By Travis Parnaby
TAC Team of the Year member and Eastern Ranges captain Rory Sloane has capped a magnificent year by taking home the 2008 TAC Coaches Award.
Sloane, a versatile half-forward and midfielder, won with 30 votes ahead of North Ballarat Rebels defender Andrew Hooper on 27 votes.
Sloane's coach Shane Watson heaped praise on his charge when he delivered a snapshot of his excellent year.
“His first few games before the national carnival was on, I’d say he was more a solid player Sloaney than anything else before he got himself in the Vic Metro squad," Watson reflected.
“With us he played midfield and forward and David Dickson thought he’d be pretty useful down back.
“Over the carnival he was one of the better players for Vic Metro playing on some really big names from WA and the like.
“When he got back from the carnival, he had a spring in his step and I guess the reason why I voted for Sloaney so much, was his ability to have an impact on a game – whether it be his leadership or the way he went about it in and under, going forward kicking goals. He leads both on and off the field and set’s a great example for everybody else.”
Last year Matthew Kreuzer took home the TAC Coaches Award, one that serves as a point of difference but no less distinguished to the Morrish medal.
“It’s a very prestigious award, it’s one that’s highly regarded,” Vic Country coach Robert Hyde said.
“This comes from the people that give specific tasks and jobs to players and value them as members of the team.”
Sloane was indeed chuffed and said he enjoyed greatly his time at Eastern.
“Thank you to all the coaches. It’s been a great year and over my three years it’s been a really enjoyable time," Sloane said.
"Shane Watson as coach… and Ian Flack, region manager they have really helped me."
Last Modified on 27/01/2009 11:28
