner and uses it well, runs all day
Tom Shaw Great season and a star of the future
Noah Legovini Hard ball winner and great mark. Gathers high possessions every week
Kyle Tucker Classy centreline forward. Great skills and poise under pressure
Zane Montgomerie Another with superb skills and plays anywhere. Prolific ball winner
Western Districts
Lachlan McInnis A stand out every week and plays A Grade. Two sided player who will poll well
Steve Brands Goal sneak and strongly built. Good season
Cooper Hebbermann Classy on baller/forward. Consistent year in a young side
Wirrulla
Sam Kessell One of the only veterans in the Bomber side. Performs week in week out
Kahill Evans Smaller in stature but big on heart. Plays everywhere and boast exquisite skills
Jack Kelsh Star of the future, brave and fit. Excellent team man also
Wudinna United
Ian Jericho Strong ruckman, key position player. 1st choice A Grade player and in the best most weeks
Fraser Douglass Excellent two sided skills player and proven goal kicker
Logan Elliott Strong and fast. Key position player with great long kick
Harrison Petty Commander of the backlines who enjoys an occasional forward duty. Hard worker and enthusiastic every week
Sam Buckham Centreline player moving forward regularly
Last Modified on 18/03/2015 16:04