Mid West League Medals Wrap Up
Pictured-:
1. 2014 Mail Medallists – Dale Montgomerie and Jared Sampson
2. 2014 President Medal – Scott Feltus from Western Districts
3. JV Day Medal for Best U 21 – Braydn Hedley-King from Western Districts
4. Doug Fox Medallist Lachlan Mc Innis and Lockwood Medallist Connor Dowden
5. Flow FM MVP – Tom Rumbelow from Elliston
6. Dale Montgomerie, Scott Feltus and Jared Sampson
Note: Craig Johnson photo not available
Jaxon Gilmore and Simon Tucker were not able to be present, and will be presented their awarded on Grand Final day.
Mail Medal Tie to Dale Montgomerie and Jared Sampson
Leader Board Club Votes
Jared Sampson Central Eyre 42
Dale Montgomerie West Coast Hawks 42
Scott Feltus Western Districts 38
Ty Mc Kenna Central Eyre 34
Dillon Montgomerie West Coast Hawks 31
Tom Rumbelow Elliston 30
Huge congratulations to star midfielders Jared Sampson and Dale Montgomerie, who tied in this year’s prestigious Mail Medal award. Both players polled 42 votes, which is high votes for any year.
Jared Sampson is a key in the Central Eyre midfield, regularly either centre or ruck roving changing deep forward where his high marking and straight kicking turn’s games. An exquisitely skilled player who disposes with precision on both sides of his body. A natural leader, Jared brings others into the game around him. The Bulldogs have led the way all season and he will have another opportunity to add to his trophy cabinet with premiership medals still on offer. Jared is the coach of the Mid West Port Adelaide Cup side, and is held in high respect by all junior and senior players, from all sides, not only those who play along side him. He represented Eyre Peninsula at the State Country Championships in July following a great Mortlock Carnival in Port Lincoln.
Dale Montgomerie returned home to West Coast Hawks this year after a stint with Wayback FC in the Port Lincoln FL. A prolific ball winner from the centreline, his high speed and work rate turns heads. Another two sided player, equally at home winning the hard ball or long runs into space, carrying the ball long distances. Also represented Eyre Peninsula at Kadina this year after playing well in the Mortlock Shield Carnival. Dale broke his leg whilst representing Port Lincoln in 2011, but appears to carry no ill effects from this. Dales father Ian won the award in 1996, so they join a very elite group in Country football to have achieved this feat. Deadly around the goals, either snap, set shot or long range.
Still some business to do for both these players as they will face each other at least once during the finals, maybe even standing each other in a Grand Final, quite a prospect!
Evergreen Tiger Scott Feltus added another Presidents Medal to the cupboard, the 5th, along with four Mail Medals; he has been and continues to be a pillar of consistency. Coaching Western Districts hasn’t spoiled his concentration or desire for the football, he just keeps getting it. Always at the bottom of the pack and the ability to play through adversity, he is just one of the best ever! Having played a decade of Eyre Peninsula football, he remains as part of the team, these days as a runner. Not only does he lead by example, but he has a wonderful knowledge and understanding of the game and is held in respect by all who come in contact with him.
Bradyn Hedley-King took out the JV Day Best Under 21 award. An excellent season, Braydn is a star on the rise, He was a valued member of the Mid West inter Assoc side and possesses blistering pace, coupled with the confidence to take the game on, bouncing his way past opponents with apparent ease. Playing in the mid field and forward from time to time, he is a big reason behind the Tigers surge this season, and big wins for the club. Excellent skills and shot for goal, he has the ability to play at higher levels of the game. Finishing school this year, we all hope that he is able to find local employment and stay with the Tigers.
Tom Rumbelow won the Flow FM Most Valuable Player award after a fantastic season. A separate news item covers this award, along with the voting.
This season’s leading goal kicker JH Mc Kenna trophy winner is Craig Johnson from Wirrulla with 38 goals. This is an outstanding effort given his team have been through a difficult season, struggling with injury and unavailability from time to time. Big Bone is a wonderful mark and dead eye kick, very dangerous up forward, but so often called down the ground, either to ruck or defensive roles. He has been an outstanding servant to Wirrulla and the league for many years, club captain and also as coach of the juniors.
Reserves
The Reserves Montgomerie Medal was won by Jaxon Gilmore from the West Coast Hawks. Jaxon has enjoyed a fantastic year, playing nine reserve games plus an A Grade match. First year out of colts, he displays poise and maturity under pressure. Plenty of the ball around the mid field able to use it to good effect. Hard worker, both forward and back, and missed the last few games of the season. Is another young player on the rise.
The new Bob Whetstone Medal for runner up was won by Simon Tucker, also from the West Coast Hawks. Simon has had a long and decorated career, mainly as an A Grade player, but now in the reserves passing on skills and advice to developing players. An extremely team oriented player with a clever knack of just being in the right place, he spent several seasons helping out rival club the Tigers. A genuinely gifted player and hits targets with every disposal, which often makes him quite a stand out.
Colts
2014 Lockwood Medallist is Connor Dowden from Central Eyre. Connor has played consistently good football, not only obviously in the colts competition, but at the Kinlough Cup and in the senior Bulldogs side, where he plays A Grade. Seriously strongly built, Connor is hard to tackle, but when he lays a tackle, it just can’t be broken. Brave, he will win hard balls all day and possesses a strong work ethic acting as a mentor for younger players around him. Gains plenty of the ball, mainly as a mid fielder, although many sorties forward has seen him collect 32 goals for the year (so far). Will play a lot of good senior football in the years to come.
The Doug Fox Medallist is Lachlan McInnis of Western Districts. Lachlan travels out from Streaky Bay, staying with the club since early years. He is a standout, a real leader for the club, and another regular A Grader. Disposal on both sides of his body and a remarkably good mark, particularly contested. Represented well at Kinlough Cup at Lock. Lachlan is fast and determined, has captained the club and assisted them in some great wins, often against larger bodied opposition. 31 goals for the year is a good return.
Congratulations to all award winners and also a thank you must go to the West Coast Hawks and Piednippie Hall for hosting the evening. A good crowd on hand and no doubt social media running hot after the counts.
Summaries of medal votes for all grades are available for download below.
Last Modified on 01/09/2014 21:35